We perhaps left it later than we should have done in hindsight. That's one of my biggest regrets.

We decided to go to the doctors and have some tests done. They didn't come back very well for both of us really. I took the news of not being able to have my own kids worse than finding out I had cancer.

This week, 40 years ago, the first baby conceived using in vitro fertilization, IVF techniques techniques developed to help people who couldn't have

children naturally was born. Her name was Louise Brown and she owes her existence to the

pioneering efforts of Cambridge Embryologist Bob Edwards,

research nurse Gene Purdy and Manchester-based gynecologist Patrick Stepto.

Together this team lay the foundations of the techniques that are now used all over the world to help people conceive.

And this week we're looking at the science of fertility treatment, telling their story and talking to some of the people whose lives they've transformed.

We'll also hear from Louise Brown herself later in the program.

I'm Katie Haler.

I'm Chris Smith and this is The Naked Scientists.

The Naked Scientists Podcast is powered by UKfast.co.uk.

Now between 80 and 90% of couples will fall pregnant naturally within a year.

But for some, having a baby simply isn't that straightforward.

So at what point should you seek help if you're worried about your own fertility?

Why do some people struggle to get pregnant and what can be done about it? your

and fatility. And what can be done about it? Well, the first port of call is usually your doctor,

and Cambridge-based GP Sarah Smith is here to explain how she approaches patients

who are in this situation. So Sarah at what

point should people go and see their GP? So if you're under 35 years of age we

recommend people try for a baby for two years and then if you're over 35 we recommend

trying for a year and then if nothing's happening for the couple do come along and see us

...