What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex. If you’re over 35, that timeline shortens to six months. About 15–20% of couples trying to conceive deal with infertility at some point, making it far more common than most people think.

How Common Is Infertility?

Couples under 35 have roughly a 20% chance of conceiving each menstrual cycle. That means about half of all couples will get pregnant within three months of trying, and around 85% within a year. For women over 35, those numbers drop. If you’re trying to conceive in your 40s, talking to a specialist sooner rather than later is a smart move.

Age is one of the biggest factors in both natural conception and IVF success. Learn more about how age affects egg quality and what that means for your treatment options.

What Are the 5 Main Causes of Infertility?

Infertility has several known causes. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the breakdown looks like this:

Many people labeled as “unexplained” may have immune-related issues that prevent an embryo from implanting, or subtle problems with egg quality. Read more about how infertility affects IVF outcomes.

Male infertility is often overlooked, but it accounts for over a third of all cases. There are many common myths about male infertility worth clearing up before assuming the issue is on one side.

How Is Infertility Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Some people need only basic help like ovulation-stimulating medications or IUI (intrauterine insemination). Others need more involved treatment like IVF. A specialist will run tests and build a plan based on your specific situation.

If IVF is recommended, medications play a central role throughout the cycle. You can learn more about the medications used in IVF and how each one works at different stages of stimulation, suppression, and support.

Not sure whether IVF or IUI is right for you? Our IVF vs. IUI comparison breaks it down in plain language.

How Do Doctors Check for Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

The most common test is called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), sometimes called the “dye test.” A small amount of dye is injected through the cervix into the uterine cavity, and x-rays show whether the dye flows freely through the tubes. If it doesn’t, there may be a blockage.

Blocked tubes are often caused by past pelvic infections. Chlamydia is the most common culprit and it frequently causes no symptoms, so many women don’t know they had it. Other causes include endometriosis, prior abdominal surgery, or a history of ectopic pregnancy. For tubal problems, IVF is usually the most effective treatment path.

Laparoscopy is another option that can both detect and treat tubal issues in the same procedure. A uterine evaluation may also be part of your workup.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have Infertility?

Start with your OB-GYN or a reproductive endocrinologist. Both partners should be evaluated at the same time, not one after the other. Infertility testing is straightforward and can usually pinpoint the cause quickly. The sooner you know what’s going on, the sooner you can take action.

The emotional side of infertility is real too. Many couples find it helpful to seek support while going through diagnosis and treatment. You’re not alone in this, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength not weakness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I try before seeing a doctor about infertility?

If you’re under 35, try for 12 months before seeing a specialist. If you’re over 35, don’t wait longer than 6 months. If you have known conditions like endometriosis or irregular periods, see a doctor right away.

Can infertility be treated without IVF?

Yes. Many cases respond well to less invasive options like ovulation medications or IUI. IVF is usually recommended when simpler methods haven’t worked, or when there’s a specific medical reason like blocked tubes or very low sperm count. Learn about the full IVF process step by step.

Is male infertility common?

Very. Male factor infertility accounts for about 35% of all cases, roughly the same as female-related causes. Both partners should be tested at the same time.

What is unexplained infertility?

Unexplained infertility means no clear cause is found after standard testing. It accounts for about 10% of cases. Many experts believe undiscovered immune issues or subtle egg quality problems are often involved, even when tests come back normal.

Can I order IVF medications through Fast IVF if my doctor recommends treatment?

Yes. Fast IVF is a leading international IVF medication provider carrying European-brand medications at significantly lower prices than US retail. You’ll need a valid prescription, and we’ll send you pricing for your full protocol within hours.

Getting a diagnosis is the first step and most people who pursue treatment do eventually get pregnant. If IVF is part of your plan, Fast IVF can help you manage medication costs so the financial side doesn’t add more stress. Get a free quote today and see how much you can save on your IVF medications.