Most people will have the strong desire to conceive a child at some point during their lifetime. Understanding what defines normal fertility is crucial to helping a person, or couple, know when it is time to seek help. Most couples (approximately 85%) will achieve pregnancy within one year of trying, with the greatest likelihood of conception occurring during the earlier months. Only an additional 7% of couples will conceive in the second year. As a result, infertility has come to be defined as the inability to conceive within 12 months. This diagnosis is therefore shared by 15% of couples attempting to conceive. We generally recommend seeking the help of a reproductive endocrinologist if conception has not occurred within 12 months. However, there are various scenarios where one may be advised to seek help earlier.
These include :-
- Infrequent menstrual periods
- Female age of 35 years or older
- A history of pelvic infections or sexually transmitted diseases
- Known uterine fibroids or endometrial polyps
- Known male factor semen abnormalities
COMMON CAUSES OF INFERTILITY
- Advancing maternal age
- Ovulation disorders
- Tubal occlusion (blockage)
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometrial polyps
- Male factors affecting sperm function
- Endometriosis