we took  2 1/2 years to conceive the first time around, and went trough a lot of tests.  a dr wont do any tests until you have been trying for at least 12 months, unless you have an underlying medical condition as well.  before our 12 months was up, i went to a naturopath and started charting cycles etc.  after the 12 months, i had a vaginal ultrasound to look at my ovaries, abdo u/s, laparascopic hysteroscopy (keyhole investigative surgery) to check for endometriosis and patent fallopian tubes, blood tests for hormone levels, hubby's sample was tested.  there is no time of the month that is better for your appointment, although i tended to avoid seeing dr's when i had my period, to avoid embarassing and messy examinations.  it all depends on what is found or not found in the initial tests as to whether more tests or surgery is required.  keep in mind that 8 months is still within the acceptable time frame for a healthy woman to become pregnant, so try not to worry too much.  i have 2 advice articles on the topic that might help. 

  www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10773/Know-Your-Body-menstrual-cycles-and-fertility-trying-to-get-pregnant-with-irregular-cycles/    

     www.minti.com/parenting-advice/10337/my-infertility-experience/ 

if your cycles are regular and predictable, i would recommend ditching the charting method, as this puts extra stress and too much focus on the attempts.  its easier said than done......but a relaxed body gets pregnant more easily than a stressed body.  get fit and healthy and your chances will improve.

we ended up with our beautiful twins after a big holiday, a temporary job change and 4 months on clomid and 2 1/2 years of trying, and now have a third baby who was conceived very easily.  good luck on your emotional roller-coaster.