What is infertility?
In general, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Because fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of unprotected sex.
Women with infertility should consider making an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist a doctor who specializes in managing infertility.
Reproductive endocrinologists may also be able to help women with recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as having two or more spontaneous miscarriages.
What is male infertility?
Male infertility is described as a male’s failure to conceive a fertile female after at least one year of unprotected intercourse. The male is entirely responsible for roughly 20% of all infertility cases and is a contributing factor in another 30% to 40%.
Is infertility a common problem?
Yes.
About 6% of married women aged 15 to 44 years in the United States are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying (infertility). Also, about 12% of women aged 15 to 44 years in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term, regardless of marital status (impaired fecundity).