Infertility Understanding Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Infertility is more common than many people realize. It affects individuals and couples across all backgrounds. Medically, infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for those under age 35, or 6 months for those age 35 or older.1 Infertility can involve female factors, male factors, both partners, or unexplained causes.
If you would like to return to the Fertility & Infertility guide, visit the Fertility & Infertility hub.
Pregnancy Topics
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: ICSI
Infertility and Chiropractic Care
Male Fertility Testing After Vasectomy
Boost Your Fertility with Supplements
Infertility & Nutrition - The Bumpy Truth
What You Need to Know About Infertility
Gamete intrafallopian transfer - GIFT
Pre-Pregnancy Detox for Couples
Preconception Health for Women
What You Need to Know About Surrogate Pregnancy
Understand Your Fertility Tests
How to Get & Keep a Healthy Sperm Count
How Do FSH Levels Affect Fertility?
Infertility: Understanding Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Infertility is more common than many people realize. It affects individuals and couples across all backgrounds. Medically, infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for those under age 35, or 6 months for those age 35 or older.1 Infertility can involve female factors, male factors, both partners, or unexplained causes.
If you would like to return to the Fertility & Infertility guide, visit the Fertility & Infertility hub.
Common Causes of Female Infertility
Female infertility may result from ovulation disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, or diminished ovarian reserve. Hormonal testing and imaging often help determine underlying causes.
Explore the causes of female infertility and how they are diagnosed and treated
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility contributes to approximately one-third of infertility cases.2 Common causes include low sperm count, reduced sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape, varicocele, hormonal imbalance, and genetic factors. Semen analysis is often the first diagnostic step.
Learn about the causes of male infertility and what testing and treatment may involve
Fertility Testing and Diagnosis
If infertility is suspected, evaluation may include hormone blood tests, ovulation tracking, semen analysis, ultrasound, hysterosalpingography (HSG), and ovarian reserve testing. Understanding results helps guide next steps.
Find out what fertility tests involve and what they can reveal
Learn how to interpret your fertility test results and what they mean for next steps
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and plans are individualized. Options may include ovulation-stimulating medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), surgical procedures, and hormonal therapies.
Review infertility treatment options and how they address different causes
Learn how in vitro fertilization works and what to expect during the process
Lifestyle and Nutritional Considerations
Certain lifestyle factors may influence fertility outcomes. Lifestyle changes alone may not resolve infertility, but they can support overall reproductive health.
Supportive habits include maintaining a healthy body weight, balanced nutrition, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and managing chronic conditions.
Explore nutrition and lifestyle guidance that may support fertility
Emotional Impact of Infertility
Infertility can affect emotional well-being, relationships, and self-identity. Common emotional responses include grief, anxiety, frustration, isolation, and relationship stress. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not failure.
Understand the emotional impact of infertility and find support resources
Explore coping strategies for navigating the emotional challenges of infertility
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Some individuals explore additional therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal supplements. Discuss all complementary treatments with a healthcare provider to ensure safety.
Learn about acupuncture for fertility and what the evidence suggests
Explore the relationship between chiropractic care and fertility
When to See a Specialist
Referral to a reproductive endocrinologist may be recommended when standard treatments are unsuccessful, advanced ART is being considered, or complex hormonal disorders are present. Early evaluation can provide direction and reduce uncertainty.
Revisit conception guidance if you are just beginning your trying-to-conceive journey
Moving Forward with Compassion
Infertility is a medical condition, not a personal failure. Paths forward may include continued natural attempts, medical treatment, assisted reproductive technology, donor options, or adoption. Every fertility journey is unique. You deserve compassionate, evidence-based support.
Explore advanced reproductive care options including IVF and assisted reproductive technology
