Overview

Infertility is a disorder of the reproductive system that impairs the ability to conceive a baby or give birth. Doctors usually diagnose infertility after one year of unsuccessful, well-timed attempts at getting pregnant. Some of the criteria for getting treatment include:

• Being older than 30.
• Having a history of irregular periods, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, miscarriages or other reasons to believe you may be infertile.
• Your partner has a low sperm count.

About 10 percent of couples of childbearing age are infertile. Most cases of infertility are treated with medication to induce ovulation, or with surgery to open blocked fallopian tubes or to remove fibroid tumors from the uterus. While in vitro fertilization and related high-tech treatments get the most publicity, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine says these technologies account for less than 5 percent of infertility services in the United States.

Prognosis

Reproductive medicine offers an ever-widening spectrum of infertility medications, surgeries, and low- and high-tech procedures that are making the dream of parenthood a reality for many. About two-thirds of couples who see a doctor are able to give birth.

More on Infertility

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.