Learn More
See, Play and Learn
Resources
For You
Summary
Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying (or 6 months if the woman is over age 35). If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it is also called infertility. Female infertility can result from age, physical problems, hormone problems, and lifestyle or environmental factors.
Most cases of infertility in women result from problems with producing eggs. In premature ovarian failure, the ovaries stop functioning before natural menopause. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the ovaries may not release an egg regularly or they may not release a healthy egg.
About a third of the time, infertility is because of a problem with the woman. One third of the time, it is a problem with the man. Sometimes no cause can be found.
If you think you might be infertile, see your doctor. There are tests that may tell if you have fertility problems. When it is possible to find the cause, treatments may include medicines, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies. Happily, many couples treated for infertility are able to have babies.
Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health
- Infertility and Women (Hormone Health Network) - PDF Also in Spanish
- Infertility Fact Sheet (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)
- Trying to Conceive (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health) Also in Spanish
-
What are some causes of infertility?
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
Latest News
- Century-Old Technique May Help Infertile Couples Conceive without IVF (05/18/2017, HealthDay)
- Mouse Gives Birth to Pups Using 3-D Printed Ovary (05/16/2017, HealthDay)
Diagnosis and Tests
- Diagnostic Testing for Female Infertility (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - PDF
- Estrogen Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) (American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
- Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy (American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Pelvic laparoscopy - slideshow (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Progesterone Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Prolactin Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Sonohysterography (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) Also in Spanish
Treatments and Therapies
-
Assisted Reproductive Technology: MedlinePlus Health Topic
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
-
Fertility Treatments for Females
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Medications for Inducing Ovulation (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) Also in Spanish
- Ovarian Drilling for Infertility (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - PDF
-
Treatments for Diseases That Cause Infertility
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
-
Treatments for Infertility Resulting from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Also in Spanish
Living With
- Weight and Fertility (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) Also in Spanish
Related Issues
-
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and Cancer
(National Cancer Institute)
Also in Spanish
- Multiple Pregnancy and Birth: Considering Fertility Treatments (March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation) - PDF
- Side Effects of Injectable Fertility Drugs (Gonadotropins) (American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
Specifics
- Endometriosis: Does It Cause Infertility? (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - PDF Also in Spanish
- Fallopian Tubes: Is Pregnancy Possible with Only One? (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Hydrosalpinx (American Society for Reproductive Medicine)
- Hyperprolactinemia (Prolactin Excess) (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - PDF
-
What age-related factors may be involved with infertility in females and males?
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
- What do I need to Know About Conceiving After Tubal Surgery? (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - PDF
Genetics
-
Genetics Home Reference: primary ciliary dyskinesia
(National Library of Medicine)
-
Genetics Home Reference: recurrent hydatidiform mole
(National Library of Medicine)
Statistics and Research
-
Couples With Obesity May Take Longer to Achieve Pregnancy
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
-
Infertility Research at the NICHD
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Infertility, Female
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Reference Desk
-
Female Reproductive System
(National Cancer Institute)
Find an Expert
-
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Also in Spanish
- womenshealth.gov (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health) Also in Spanish
Patient Handouts
- Estradiol blood test (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) blood test (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Prolactin blood test (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish