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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffInfertility means that couples have been trying to get pregnant with frequent intercourse for at least a year with no success. Female infertility, male infertility or a combination of the two affects millions of couples in the United States. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of couples have trouble getting pregnant or getting to a successful delivery.
Infertility results from female infertility factors about one-third of the time and male infertility factors about one-third of the time. In the rest, the cause is either unknown or a combination of male and female factors.
The cause of female infertility can be difficult to diagnose, but many treatments are available. Treatment options depend on the underlying problem. Treatment isn't always necessary — many infertile couples will go on to conceive a child spontaneously.
- Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ137. Treating infertility. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq137.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130521T1023327144. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ138. Evaluating infertility. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq136.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130521T1027034009. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Infertility: Frequently asked questions. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/infertility.pdf. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Infertility FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/Infertility/. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Assisted reproductive technologies: A guide for patients. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. http://www.asrm.org/uploadedFiles/ASRM_Content/Resources/Patient_Resources/Fact_Sheets_and_Info_Booklets/ART.pdf. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Fertility: An overview — A guide for patients. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. http://www.asrm.org/Templates/SearchResults.aspx?q=fertility:%20An%20overview%20-%20a%20guide%20for%20patients. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Kuohung W, et al. Overview of infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 22, 2013.
- Frequently asked questions. Gynecological problems FAQ013. Endometriosis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq013.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130305T1348596508. Accessed May 22, 2013.
- Kuohung W, et al. Causes of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 22, 2013.
- Kuohung W, et al. Evaluation of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 22, 2013.
- Kuohung W, et al. Overview of treatment of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Hornstein MD, et al. Optimizing natural fertility in couples planning pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Alcohol use in pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html. Accessed June 5, 2013.
- Nisenblat V, et al. The effects of caffeine on reproductive outcomes in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 5, 2013.
- Coddington III CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 12, 2013.
- Stewart EA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 12, 2013.
- Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 24, 2013.
- Infertility. The Merck Manuals: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/infertility/overview_of_infertility.html. Accessed May 28, 2013.
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