WHO defines infertility as not achieving pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse. This is a clinical definition, not a rule that everyone must wait one year. Age, cycles, surgery, cancer treatment, infection, pregnancy history, and family goals can change when advice is appropriate.
Key takeaways
- 01
Start date and both partners' ages
- 02
Cycle calendar and symptoms
- 03
Prior pregnancy, loss, or ectopic pregnancy
1. Use timing as a checkpoint, not a verdict
For a pregnancy-planning person under 35 with regular cycles and no clear risk, many guidelines advise evaluation after 12 months. Over 35, ACOG advises after six months; over 40, discuss evaluation now. Age cut-offs differ somewhat across systems, so use these as prompts for a Vietnamese clinician, not a self-judgement of fertility.
- Record when trying began
- A previous pregnancy does not rule out later infertility
2. Seek advice earlier when there is a reason
Do not wait for the usual checkpoint with very infrequent or absent periods, severe pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis, previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic infection or STI, reproductive surgery, recurrent pregnancy loss, cancer treatment, sexual dysfunction, conditions needing optimization, or concerns about testes or semen. Ask early when the family-building window is limited by age or upcoming treatment.
- Pain or unusual bleeding needs its own assessment
- Attend together when possible
3. Prepare for a stepwise evaluation
Record time trying, intercourse frequency to the extent comfortable, cycles, any ovulation tracking, pregnancies, surgery, infections, medicines, supplements, and both partners' histories. Evaluation usually begins with focused history and examination; not everyone needs every hormone, AMH, tubal study, or semen test on day one. Ask what each test would change, the cost, and the next step.
- Ask for parallel assessment of both partners
- Avoid supplements promising rapid pregnancy
Practical checklist
- Start date and both partners' ages
- Cycle calendar and symptoms
- Prior pregnancy, loss, or ectopic pregnancy
- Surgery, STI, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions
- Medicines, supplements, and habits
- Questions on tests, costs, and next steps
How NIMO built this guide
NIMO writes and localizes each guide for Vietnamese families, then checks key facts against the official references below. The links support the guide; they are not the guide itself.
Edited by NIMOVietnamese expert review pending
Fact-check references
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. For severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, or unusual unresponsiveness, contact a local medical facility or emergency service immediately.