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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffMost couples achieve pregnancy within the first six months of trying. Overall, after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, approximately 90 percent of couples will become pregnant. The majority of the remaining couples will eventually conceive, with or without treatment.
The main sign of infertility is the inability for a couple to get pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptoms.
In some cases, an infertile woman may have abnormal menstrual periods. An infertile man may have some signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.
When to see a doctor
In general, don't be too concerned about infertility unless you and your partner have been trying regularly to conceive for at least one year. Talk with your doctor earlier, however, if you're a woman and:
- You're age 34 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer
- You menstruate irregularly or not at all
- Your periods are very painful
- You have been diagnosed with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- You've had more than one miscarriage
If you're a man, talk with your doctor if you have:
- Low sperm count
- A history of testicular, prostate or sexual problems
- Infertility. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/infertility.cfm. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Kuohung W, et al. Overview of infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Infertility. The Merck Manuals: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/sec22/ch254/ch254a.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Swerdloff RS, et al. Causes of male infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Kuohung W, et al. Causes of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Lobo RA. Infertility: Etiology, diagnostic evaluation, management, prognosis. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
- Kuohung W, et al. Overview of treatment of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Evans MI, et al. Screening and testing in multiples. Clinics in Laboratory Medicine. 2010;30:643.
- Pauli SA, et al. Current status of the approach to assisted reproduction. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2009;56:467.
- Zoorob RJ, et al. Women's health: Selected topics. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2010;37:367.
- Peck JD, et al. A review of the epidemiologic evidence concerning the reproductive health effects of caffeine consumption: A 2000-2009 update. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2010;48:2549.
- Boivin J, et al. Emotional distress in infertile women and failure of assisted reproductive technologies: Meta-analysis of prospective psychosocial studies. British Medical Journal. 2011;342d:223.
- Uterine fibroids: Frequently asked questions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/FAQ/uterine-fibroids.cfm. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Hornstein MD, et al. Optimizing natural fertility in couples planning pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Fauser BC. Overview of ovulation induction. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Wilkins KM, et al. Depressive symptoms related to infertility and infertility treatments. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010:33;309.
- Coddington CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 3, 2011.
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