How long must a woman under 35 try to conceive before being classified as infertile?

The correct answer is one year, as this is the standard medical definition of infertility for women under the age of 35. According to guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. This timeframe acknowledges that many couples may take longer than anticipated to achieve pregnancy and serves as a practical threshold for seeking further evaluation and guidance.

In contrast, shorter durations like six months, 18 months, or two years do not align with this standard definition, making one year the accepted benchmark in clinical practice. This understanding is essential for healthcare professionals in order to guide appropriate next steps for individuals or couples facing challenges in conception.