Key Points
- ✓Under 35: see a specialist after 12 months of trying. 35+: after 6 months. 40+: don't wait.
- ✓Irregular periods, PCOS, endometriosis, or recurrent miscarriage? See a specialist now — regardless of how long you've been trying.
- ✓You don't need to wait if you're concerned — there's no minimum time before you can ask for help.
- ✓A GP referral unlocks Medicare rebates on specialist consultations and treatments — saving you thousands.
The General Timeline
How long should you try before seeing a fertility specialist? It depends on your age:
| Your Age | When to See a Specialist | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | After 12 months of trying | Most couples under 35 conceive within a year — if you haven't, investigation is worthwhile |
| 35–39 | After 6 months of trying | Fertility declines more steeply after 35 — earlier intervention improves outcomes |
| 40+ | Don't wait — see a specialist now | Egg quality and quantity decline significantly — time is the most important factor |
Important: These are guidelines, not rules. If something feels off or you're worried, you can see a specialist at any time. There's no minimum waiting period — your concern is reason enough.
Signs You Should See a Specialist Now
Regardless of age or how long you've been trying, see a fertility specialist if any of these apply to you:
Irregular or absent periods
Cycles shorter than 21 days, longer than 35 days, or missing entirely often indicate ovulation issues that need investigation.
Known PCOS or endometriosis
Both conditions can significantly impact fertility. A specialist can assess severity and recommend targeted treatment.
Recurrent miscarriage
Two or more miscarriages warrant specialist investigation. There are often treatable underlying causes.
Male factor concerns
Known low sperm count, previous vasectomy or reversal, undescended testes, or other male reproductive issues.
Previous cancer treatment
Chemotherapy and radiation can affect fertility. A specialist can assess your reproductive health and discuss options.
Same-sex couples or single parents
If you need donor gametes or surrogacy, a fertility specialist is the starting point. No waiting period applies.
What Does a Fertility Specialist Actually Do?
A fertility specialist — formally called a reproductive endocrinologist — is a doctor who completed medical school, specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology, then did additional fellowship training specifically in reproductive medicine and infertility.
They're the only doctors qualified to perform IVF and other assisted reproductive procedures. Here's what they do:
Diagnose why you're not conceiving
Through blood tests, imaging, and physical examinations, they identify whether the issue is ovulation, tubal, uterine, sperm-related, or unexplained.
Run specialised tests
AMH (ovarian reserve), detailed hormone panels, hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check fallopian tubes, genetic screening, and advanced semen analysis.
Recommend and perform treatments
Ovulation induction, IUI (intrauterine insemination), IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, embryo testing (PGT), and surgical procedures like laparoscopy.
Fertility Specialist vs GP vs OB-GYN
Not sure who to see? Here's how the roles differ:
| GP | Gynaecologist | Fertility Specialist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial fertility tests | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Write a referral | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Manage PCOS/endo | Basic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ovulation induction | — | Some | ✓ |
| IUI / IVF / ICSI | — | — | ✓ |
| Egg freezing | — | — | ✓ |
In short: Your GP is the starting point — they run initial tests and write your referral. A gynaecologist manages reproductive conditions but can't do IVF. A fertility specialist does everything a gynaecologist does, plus IVF, IUI, ICSI, and egg freezing.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first fertility specialist appointment is a consultation — not a procedure. Here's what happens:
What to bring
Your referral letter, Medicare card, any existing test results (blood work, ultrasounds, semen analysis), and a list of medications you're taking. If you have a partner, bring them too — fertility is a team assessment.
What they'll ask
How long you've been trying, your menstrual cycle history, previous pregnancies or miscarriages, medical conditions, surgical history, lifestyle factors, and family history of fertility issues.
Tests they'll order
Depending on what you've already had done, your specialist may order:
- •AMH blood test — measures your ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have left)
- •Hormone panel — FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone, thyroid function
- •Pelvic ultrasound — antral follicle count, uterine and ovarian assessment
- •HSG (hysterosalpingogram) — checks if your fallopian tubes are open
- •Semen analysis — sperm count, motility, and morphology
Timeline to results
Most blood test results come back within a week. An HSG is usually scheduled within 1–2 weeks. Your specialist will typically schedule a follow-up 2–4 weeks after your first appointment to review all results and discuss a treatment plan.
Ready to See a Fertility Specialist?
The first step is getting a referral. HeyDoc connects you with an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor online — no GP waitlist, no awkward conversations. Get your referral in under 15 minutes.
- •$49 for a fertility-focused consultation
- •Referral sent to you and your chosen clinic the same day
- •Valid for 12 months — accepted by all fertility clinics in Australia
- •Unlocks Medicare rebates on specialist consultations and treatments
How to Get a Referral
You need a referral from a GP or another specialist to see a fertility specialist and claim Medicare rebates. You have two options:
See your GP
Book an appointment, discuss your fertility concerns, and ask for a referral. Your GP can also order initial tests to send with the referral.
Get a referral online
HeyDoc provides fertility specialist referrals online from AHPRA-registered doctors. 15-minute consultation, $49, referral sent the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about seeing a fertility specialist in Australia
If you're under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success, it's time to see a fertility specialist. If you're 35 or older, seek help after 6 months. If you're over 40, have irregular periods, or have a known condition like PCOS or endometriosis, don't wait — book an appointment now.
The general guideline is 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse if you're under 35, and 6 months if you're 35 or older. However, if you have any known risk factors — irregular cycles, previous miscarriages, or a diagnosed reproductive condition — you should see a specialist sooner rather than waiting.
You can book a private consultation without a referral, but you won't be eligible for Medicare rebates. A GP referral is valid for 12 months and unlocks rebates on consultations, tests, and treatments — saving you thousands. Getting a referral first is almost always worth it.
Start with your GP, who can run initial fertility tests and write a referral to a fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist). The specialist has advanced training in diagnosing and treating infertility, including IVF, IUI, and other assisted reproductive technologies. If you can't get a GP appointment quickly, HeyDoc can provide a referral online.
A gynaecologist manages general reproductive health — periods, contraception, pregnancy, and conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. A fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist) is a gynaecologist with additional fellowship training specifically in diagnosing and treating infertility. They can perform IVF, IUI, and other assisted reproductive procedures that a general gynaecologist cannot.
An initial fertility specialist consultation typically costs $250–$500. With a valid GP referral and Medicare card, you'll receive a rebate of approximately $84.15. Some clinics bulk-bill the initial consultation. IVF treatment cycles cost $8,000–$15,000 per cycle, with Medicare rebates of around $3,720 for an initial cycle.
Yes, if you want to claim Medicare rebates — and you do. A GP referral is valid for 12 months and makes you eligible for rebates on specialist consultations, blood tests, ultrasounds, and treatment procedures. Without one, you'll pay the full cost out of pocket.
Your specialist will review your medical history, discuss how long you've been trying, and go through any test results from your GP. They'll likely order additional tests — blood work, ultrasounds, and possibly a semen analysis. You'll discuss potential causes and a treatment plan. The first appointment is typically 30–60 minutes.
Ready to get started?
Get a fertility specialist referral from an AHPRA-registered doctor — online, in under 15 minutes.
Book Consultation - $49Helpful Resources
IVF referral guide
How to get a referral, what it should include, costs
Medicare rebates guide
MBS items, Safety Net thresholds, NSW rebate
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Last updated: February 2026. Medical guidelines and Medicare rebate amounts may change — always verify with your healthcare provider or Services Australia.