What Is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive within 1 year of regular sexual intercourse without using any method of contraception. Approximately 15% of married couples experience this problem. Infertility may be caused by either the female or the male partner. Male-related causes account for 30–40%, female-related causes for 40–50%, and causes related to both partners for 20%. However, in 10–15% of couples, no cause can be found. This last group is called “unexplained infertility.” In young couples who wish to have children, the couple is evaluated and the necessary tests are started after 1 year. However, if the woman is over 35 years old, if she has a previous history of disease or surgery involving the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries, etc., or if the man has had problems with his reproductive organs, testing should be started without waiting a year.