Infertility

Infertility affects 10-12% of couples of reproductive age.  It is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive following 12 months of unprotected intercourse.  In general, 90% of couples will succeed in conceiving within 1 year of trying.  If unsuccessful in that time period, an infertility work-up is begun.  Since a woman’s natural ability to conceive may be compromised with advancing age, in women who are 35 years or older, an infertility work-up/treatment is started sooner, after only six months of unsuccessful attempts.  If suspicion exists regarding a specific abnormality (i.e. ovulation/menstrual disorder, tubal factor, male factor…), work-up/treatment may begin sooner.  The initial work-up for couples experiencing infertility involves evaluation for ovulation, tubal patency, and sperm abnormalities.