Many couples who do not conceive have specific problems that cause their inability to conceive.
In the United States, roughly 6.1 million men and women, approximately 10% of the reproductive-age population, have complications with fertility. The causes are found equally among women and men, with nearly 35% cases of infertility resulting from the woman, and 35% resulting from the man. In 20% of infertility cases both partners are responsible, and 10% of cases remain unexplained, even after exhaustive testing.
It is important and helpful for both partners to understand the problem(s).
To understand why pregnancy doesn’t happen, some important questions need to be answered:
- Is there a problem with ovulation?
- Is there a sperm problem?
- Can the egg and sperm unite (fertilization)?
- Can implantation occur and can a pregnancy be sustained?
- Is the woman of advanced maternal age?