Body & health

Infertility

Alsosubfertilityinfertiletrouble conceivingdifficulty getting pregnant

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

Infertility is the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex. It affects people of all genders and is common worldwide.

At a glance

  • Infertility is not achieving a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex.
  • The WHO estimates that about one in six people experience infertility at some point.
  • Causes can lie with either partner or both, and sometimes no cause is found.
  • Treatments range from lifestyle advice and medication to surgery, insemination and IVF.
  • Counselling and peer support are valuable parts of care.

In detail

The WHO estimates that about one in six people experience infertility at some point. Causes can lie with either partner or both, and include ovulation problems such as PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, low sperm count or quality, and age. In some cases no cause is found.

Investigations and treatments range from lifestyle advice and medication to surgery, insemination and IVF. Infertility can bring grief and strain, and counselling and peer support are valuable parts of care alongside medical treatment.

In a sentence

  • After two years of infertility investigations, they were referred for IVF.
  • The support group helps people cope with the grief that infertility can bring.

Common questions

When is someone considered infertile?

Infertility is usually defined as not achieving a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex. People with known conditions or who are over 35 may want to see a doctor sooner.

Is infertility usually a problem with one partner?

No. Causes can lie with either partner or both, including ovulation problems, blocked tubes, endometriosis, sperm count or quality, and age. In some cases no cause is found. Investigations usually look at both partners.

Related terms

Sources

  1. WHOInfertility
  2. NHSInfertility
  3. MedlinePlusInfertility