Introduction to infertility

Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected regular sexual intercourse. It does not include conditions causing pregnancy loss. The prevalence of infertility is unclear but may range from 10 to 20% of couples trying for a spontaneous pregnancy.

Fertility may be relevant to all individuals, regardless of gender identity. In this topic, female is used to mean anyone presumed female at birth, and male is used to mean anyone presumed male at birth.

A major factor in infertility is increasing age. A female in her mid-twenties has a 25 to 40% likelihood of conceiving each month. This reduces from her early thirties; by age 40 years, the likelihood is only 5% per month. Male fertility declines from age 40 to 45 years.

General practitioners have a key role in education about pregnancy planning to avoid age-related infertility. Consider also referral indications for specialist fertility preservation.