Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by
Infertility is a topic that affects couples wishing to get pregnant and trying to conceive. While it can be a complex topic, understanding the basics of infertility can serve as a helpful first step. Whether you’re trying to grow your family or simply wish to learn more, this guide provides foundational information about what infertility is, what causes it, and how health professionals evaluate it.
What Is Infertility?
Infertility refers to the condition in which a person is unable to conceive after a period of regular, unprotected intercourse. For most couples, this timeframe of actively trying to get pregnant is about one year. For women over the age of 35, it is after six months of trying that they have this condition. Infertility happens to couples and can be caused by not just women but men as well.
It’s helpful to remember that infertility is a medical condition that affects more people than may be realized. Research shows that between 12% to 15% of couples are unable to get pregnant after a year of trying. No matter where you are in your fertility journey, understanding this condition may be a beneficial step toward finding solutions.
What Causes Infertility?
There isn’t a single cause of infertility, rather, it is a complex condition with many factors that play a role. These factors can stem from one partner or both. For women, common causes include estrogen imbalances, ovulation disorders, fallopian tube blockages, uterus conditions, or pelvic adhesions. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis can also interfere with a woman’s fertility.
Age is another key factor. Fertility naturally declines as women age, particularly after they reach 40 years of age. On the other hand, about 30% of infertility issues are due to male factors, such as low sperm count, poor motility, or structural problems. Then 30% is due to women, and the other 40% is due to both the man and woman or because of unexplained circumstances.
What Happens During a Fertility Evaluation?
If you’re facing challenges conceiving, a fertility evaluation is a good starting point. This process typically begins with a thorough review of your medical history, including any pre-existing health conditions or past gynecological issues. Your care provider may ask questions about your menstrual cycle, lifestyle habits, and the duration of your efforts to conceive.
Following the consultation, further testing is often recommended. For women, this may include blood tests to measure hormone levels, checking for imbalances that may affect fertility, and imaging tests to check your reproductive tract and evaluate the uterus and ovaries. These evaluations help pinpoint potential challenges and guide recommendations for the next steps, like treating underlying medical problems and timing intercourse in a more beneficial way. Your physician may refer you to more specialists who can take a closer look at gynecological problems that may affect the ability to get pregnant.
Learn More Today
With the proper understanding and support, it’s possible to identify potential solutions to infertility and work toward your goals. If you’d like to explore fertility treatments or learn more about your options, reach out to a trusted healthcare professional or fertility clinic. Every family-building journey is unique, and taking the first step can make all the difference.
