Infertility

Infertility is defined clinically as failure to achieve a successful pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for women under 35, or after 6 months for women 35 and older. Approximately 1 in 8 couples in the United States experiences infertility. It affects males and females at roughly equal rates, and in about 10–20% of cases, no cause is found (unexplained infertility).

Evaluation includes semen analysis, ovarian reserve testing, a uterine cavity assessment, and tubal patency testing. Treatment is stratified by the underlying cause and patient age and ranges from lifestyle modification and ovulation induction to IUI and IVF. Early evaluation is encouraged when risk factors (age, prior pelvic surgery, irregular cycles, known medical conditions) are present.