Answers to this question seem to vary from doctor to doctor. However, the following is what I have gathered in my research and speaking with an OBGYN who specializes in infertility. If you are younger than 35 years old it seems to be normal to try on your own up to one year. If after a year you are unsuccessful conceiving then it may be time to start speaking with your OBGYN about fertility steps. If you are over 35 years old the average time to try on your own seems to be up to six months. With age as a factor for varying fertility reasons and concerns, it is not encouraged to wait longer than six months to speak with an OBGYN about fertility and possibly testing to identify any underlying issues.
There are certainly a lot of variables with the basic age brackets laid out above. If you are experiencing abnormal periods, missing periods, painful periods you should not wait as long as those who are having a normal cycle. Timing also may vary depending on whether or not you were using some method of birth control prior to trying to conceive.
I don’t think it hurts to speak with a fertility specialist, in fact, I encourage it. The Herbal Baby Resource Guide offers many ideas and suggestions of herbs and products to try for different issues or problems. Knowing what you are dealing with is half the battle. Herbal Baby and Resource Guide are available for those of you who want to find the solution in an alternative, non-medical way.