Understanding Infertility: Causes and Treatments

Infertility refers to the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. It can affect both men and women and may have various causes.
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Infertility FAQ


Image credit: verywellfamily.com

What does infertility mean?

Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive) despite having regular unprotected sex. Around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving. More than 8 out of 10 couples, where the woman is under 40, will conceive naturally within a year if they have regular unprotected sex (every 2 or 3 days).

How does infertility affect a person?

Infertility is a condition of your reproductive system that causes people to be unable to get pregnant ( conceive ). Infertility can affect anyone and has many causes. Getting pregnant involves several steps: Your brain must produce reproductive hormones that control ovarian function. An egg must mature in your ovary.

Why do so many people have infertility?

Millions of people around the world face the same challenge. Infertility is the medical term for when you can't get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year for most couples. Infertility may happen because of a health issue with either you or your partner, or a mix of factors that prevent pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of infertility?

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other clear symptoms. Some women with infertility may have irregular menstrual periods or no periods. And some men may have some symptoms of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function. Many couples eventually will conceive — with or without treatment.

Infertility References

If you want to know more about Infertility, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

The Hidden Impact of Technology on Male Fertility: Should We Be Concerned?

Explore the potential effects of electromagnetic fields and heat generated by technology on male fertility and discuss ways to minimize exposure for optimal reproductive health

Personal Experiences with Hormonal Therapy in Male Infertility Treatments

Share your personal stories and testimonials about undergoing hormonal therapy as part of male infertility treatments and inspire a discussion among those who have shared similar experiences.

Are There Age Restrictions or Limitations for Hormonal Therapy in Male Infertility Treatments?

Delve into the topic of age restrictions and limitations related to hormonal therapy for male infertility treatments, and contribute to a discussion on the relevance and significance of age factors.

TESE in Combination with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)

Discuss the potential benefits and considerations of using Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) in conjunction with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) for male infertility treatment.

Hormonal Therapy for Male Infertility: Cost-Effectiveness and Insurance Coverage

Discuss the financial aspects of hormonal therapy for male infertility, including its cost-effectiveness and insurance coverage, and share your insights or questions.

Acupuncture as a Complementary Treatment for Assisted Reproductive Technology in Male Infertility

Explore the role of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for assisted reproductive technology in male infertility. Share your insights and experiences regarding the combination of acupuncture and ART.

Hormonal Therapy and Male Reproductive Disorders: What's the Connection?

Connect the dots between hormonal therapy and male reproductive disorders, and engage in a conversation on the interplay between the two.

Does Acupuncture Really Help with Retrograde Ejaculation in Male Infertility?

Discuss the potential of acupuncture in treating retrograde ejaculation, a condition associated with male infertility. Share your knowledge or experiences related to this topic.

Genetic Testing and Counselling for Male Infertility: What to Expect?

Explore the process of genetic testing and counselling for male infertility, including the steps involved, timeline, and expected outcomes.

Does Hormonal Therapy Improve Fertility in All Cases of Male Infertility?

Explore the scope of hormonal therapy's effectiveness in improving fertility across different types of male infertility conditions and join a conversation about its limits and nuances.

Fertility Preservation and Psychological Counseling: Redefining Masculinity

Challenge societal norms and delve into the psychological counseling component of fertility preservation, redefining concepts of masculinity, and promoting open conversations about male fertility.

The Link Between Obesity and Male Infertility: Separating Myths from Facts

Examine the complex relationship between obesity and male fertility, including the potential impact on hormone levels, sperm quality, and overall reproductive health

Genetic Testing in Male Infertility: Is it a Worthwhile Investment?

Debate the cost-effectiveness and value of genetic testing in male infertility, weighing the potential benefits against the financial investment.

The Mind-Body Link: Exploring the Psychological Impact of Male Infertility Diagnosis

Shed light on the psychological aspects of receiving a male infertility diagnosis and understand the importance of psychological support throughout the diagnostic journey.

Fertility Preservation through TESE: An Option for the Future?

Discuss the potential of Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) as a means of fertility preservation for men facing infertility issues. Join the conversation to share your thoughts and insights.

