In general, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Because fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of unprotected sex.

Infertility is not always a woman’s problem. Both men and women can contribute to infertility.  Many couples struggle with infertility and seek help to become pregnant, but it is often thought of as only a woman’s condition.  Male infertility is responsible for 20–30% of infertility cases, while 20–35% is due to female infertility, and 25–40% is due to combined problems in both parts.  In 10–20% of cases, no cause is found.

Infertility can be treated with medicine, surgery, intrauterine insemination, or assisted reproductive technology.