Infertility, a basic understanding
goodtoknow says: Infertility is a very common problem but don't despair. Most couples, around 19 in 20, manage to conceive within two years. There are many causes of infertility. For women, problems with ovulation and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis are often to blame. So is smoking and being overweight. For men, it's usually because they're not making enough good quality sperm to conceive successfully, although alcohol can contribute too. However there are many successful treatments so it's worth talking to your GP if you've been trying to conceive for at least 12 months.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of infertility from patient.co.uk, read on.
About 1 in 7 couples have some difficulty with fertility. There are various causes, some easier to treat than others. This leaflet gives some basic information on the causes of infertility, and some general advice for couples trying to conceive.
What is infertility?
Infertility means difficulty in conceiving (becoming pregnant) despite having regular sex without using contraception. There is no definite cut off point to say when a couple is 'infertile'. Many couples take several months to conceive. About 17 in 20 couples conceive within a year of trying. About 19 in 20 couples conceive within two years.
Looking at this another way, about 1 in 7 couples do not conceive within a year of trying. However, more than half of these couples will conceive over the next year without any treatment.
As a rule, it is worth seeing a GP if you have not conceived after one year of trying. A GP can check for some common causes, talk things over, and discuss possible options.
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karen, about 1 year
Hi, I am 38 years old i have been sterilized (not sure of spelling sorry) i have three children would like another only my docter says i have to go privet but i can not aford this, is there any other way. thank you for your help. Karen
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joanne, about 1 year
adoption is probably the cheapest way but takes along time and alot of paper work then of course surrogacy which is quite expensive my advise to you would be make major cut backs in your everyday living and save hard or alternatavly enjoy and dote on the kids you already have and look forward to being a nanna some day blunt i know but options these days arnt as wide coming
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