Evaluation of the infertile couple

Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to become pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse. Infertility is a common condition: in any given year, about 15 percent of the couples in the United States who are trying to conceive are infertile.

The ability of a couple to become pregnant depends on several factors in both the male and female partners. Among all cases of infertility, about 20 percent can be traced to male factors, 40 percent can be traced to female factors, 30 percent can be traced to factors in both the male and female partners. In about 15 percent of couples, the etiology for infertility cannot be traced to specific factors in either partner.

Because fertility involves a complex interaction of male and female factors, doctors routinely involve both partners in the evaluation of infertility. Today, many tests are available for evaluating infertility, although these tests may require a substantial commitment of time, money, and effort. It is important to gather information about these tests and to carefully discuss the many options with your doctor.

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