Fertility - meaning and definition
Alsofecundityfertilereproductive health
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Fertility is the natural ability to conceive a pregnancy or to contribute to one. It depends on healthy eggs, sperm, reproductive organs and hormones.
At a glance
- Fertility is the natural ability to conceive a pregnancy or contribute to one.
- It depends on healthy eggs, sperm, reproductive organs and hormones.
- Fertility declines with age, more steeply from the mid-30s for people with ovaries.
- Smoking, heavy drinking, some infections and certain conditions can reduce fertility.
- Fertility returns quickly after stopping most contraceptive methods.
In detail
Fertility changes with age, declining gradually from the late 20s and more steeply from the mid-30s for people with ovaries, and more slowly for people with testicles. Smoking, heavy drinking, some infections, certain medical conditions and treatments can reduce fertility.
Most couples trying to conceive will do so within a year. Understanding the menstrual cycle and the fertile window can help, and people with irregular periods, known conditions or who are over 35 may want to talk to a doctor sooner. Fertility is also relevant to contraception: it returns quickly after stopping most methods.
In a sentence
- They saw a doctor about fertility after trying to conceive for a year.
- The leaflet explains how smoking can affect fertility in all sexes.
Where the word comes from
From Latin fertilis, meaning fruitful or productive.
Common questions
How long does it usually take to get pregnant?
Most couples trying to conceive will do so within a year. Understanding the menstrual cycle and fertile window can help. People with irregular periods, known conditions, or who are over 35 may want to talk to a doctor sooner.
Does contraception affect future fertility?
Fertility returns quickly after stopping most methods. A doctor or contraception service can explain what to expect for a specific method.