Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to become pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse if the female partner is under 35 years of age, or six months if the female partner is 35 or older. Infertility is a common condition: in any given year, approximately 30 percent of the couples who are trying to conceive are not able to do so. When a couple experiences infertility, it can be due to medical problems with one or both partners. In some cases, a specific cause cannot be identified.
When a couple is having difficulty getting pregnant, health care providers routinely involve both partners in the evaluation in order to try to diagnose and treat the cause(s). In some cases, there are things a couple can do to increase their chances of getting pregnant. These include keeping track of the female partner's menstrual cycle and timing intercourse.
It may also help to make lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol, caffeine, and other drugs. A health care provider can give advice on when a formal evaluation is indicated and what tests are most appropriate.