What is Infertility?
💡 Infertility is failure to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (6 months if >35). Affects 1 in 6 couples. Causes: female factor (~35%), male factor (~35%), combined (~20%), unexplained (~10%). Systematic bilateral investigation of both partners is essential before treatment.
Infertility is the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (6 months if the woman is over 35). It affects approximately 1 in 6 couples in India and involves female, male, or combined factors in roughly equal proportions.
🇮🇳 India Context: Infertility is widely assessed and treated across major Indian fertility centres including Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
What are the key characteristics of Infertility?
- Defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (<35 years) or 6 months (≥35)
- Affects ~15–17% of couples in India; equally prevalent globally
- Female factor ~35% of cases: ovulatory disorders (PCOS most common), tubal damage, uterine abnormalities, low ovarian reserve
- Male factor ~35%: low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology, azoospermia, varicocele
- Combined factor ~20%: both partners contributing; unexplained ~10% (all standard tests normal)
- Primary infertility: no prior pregnancy; Secondary infertility: prior pregnancy occurred but cannot conceive again
- Earlier investigation warranted if known risk factors: irregular cycles, prior pelvic infection, prior chemotherapy, male history
- With appropriate treatment: 70–80% of couples with infertility achieve pregnancy
How does Infertility work?
Why does Infertility matter in fertility?
Infertility is a clinical diagnosis requiring systematic investigation of both partners simultaneously — investigating only the female partner is a common and costly error. Male factor contributes to 40–50% of all infertility cases and is identified only through semen analysis. Stepwise treatment escalation (timed intercourse → IUI → IVF) is evidence-based; skipping steps can be appropriate when age or diagnosis demands urgency. In India, cultural and social pressures frequently delay male partner investigation — proactive simultaneous workup prevents months of unnecessary treatment delay. With appropriate directed treatment, 70–80% of couples achieve pregnancy.
What are related terms to Infertility?
Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained Infertility is diagnosed when a couple cannot conceive after 12 mont…
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder where the ovaries produce too many male hormo…
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition. Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows…
Low Ovarian Reserve (Diminished Ovarian Reserve)
Low Ovarian Reserve means a woman has fewer eggs than expected for her age. It i…
Azoospermia
Azoospermia means there is no sperm in the ejaculate. It affects about 1% of all…
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a fertility treatment where washed, concentra…
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) in whi…
FAQs about Infertility
What is the most common cause of infertility in women?
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the most common cause of female infertility, responsible for approximately 70% of anovulatory infertility cases. Other causes include tubal factor, endometriosis, and diminished ovarian reserve.
What is the most common cause of infertility in men?
Low sperm count (oligospermia) is the most common male infertility cause. Varicocele is the most common correctable cause, found in 40% of infertile men. Others include poor motility, abnormal morphology, and azoospermia.
At what age does fertility decline?
Female fertility begins declining from age 32, with a steeper decline after 37. Male fertility declines more gradually from the mid-30s. Age-related decline affects egg and sperm quality, not just quantity.
How is infertility diagnosed?
Infertility diagnosis involves semen analysis for the male partner and hormone blood tests (AMH, FSH, LH), ovulation assessment, HSG (fallopian tube X-ray), and pelvic ultrasound for the female partner.
Is infertility permanent?
Most infertility is treatable, not permanent. 70–80% of couples achieve pregnancy with appropriate treatment. Success depends on the underlying cause, age, and how quickly treatment is initiated.
When should I see a fertility specialist?
See a specialist after 12 months of trying (under 35), 6 months (over 35), or immediately if you have irregular periods, prior pelvic infection, known male factor, or two or more miscarriages.
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