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Infertility
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant after one year of trying, or the experience of repeated miscarriages or stillbirths.

Infertility is fairly common, affecting about 15% of couples after one year of unprotected sex. Causes are distributed as follows:

  • Approximately one-third of cases are traced to the woman.
  • Approximately one-third of cases are traced to the man.
  • The remaining cases are due to both partners or have no identifiable cause.

Treatments include drugs, surgery, and assisted reproductive technology. Many couples treated for infertility go on to have babies.

Frequently Asked Questions

For women under 35, live‑birth rates per IVF cycle are around 40–45%. Between 35–37, rates drop to 30–35%. At 38–40, rates fall to 20–25%, and beyond 40, they can be below 10% per cycle. Male factor infertility alone has higher success rates, but combined factors reduce outcomes. Discuss individualized expectations with your reproductive endocrinologist.
For women, a baseline panel includes a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to assess uterine and tube patency, a transvaginal ultrasound for ovarian reserve, and hormone levels (FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin). For men, a semen analysis evaluates count, motility, and morphology. Additional tests (e.g., hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, endocrine panels) may be ordered based on initial findings.
Women’s fertility declines sharply after 35, with a 5–10% drop in pregnancy rates per year. Men’s sperm quality also declines with age, but the effect is less dramatic. To improve chances: maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, reduce stress, and consider fertility preservation options (egg or sperm freezing) if you plan to delay childbearing.
Yes. Aim for a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, maintain a BMI between 18.5–24.9, quit smoking, limit caffeine to <200 mg/day, reduce alcohol to no more than 1–2 drinks per week, and manage chronic conditions like thyroid disease or diabetes. Regular moderate exercise and stress‑reduction practices (e.g., mindfulness, yoga) can also support reproductive health.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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