Q: My husband and I have been trying for a baby for almost 2 years. When should I be worried and consult a doctor?

Answered by Dr Tan Niap Hong, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, and Clinical Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Service at Prince Court Medical Centre

Fertility is related to age.

In general, among couples who have regular unprotected sex, 90 per cent conceive within a year and 95 per cent within 2 years.

However, for women aged 35 – 39, the cumulative conception rates are around 60 per cent after a year and 85 per cent at 2 years.

Do bear in mind that many other factors can also cause fertility problems.

In approximately 40 per cent of infertile couples, there is a combination of problems in both the man and woman.

Meanwhile, in 25 per cent of couples, there are no obvious reasons for infertility.

Therefore, if there has not been any success after trying for 2 years – the couple should consult a gynaecologist or fertility specialist.

The specialist will try to identify the possible reasons for infertility before recommending remedies.

Even amongst couples without obvious reasons for the problem, modern assisted reproductive technology has been able to help many achieve conception.