Infertility is usually defined as not being able to get pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. A broader view of infertility includes not being able to carry a pregnancy to term. 

There are many causes of infertility.  For about 4 couples in 10 it will relate to a sperm problem. In another 4 couples in 10 there will be a female reproductive cause.  Sometimes there is a combination of factors.

If you are female, your fertility may depend on:

• your age
• if you have any problems with your fallopian tubes
• if you have endometriosis or an ovulation problem
• any fibroids
• pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Adult males may be affected by:

• problems with the tubes connected to the testes
• low sperm production
• high numbers of abnormal sperm
• genetic problems
• problems with sperm DNA.

Follow the links below to find trusted information about infertility.