Are we infertile? Many couples who are trying to have a baby ask themselves this question when they fail to conceive right away. The truth is that, for most people, conception doesn't happen the first time you try. This does NOT mean that you are infertile. Clinically, a couple is only deemed infertile after they have not been able to conceive a child, which results in a successful birth, after 6 to 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without the use of any form of birth control. Approximately 15-20% of all couples are infertile. This means that there is reduced potential for pregnancy. It DOES NOT mean that there is no chance for a pregnancy, this would mean that you were sterile and not infertile. Most couples in their child-bearing years are infertile and not sterile.

Infertility may be temporary and it may be due to many different problems or a combination of problems. Being diagnosed as infertile does not necessarily mean that there is no hope. Many of the causes of infertility can be corrected. Also, the problem of infertility is not always or only the fault of the woman as many people believe. Men are responsible for infertility 35 to 40% of the time. The same percentage is true for women and 15 to 20% of the time both the man and the woman contribute to the infertility. The remaining percentage of cases have no known cause.

There are two basic types of infertility. Primary Infertility is when there has not been any previous pregnancy and Secondary Infertility is when there HAS been previous pregnancy. Both are devastating but not entirely hopeless. To find out if you are infertile, you should see a fertility specialist and undergo testing to determine what is causing your fertility problems. Generally, you should seek this assistance after 12 months unless you have a condition which predisposes infertility such as endometriosis or a previous tubal pregnancy, in which case you can seek assistance sooner.