Every week I meet couples in my Chandigarh clinic who say, “We waited because everyone told us it will happen on its own.” Sometimes it does. But for many couples, a few simple tests early on would have saved months, sometimes years, of worry.
This guide explains exactly when you should see an infertility specialist in Chandigarh, which signs mean you should not wait, and what happens at your first fertility consultation so you can walk in prepared.
See a fertility specialist if you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success and the woman is under 35, or for 6 months if she is 35 or older. Go sooner, without waiting, if periods are irregular or absent, you have PCOS, endometriosis, known tube problems, two or more miscarriages, the woman is over 40, or the husband has a known sperm problem.
How Long Should You Try Before Seeing a Fertility Doctor?
Infertility is medically defined as not conceiving after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. The time you should wait depends mainly on the woman’s age, because egg quantity and quality naturally fall with age.
| Woman’s age | When to see a specialist |
|---|---|
| Under 35 | After 12 months of trying |
| 35 to 39 | After 6 months of trying |
| 40 and above | Right away, before you start trying if possible |
| Any age with a known problem | Right away |
Signs You Should See an Infertility Specialist Without Waiting
Irregular or absent periods
Cycles shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days often mean you are not ovulating regularly.
PCOS or thyroid issues
These are very treatable causes. Read our guide to PCOS and pregnancy.
Painful periods
Severe period pain or pain during intercourse can point to endometriosis or fibroids.
Two or more miscarriages
Recurrent pregnancy loss needs a focused workup, not just more waiting.
Past pelvic infection or surgery
Previous TB, infections, ectopic pregnancy or abdominal surgery can affect the tubes.
Known low AMH
A low egg reserve means time matters. See our low AMH guide.
Male Infertility: Why Both Partners Should Be Tested
A common myth in our society is that infertility is “the woman’s problem.” In reality, male factors contribute in a large share of couples. A semen analysis is simple, non-invasive and inexpensive, and it should be done at the very start, not after months of tests for the wife.
Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal shape, erection or ejaculation problems, past mumps, varicocele or long hours in heat can all play a role. Learn more about andrology and male reproductive health.
Not Pregnant Yet? Get Answers Sooner
Book a couple’s fertility consultation with Dr. Shikha Sardana in Chandigarh. Sunday slots available for working couples.
What Happens at Your First Fertility Consultation?
Many couples feel nervous about the first visit. It is simply a detailed conversation followed by a few basic tests.
- Detailed history: how long you have been trying, cycle pattern, past pregnancies, medical conditions, medicines and lifestyle.
- Examination and ultrasound: a transvaginal ultrasound to look at the uterus, ovaries and antral follicle count.
- Test plan: blood tests for the wife and a semen analysis for the husband.
- Review visit: once results are ready, we discuss the likely cause and a step-by-step plan.
Common Fertility Tests and What They Show
| Test | What it checks |
|---|---|
| AMH and AFC | Ovarian reserve (approximate egg count) |
| Day 2 or 3 hormones (FSH, LH, E2) | Ovarian function |
| TSH and prolactin | Thyroid and hormone causes of irregular ovulation |
| Transvaginal ultrasound | Fibroids, polyps, cysts, PCOS appearance |
| HSG test | Whether the fallopian tubes are open. We also offer painless HSG under anesthesia |
| Semen analysis | Sperm count, motility and morphology |
| Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy (selected cases) | Direct view of the uterus or pelvis |
What Treatment Options Might Be Suggested?
Treatment is always step by step. Many couples need only simple treatment:
- Lifestyle and timing advice plus correcting thyroid, prolactin or vitamin deficiencies.
- Ovulation induction with timed intercourse for women who do not ovulate regularly.
- IUI for mild male factor or unexplained infertility.
- IVF or ICSI for blocked tubes, low egg reserve, severe male factor or after failed simpler treatment. See IUI vs IVF vs ICSI and our IVF cost guide.
How to Choose the Right Infertility Specialist in Chandigarh
- Formal training in reproductive medicine and years of hands-on IVF experience
- Testing of both partners from the first visit
- A step-by-step plan rather than jumping straight to IVF
- Transparent, written cost estimates
- Personal follow-up by the same doctor through your cycle
Dr. Shikha Sardana is an alumna of PGIMER Chandigarh, an Executive Member of the Indian Fertility Society (Chandigarh Chapter), and has 16+ years of experience in fertility care. She sees couples from Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur, Kharar and nearby towns. You can read patient experiences on the testimonials page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an infertility specialist?
After 12 months of trying if the woman is under 35, after 6 months if she is 35 to 39, and right away if she is 40 or older or has irregular periods, PCOS, endometriosis, tube problems, repeated miscarriages or a partner with a known sperm problem.
Is a gynecologist the same as an infertility specialist?
Every infertility specialist is a gynecologist, but with additional training and experience in reproductive medicine, IUI, IVF and ICSI. For conception problems, an infertility specialist can plan tests and treatment in a more focused way.
Should my husband also get tested?
Yes. Male factors contribute in a large share of infertile couples, and a semen analysis is a simple first test. Testing both partners together saves time.
Does every infertile couple need IVF?
No. Many couples conceive with simpler treatment such as correcting hormone problems, ovulation induction or IUI. IVF is advised when there is a clear reason or when simpler steps have not worked.
Can I get pregnant if I have irregular periods?
Yes, in most cases. Irregular periods often mean irregular ovulation, commonly due to PCOS or thyroid problems, and these usually respond well to treatment.
Where can I consult an infertility specialist in Chandigarh?
Dr. Shikha Sardana consults at Vivant Clinic, SCO 290/1, Sector 32D, and at Milann Fertility Centre, Sector 46-A, Chandigarh, Monday to Saturday by appointment, with Sunday slots for working couples on request.
Take the First Step Together
Book your couple’s fertility evaluation with Dr. Shikha Sardana, infertility specialist in Chandigarh.
You can consult Dr. Shikha Sardana at Vivant Clinic, SCO 290/1, Sector 32D, Chandigarh, or at Milann Fertility Centre, Sector 46-A, Chandigarh, Monday to Saturday by appointment. Find the infertility specialist in Chandigarh on Google Maps.
This article is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Treatment plans, costs and outcomes vary from person to person.