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Getting you through these trying times.

Chances are you’ve already tried various things that you’ve heard may improve your chances of conceiving.
But what does ‘trying’ really mean? Well, it simply means having unprotected sex. And experts agree that if you’re under 35 and have been trying unsuccessfully for 12 months or longer, you should probably see a fertility specialist. If you’re over 35, you should seek fertility help sooner, preferably after 6 months.

Why a fertility specialist?

You may have already consulted your family doctor or an OB/GYN about your fertility concerns. But if the more traditional approaches they recommend are unsuccessful, you will usually be referred to a fertility specialist.

A fertility specialist is an OB/GYN with extra training in fertility issues (reproductive endocrinology and infertility). This specialty allows them to make a more in-depth analysis of potential fertility issues.

Fertility specialists will speak with you at greater length and run additional tests to help get to the bottom of things. Based on your history and lab results, they can make recommendations to help you conceive your baby faster, whether it is naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technology.

A fertility specialist has the specific training, tests, and tools to help increase your chances of conceiving.

Is it time to see a fertility specialist?

Along with how long you’ve been trying, there are other factors that can help determine when you should seek fertility help. This short questionnaire can help you decide if it’s time for you.

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Getting ready for your first appointment

You may be feeling nervous or even embarrassed about speaking to someone about your fertility problems. This is completely normal. But being well prepared for your first appointment can go a long way in alleviating your concerns.

Questions to ask and things to bring

Call the fertility clinic to make an appointment, and ask if you need a referral from your family doctor or OB/GYN.
Some clinics require a referral, while others do not. So make sure to ask.
Make an assessment of your personal finances, and check into your provincial or private insurance coverage.
Fertility treatments can be costly. And while some provinces provide coverage for fertility care, others do not. Your fertility clinic team can help you navigate your public and private insurance coverage, as well as assess your eligibility for other forms of financial assistance.
- Some provinces cover the cost of a consultation with a fertility specialist, as well as the cost of any follow-up tests.
- Some provinces also provide financial assistance to residents undergoing fertility treatments, in the form of coverage and/or tax credits. To find out more, please select a province from the list below.
  Ontario, New Brunswick, Québec, Manitoba.
- You may also be eligible for a Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) on your federal tax return.
- Some private drug plans will cover part or all of your treatment or medication costs. You can contact your plan provider directly, or ask your fertility clinic team to contact them for you.
Complete an Appointment Intake Form and take it with you.
Your fertility team will have many questions to ask you in order to help identify any possible causes of your infertility. You can help streamline the appointment by having all of the answers on hand. Take a few minutes to complete the form and print a copy to take with you to your appointment.
Compile a list of questions and bring it with you.
Many people are shy about asking questions, but you shouldn't be. Asking questions is key to choosing the fertility clinic that’s right for you.
- What specific tests would you recommend to diagnose my infertility? How invasive are they? How much do they cost?
- How long will it take to diagnose our problem?
- What are the most commonly recommended fertility treatments you offer? How successful are they? How much do they cost?
- Will my insurance pay for the testing and/or treatments? Will your clinic help me determine what my insurance will cover?
- Does your clinic offer any specific technologies that can increase our chances of conceiving?
- Does your clinic provide emotional counselling, or can you refer me to a counsellor who deals with fertility problems?
- Download and print questions

My Misconception I thought seeing a fertility expert was admitting failure.

It’s quite common. Roughly 1 in 6 couples in Canada experience fertility problems. This number has doubled since the 1980s. And although it is often assumed that the problem is due to the woman, the causes of infertility can be traced back to either partner. It’s no one’s fault, and there is no blame.
My Misconception I just didn’t think we could afford it.

Although fertility treatments can be costly, financial assistance is available in some areas. Fertility consultations and tests are usually covered by the province. And some provincial and private plans also cover part or all of certain treatment costs. You may also be eligible for a federal tax cut or other forms of financial help. Your fertility clinic team can help you navigate your funding options.
My Misconception I thought I had more time.

Thanks to contraceptives, women today have more control than ever over when to have children. And many are choosing to wait. What they don’t always realize is that a woman’s fertility begins to fall in her early thirties, and begins to decline steeply by age 35. Unfortunately, fertility treatments cannot always make up for this decline. That’s why it’s so important to seek out a fertility specialist as soon as possible – after one year of trying unsuccessfully if you’re under 35, and no longer than after 6 months of trying if you’re over 35.
My Misconception It can’t be me. Can it?

Men are almost just as likely as women to suffer from infertility. While the cause of infertility can be traced to the woman 4 times out of 10, it can be traced back to the man 3 times out of 10. And 2 out of 10 times the cause is a mix of both male and female factors.* There are tests and treatments to address the needs of both partners. That’s why it’s so important to do this together. As a team.
*1 out of 10 times no cause can be found.

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Those who are exploring fertility treatments should stay updated with information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Treatment decisions are personal and should be made between you and your healthcare team. Additional information can be found on the CFAS website or guidance issued by local medical or patient associations.