| Statistically, 85 out of 100 women of reproductive age will become pregnant during one year of unprotected vaginal intercourse. Usually, couples are advised to have an infertility evaluation if they cannot start a pregnancy after a year of trying. Couples who have unprotected vaginal intercourse for five years without a pregnancy, even though they are not trying, may learn that one or both of them have impaired fertility. To be sure, both partners need to be tested. Fertility testing for men is generally simpler, less intrusive, and less expensive than it is for women.
In 35-40 percent of infertile couples, the woman has a condition that leads to infertility. In 35-40 percent of infertile couples, the man has a condition that leads to infertility. And in 20-30 percent of infertile couples, both the woman and the man have conditions that lead to infertility.
There are many reasons why a woman may be infertile. She may not ovulate, she may have blocked tubes, her cervix may not produce enough mucus to keep sperm alive, or the lining of her uterus may be unable to accept a fertilized egg. Many tests are performed to determine the reason a woman is infertile. An infertility doctor will help each woman determine the reason for her infertility and what can be done to correct it.
A man may be infertile because he doesn't have enough sperm, there is something wrong with his sperm, or he has blocked tubes. In one of the first tests for a man's fertility, a sample of ejaculate is examined to see if there is sufficient healthy sperm to cause pregnancy.
Treatment varies, depending on the causes. Women who want to be tested should contact an obstetrician/gynecologist who is an infertility specialist. Men who want to be tested should contact a urologist who has experience in fertility testing for men.
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