Decoding the Side Effects of Hormonal Therapy in Male Infertility Treatments

Share your experiences and knowledge about the possible side effects of hormonal therapy for male infertility and join a conversation about managing and mitigating these risks.

The Psychological Impact of Genetic Testing in Male Infertility

Discuss the emotional and psychological aspects associated with genetic testing for male infertility and their potential impact on couples.

Hormonal Therapy: A Promising Solution for Male Infertility or Just a Temporary Fix?

Engage in a lively conversation about whether hormonal therapy is a viable long-term solution or merely a temporary fix for male infertility.

Genetic Testing for Male Infertility: Is It Covered by Insurance?

Explore the availability and coverage of genetic testing for male infertility under different insurance plans and healthcare systems.

Unveiling the Role of Couples Therapy in Male Infertility Treatment

Examine the significance of couples therapy in the context of male infertility and understand how it can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and support overall fertility outcomes.

Does Hormonal Therapy Have Long-Term Effects on Male Fertility?

Investigate the potential long-term consequences of undergoing hormonal therapy for male fertility and join others in discussing its possible implications.

TESE vs. MicroTESE: Which Procedure is More Effective?

Engage in a lively debate about the pros and cons of Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) versus MicroTESE for treating male infertility. Which procedure is more effective?

What are the success rates of ART treatments for male infertility?

Engage in a conversation about the success rates of various ART therapies in treating male infertility.

Genetic Testing and Its Role in Understanding Inherited Male Infertility

Dive into the significance of genetic testing in unraveling the underlying genetic factors contributing to inherited male infertility.

How to Find Reliable Genetic Testing Laboratories for Male Infertility?

Discuss tips and recommendations for identifying trustworthy genetic testing laboratories specializing in male infertility.

Combining Hormonal Therapy with Assisted Reproductive Techniques: Is it the Key to Male Infertility?

Discuss the potential benefits of combining hormonal therapy with assisted reproductive techniques for overcoming male infertility challenges.

Understanding the Success Rate of TESE

Explore and discuss the success rate of Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) as a male infertility treatment. Share any studies or personal anecdotes related to the topic.

Hormonal Therapy vs. Surgical Interventions: Which is Better for Male Infertility?

Engage in a debate over the pros and cons of hormonal therapy compared to surgical interventions for addressing male infertility.

Personal Experiences with TESE: Share Your Story

Share your personal experiences with Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) as a treatment for male infertility. Find support, guidance, and empathy within this discussion.

Genetic Testing in Male Infertility: Are There Any Risks Involved?

Delve into the potential risks associated with genetic testing in male infertility diagnosis and treatment and how they can be minimized.

Does Acupuncture Really Help with Low Sperm Count?

Explore the potential benefits of acupuncture and TCM in addressing low sperm count. Share your knowledge or personal journey with this treatment method.

Breaking the Stigma: The Benefits of Seeking Psychological Counseling for Male Infertility

Discuss the societal stigma surrounding male infertility and highlight the importance of seeking psychological counseling as a supportive and empowering measure.

How Does Hormonal Therapy Affect Sperm Production and Quality?

Examine the impact of hormonal therapy on both sperm production and quality, and participate in a discussion on its influence on fertility.

Is Genetic Counselling Essential for Couples Facing Male Infertility?

Discuss the importance of genetic counselling for couples dealing with male infertility and how it can help them make informed decisions about their reproductive options.

Acupuncture vs. Western Medicine: Which is More Effective in Treating Male Infertility?

Debate the merits of acupuncture and TCM compared to Western medical treatments for male infertility. Share your opinions and experiences in this ongoing discussion.

What role do intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) play in ART?

Discover how ICSI can aid in overcoming male infertility by injecting a single sperm into an egg.

Can Psychological Counseling Improve Male Infertility?

Discover the role of psychological counseling in treating male infertility and explore its potential benefits.

Can Hormonal Therapy Boost Male Fertility?

Discover the potential of hormonal therapy in improving male fertility and join a discussion on its effectiveness and potential side effects.

Is Varicocele Repair the Key to Boosting Male Fertility?

Join the conversation to uncover the potential of varicocele repair in enhancing male fertility.