Unfortunately, a regular period doesn’t rule out problems with fertility. Ovulation disorders, a decreased quality of your eggs – which may be related to your age, blocked or scarred fallopian tubes, and endometriosis, and structural problems can all impact your fertility. As a result, some women who have a regular period still have problems getting pregnant. 

Signs of ovulation include a change in the amount and consistency of your cervical mucus, an increase in your basal body temperature (BBT), breast tenderness, and sometimes slight cramping.  You can use ovulation predictor kits (OPK) to help you determine when you are ovulating and so you can have time sex right for conception.

Fertility doctors, called reproductive endocrinologists, treat infertility as well as other reproductive issues such as hormonal disorders, menstrual irregularities, or recurrent miscarriage.  In order to be considered a fertility doctor, he or she must complete a two-to-three year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology, and must pass oral and written exams.

Women under 35 who have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for one year should see a fertility doctor.  Women over the age of 35 should only wait six months before making an appointment with a fertility doctor.  If you have other conditions like pelvic disorders, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriages, or if your partner has a low sperm count, you should see a fertility doctor.

It is possible to reverse a tubal ligation after getting your tubes tied.  This tubal ligation reversal surgery, in which a surgical specialist rejoins your severed fallopian tubes, is expensive and usually not covered by insurance.  It is recommended you discuss your options with a fertility doctor before deciding upon a tubal ligation reversal, since there may be other considerations affecting your ability to become pregnant which should be taken into account.  

Most women with mild to moderate forms of endometriosis are able to get pregnant, but those with more severe forms of endometriosis may have a greater likelihood of infertility, due to the formation of scar tissue.  If you have questions about your endometriosis diagnosis and your ability to get pregnant, you should make an appointment with a fertility doctor. 

A recent study does in fact link stress to infertility. Other studies have shown that women who manage stress during infertility treatments, through support groups and mind-body groups, have higher rates of pregnancy.  

Success rates for pregnancy vary after vasectomy reversals.  According to the American Urological Association, it takes an average of one year after the vasectomy reversal for pregnancy to occur.

Women with certain types of cancer, whose ovarian function and eggs can be damaged by treatment, are good candidates for oocyte cryopreservation, also known as egg freezing.  Other women may choose to freeze their eggs if they are not ready to have children.  Generally, egg freezing is offered to women under the age of 38. If you are considering freezing your eggs, discuss the process with your fertility doctor.