The term infertility is defined as the inability to conceive despite regular and unprotected intercourse for 1 year in the absence of any identified cause. 

About 10% to 15% of couples in the reproductive age are infertile. Infertility affects one in seven couples and affects both men and women.

Infertility causes

Infertility can have different causes. If problems have woman the cause is identified only in the female, if man - the cause is identified only in the male. In 30% of couples, causes can be detected in both partners. In about 10% to 15% of cases, the underlying cause is not yet found by the current diagnostic methods.

They include blocked or damaged Fallopian tubes, endometriosis, failure of ovulation, fibroids and hostile cervical mucus for women and failure of sperm production, low mobility, abnormalities and antibodies for men. This following sections explain all the causes and how we investigate them.

Natural conception is dependent upon several factors and processes. Firstly, the woman needs to produce an egg from one of her ovaries which must be able to travel freely down into the Fallopian tube.

The man has to produce a high number of good quality sperm which are capable of making the journey from the vagina, through the cervix and into a Fallopian tube where fertilization takes place. The timing of sexual intercourse is also crucial as conception can only occur during ovulation (when the female produces an egg). Once fertilization has occurred, a normal uterus is required in order for the embryo to implant and develop.

The following sections describe causes, investigation and treatment options in some detail. If you have specific questions of interest, use the tables below to find your subject area quickly.

If any of the above requirements are not met, the chance of conception occurring naturally is reduced or impossible.