Infertility

When Are You Infertile?

Women under the age of 35 years are infertile if they haven’t become pregnant after at least one year of having regular, unprotected sex. If you’re older than 35, you’re considered infertile if you’re not pregnant after six months of trying.

Either the woman or the man may have issues that prevent them from conceiving. In about one-third of all couples, you either can’t identify the cause of infertility or both partners play a role in being unable to conceive.

What Causes Infertility?

The woman’s age is one of the biggest factors affecting fertility. Fertility peaks when women are in their 20s then begins a slow but steady decline from the ages of 30 to 35.

By the age of 35, only 52% of all women trying to get pregnant will conceive within 12 months. Their chances of getting pregnant drops lower every month after the age of 40.

Age is one of the primary causes, but it’s not the only possibility. Men may not produce enough sperm, or their sperm may not be capable of fertilizing an egg. Smoking and some types of medications also can affect male fertility.

Women may have a variety of health conditions that impact their ability to conceive. Endometriosis affects fertility in 24-50% of women who experience infertility. Other possible problems include hormonal disorders that interfere with the release of an egg or uterine fibroids that stop the egg from getting through the fallopian tube.

How is Infertility Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your infertility and your age, so the team at Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples begins with a series of tests to determine the cause.

Medications to increase the number of sperm in men and to stimulate the release of eggs from women’s ovaries are available. Minimally invasive surgery may treat physical issues that interfere with conceiving, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

You may also consider assisted reproductive technology procedures such as:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF): Mature eggs are fertilized in the lab then implanted into the uterus.
• Intrauterine insemination: Sperm placed directly into the uterus using a long, narrow tube
• Third-party assisted procedures: Use of egg donors, sperm donors, or a surrogate to carry the baby

We do not offer IVF, Intrauterine insemination or third party assisted procedures at our practice. If you are considering any of these reproductive technology procedures, a referral will be made to an infertility specialist.