Condition guide
Infertility
Difficulty conceiving after 12 months of regular unprotected sex (6 months if over 35). Both partners should be assessed together.
1 in 6
Couples worldwide
50%
Of cases involve a male factor
>85%
Conceive with appropriate care
What it is
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system. Causes are roughly one-third female, one-third male and one-third combined or unexplained. It is common, treatable, and never something to face alone.
Infographic
The fertility window
Conception is most likely in the 5 days before and the day of ovulation.
Common symptoms
- Inability to conceive after a year of trying
- Irregular or absent periods
- Painful or very heavy periods
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Known male-factor concerns
Causes & risk factors
- Ovulation disorders (e.g. PCOS)
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis, fibroids or adenomyosis
- Male-factor: sperm count, motility or morphology
- Age-related decline in egg quality
- Unexplained (around 25%)
Diagnosis
- Cycle and hormonal blood tests
- Pelvic ultrasound and ovarian reserve (AMH)
- Hysterosalpingogram or HyCoSy for tubes
- Semen analysis for the male partner
Treatment & management
Lifestyle optimisation
Weight, sleep, smoking, alcohol and folic acid all matter.
Ovulation induction
Letrozole or clomiphene to trigger ovulation.
Surgery
To remove fibroids, polyps, endometriosis or unblock tubes.
IUI
Intrauterine insemination, often combined with mild ovarian stimulation.
IVF / ICSI
Assisted reproduction when other options are unsuitable.
When to seek urgent help
Severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding in pregnancy or signs of ovarian hyperstimulation during treatment need urgent review.
Frequently asked
When should we seek help?
After 12 months trying — or 6 months if you're 35 or older, or sooner if you know something is wrong.
Is infertility always the woman's problem?
No. Roughly half of cases involve a male factor — both partners must be assessed.
You are not alone
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