What is infertility?

Infertility is being unable to have a successful pregnancy.

For heterosexual couples, the term infertility is usually used when pregnancy does not happen after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex. Having regular sex means having sex every 2 or 3 days throughout the month.

Infertility affects about 1 in 6 Australian couples who are trying to fall pregnant.

Infertility can be stressful and frustrating for everyone involved. Often, it takes some time to fall pregnant.

Many couples with fertility problems go on to get pregnant, with or without fertility treatment.

What are the causes of infertility?

About 1 in 3 infertility problems are because of fertility issues with the female.

About 1 in 3 infertility problems are because of fertility issues with the male.

About 1 in 3 infertility problems are because of both female and male fertility issues or for unknown reasons.

There can be many causes of infertility. Things that may cause infertility in both females and males can include:

• smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, or too much caffeine
• being overweight or underweight
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• medical conditions (like diabetes, thyroid disease, or autoimmune diseases)
• genetic causes
• severe stress
• some medicines

Things that may cause infertility in females include:

• older age
• ovulatory disorders (which happen in about 40% of females with an infertility issue)
• damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
• endometriosis
• polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• fibroids
• hormonal issues

Things that may cause infertility in males include:

• low sperm count
• poor sperm movement or shape
• ejaculation disorders (no sperm is released because of a blocked tube or ejaculation failure)
• testicular problems (like undescended testicles or testicular torsion)
• hormonal issues
• older age

How do I talk about infertility with my partner?

For couples trying for a baby, it is normal to feel uncertain, disappointed or anxious. It may affect both partners in the same way or in different ways.

It's good for both of you to say how you feel and talk through any problems.

If there are difficulties between you, talk to your doctor as a couple. Your doctor may refer you both to a counsellor.

You can also use support services like Your Fertility and Relationships Australia.

How can I improve my chances of pregnancy?

Age

Age is an important factor for females. Your fertility starts to go down as you get older, particularly after the age of 35. Men may also have reduced fertility as they age.

Some females freeze their eggs when they are younger. This can improve their chances of having a baby when they are older. Speak with your doctor if you want to know more about this.

Weight

Your weight can also affect your fertility. Being overweight or living with obesity changes your hormones. This makes it harder for you to be become pregnant.

You should aim to be at a healthy weight. Being active can also help improve your fertility.

Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs

Quitting smoking can improve your fertility. Smokers are more likely to be infertile than non-smokers. If you quit smoking, the negative effects on fertility are generally gone one year after you stop smoking.

Alcohol and recreational drugs (like cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and ecstasy) have also been shown to affect fertility. They should be avoided if you want the best chance of fertility.

Supplements

For females, taking folate supplements can improve your chance of getting pregnant.

What are the options for treating infertility?

If you are infertile and want to have a child, there are many treatment options. The treatment your doctor suggests will depend on your situation.

Females may be able improve their chance of falling pregnant if they know their most fertile days in the month.

You can treat any underlying causes like endometriosis or sexually transmitted infections.

You can use artificial insemination, or you can get a fertility treatment like in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

You may consider surrogacy or adopting a child.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

When should I see a doctor about infertility?

Talk to your doctor if you're:

• under 35 years and have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months or more
• over 35 years and have been trying to get pregnant for 6 months

See your doctor straight away if you would like to have a child and think you may have fertility problems. This may be because of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), testicular problems or anything else.

Your doctor may suggest a range of tests to work out why you are not getting pregnant.

If the tests show that either you or your partner is infertile, there are fertility treatments available. These include ovulation induction or in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Resources and support

Visit Your Fertility to learn more about how to improve your chance of having a baby.

Read the full definition of infertility.

Visit YourIVFSuccess to search for accredited IVF practitioners near you. There is also information to help you understand the services they offer and view success rates.

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