Infertility

Infertility means not being able to get pregnant. You may have fertility problems if you couldn't get pregnant after trying for at least 1 year (or 6 months if you're over 35). It doesn't mean you'll never get pregnant. Some people conceive without help in their second year of trying. Treatments help many people.

What causes it?

Most cases of infertility are caused by a problem with the female or male reproductive system. This can include a problem with the eggs, with the uterus or fallopian tubes, or with sperm. But sometimes no cause can be found.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of infertility is being unable to get pregnant after 6 to 12 months of trying, depending on your age.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors can do tests and ask you questions about your past health to check for infertility. Tests may check hormone levels, semen quality, or the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

How is infertility treated?

A wide range of treatments may be used for infertility. Depending on the cause, they include:

You may also consider in vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, eggs and sperm are mixed in a lab to fertilize the eggs. Then the doctor puts one or more fertilized eggs into the uterus.

Treatment for fertility problems can be stressful and costly. Before you start, think about how far you're willing to go with treatment. You may change your mind later, but it's a good idea to start with a plan.

Cause

Infertility may be caused by:

Rates of infertility and miscarriage increase with age. Female fertility peaks in the late 20s. It slowly starts to decline in the early 30s. A larger drop in fertility and increase in miscarriage risk begins around the mid-30s. This is mainly because of the aging egg supply. Male fertility also decreases with age. But it's a more gradual decline.

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What Increases Your Risk

What Increases Your Risk

Things that increase your risk for infertility include:

Prevention

Prevention

Sometimes infertility is related to lifestyle or other health conditions. To help protect your fertility:

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and hope to have children in the future, talk to your doctor about your options to help preserve fertility.

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When to Call a Doctor

When to Call a Doctor

Consult with your doctor if you:

Watchful waiting

Before seeking medical help with conception, you can increase your chances of becoming pregnant by practicing fertility awareness. This means charting your basal body temperature and using home tests to let you know when you are likely to ovulate and be fertile.

Who to see

For your first fertility questions and testing, you can see:

For complete fertility testing, see an obstetrician/gynecologist with special training and experience in fertility problems. This doctor may be called a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist. When looking for a specialist, ask what percentage of a doctor's practice is fertility treatment. Also ask if the doctor has training in reproductive endocrinology.

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Exams and Tests

Exams and Tests

To check for infertility, a doctor can:

Before you have fertility tests, it may help to try fertility awareness . Chart basal body temperature and use home tests to learn when you are likely to ovulate and be fertile. Some people find that they have been missing the most fertile days when trying to conceive.

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Treatment Overview

Treatment Overview

A wide range of treatments may be used for infertility. Treatment depends on the cause of fertility problems. They can include: