Infertility

Alternative Names

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of infertility. It may involve:

• Education and counseling
• Medical procedures such as in vitro fertilization
• Medicines to treat infections and clotting disorders, or promote ovulation

It is important to recognize and discuss the emotional impact that infertility has on you and your partner, and to seek medical advice from your health care provider.

Support Groups

Many organizations provide informal support and referrals for professional counseling. See infertility - support group.

Outlook (Prognosis)

A cause can be determined for about 85- 90% of infertile couples.

Getting the right therapy (not including advanced techniques such as in vitro fertilization) allows pregnancy to occur in 50 - 60% of couples who were infertile.

Without any treatment, 15 - 20% of couples diagnosed as infertile will eventually become pregnant.

Possible Complications

Although infertility itself does not cause physical illness, it can have a major emotional impact on the couples and individuals it affects.

Couples may have problems with their marriage. Individuals may experience depression and anxiety.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are unable to get pregnant.

References

Speroff L, Fitz M. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. 7th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.

Stenchever A. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:1204-1206.