Infertility Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of infertility?
Infertility is a condition that affects about 6 million American couples, or roughly 10 percent of the reproductive age population. For many couples who are trying to conceive, something can go wrong in one or several of the reproductive processes, causing infertility. Knowing the facts about infertility can help you make informed decisions regarding your reproductive health.
A couple is usually considered infertile if pregnancy has not occurred after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse. This rule does not apply to couples where the female is over 35 or where either partner has a history of fertility-related problems. If you are a woman over 35 and have been trying unsuccessfully for over 6 months, you should consult your physician. If you a woman over 30 with a history of gynecological problems, or if you know that your partner has a low sperm count, you may not want to wait even that long before seeing a specialist regarding your fertility status.
Infertility is an issue shared by women and men. In approximately 35% of infertile couples the problem can be traced to the female, and in approximately 35% of infertile couples the problem can be traced to the man. In the remaining 30% of infertile couples the problem is either shared by both partners or is "unexplained." Infertility may be designated as either primary or secondary. Primary infertility is the term used to describe a couple that has never been able to conceive a pregnancy after at least one year of attempting to do so through unprotected intercourse. Secondary infertility is the term used when a couple has conceived previously, but is unable to conceive again, whether or not the first pregnancy resulted in a live or still birth, miscarriage, or termination. This group also includes those who have had a change of mind following sterilization.
Recent medical advances have made it possible to overcome infertility in the great majority of cases. If you are trying to have a child and have been unsuccessful, please consider seeing a reproductive endocrinologist.