Health Guide

Trying to Conceive: Infertility

A couple is regarded as infertile when they have not conceived after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. About 15% of couples of reproductive age have a fertility problem. Find that hard to believe? That's because most don't talk about it. Three out of five couples conceive within six months of trying, one in four takes between six months and one year. For the rest, conception takes more than a year, which means that there may be a problem of infertility.

The causes of infertility are many and varied and can be related to male or female issues. They include problems with production of sperm or eggs, problems of the fallopian tubes or uterus; endometriosis, frequent miscarriage; and hormonal and autoimmune (antibody) disorders in both men and women.

In about 40% of infertile couples, the problem is a male factor and in about 40% it is due to a female factor. For the remaining 20%, both partners have an infertility problem, or the cause is unknown ("idiopathic").

There is no evidence that stress causes infertility. There is plenty of evidence, however, that infertility causes stress.

Treatments for infertility include surgery to fix blockages of the fallopian tubes, hormone treatments for either partner, insemination of the woman with the sperm of her partner or a donor, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) and related treatments such as GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer). Some people try natural treatments, such as herbs, acupuncture and meditation.

If you are trying to get pregnant , and have not succeeded after a year of trying, you may have a fertility problem, and it is worth seeking medical help.

If you are over 35, and have been trying to fall pregnant without success, it may be a good idea to start checking things out even earlier. Infertility investigations can sometimes take a long time, and if you put off seeking help, you could be leaving it too late.

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