Infertility Basics- What is Infertility?

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

What is infertility?

How do you know if you have it?

What does it mean if you do have it?

Infertility is defined in the following way:

Infertility is the failure of a couple to conceive a pregnancy after trying to do so for at least one full year. In primary infertility, pregnancy has never occurred. In secondary infertility, one or both members of the couple have previously conceived, but are unable to conceive again after a full year of trying.

While that is a good general description of infertility, there are a few more things that you should know about.

1. That definition applies if you are under 35 and have no medical conditions that you know of that will prevent a pregnancy, including irregular (more than 35 days long) periods, no periods at all or other reproductive problems
2. If you are over 35, standard medical guidelines are actually that if you are trying for six months without a pregnancy occuring that it is time to seek help from a fertility specialist (board certified reproductive endocrinologist)
3. If you have experienced sexually transmitted diseases, with or without symptoms, and you are trying to become pregnant, you should get a complete work up with your Obstetritician/Gynecologist

Infertility does not mean that you cannot become pregnant or carry a pregnancy.

Infertility means that you will need help.

Not every man or woman who has infertility problems will need extensive treatment or IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).

Find out what's going on for you, sooner rather than later. It is not a myth that fertility declines as we age. While it's tempting, perhaps, to think that this can't apply to you, think again.

Infertility is treatable.

Chances are more than likely, you will be able to have a baby. The earlier you come for treatment, the more likely you will be successful in having your baby.

Any questions? Please let us know.

We're here to help.