Also called: Also called: Sterility
Infertility means not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying. If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it is also called infertility. Lots of couples have infertility problems. About a third of the time, infertility can be traced to the woman. In another third of cases, it is because of the man. The rest of the time, it is because of both partners or no cause is found.
If you think you might be infertile, tell your doctor. For a man, a first step is often a sperm test. For women, doctors run tests to see if their ovaries work properly. Women in their 30s who have been trying to get pregnant for six months should consider seeking help. A woman's chances of having a baby drop rapidly every year after age 30.
Drugs or surgery are common treatments. Happily, two-thirds of couples treated for infertility go on to have babies.
National Women's Health Information Center
- Infertility(National Women's Health Information Center) - http://womenshealth.gov/faq/infertility.htm
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Infertility/Fertility
(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) - http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility_fertility.cfm
- Frequently Asked Questions about Infertility(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/faqs.html
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Infertility(Food and Drug Administration) - http://www.fda.gov/womens/getthefacts/infertility.html
Also available in Spanish http://www.fda.gov/womens/getthefacts/spanish/infertility-spanish.html
- Infertility(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/infertility/DS00310/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
- Infertility: An Overview(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Large PDF file - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/patientbooklets/infertility_overview.pdf
- Obesity May Diminish A Man's Fertility(09/19/2008, Reuters Health) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_69464.html
- Assisted Fertilization Risks May Be Due to Infertility(07/31/2008, HealthDay) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_67613.html
- Soy Linked to Low Sperm Count(07/24/2008, HealthDay) - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_67302.html
- More News on Infertility http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_i.html#infertility
- Diagnostic Laparoscopy for Organ Examination(Cleveland Clinic Foundation) - http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/laparoscopic_diagnostics/hic_diagnostic_laparoscopy.aspx
- Estrogen Tests(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/estrogen/test.html
- Female Fertility Testing(American Pregnancy Association) - http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/femalefertilitytesting.html
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/fsh/test.html
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Links to PDF - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/hsg.pdf
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Hysterosonography(American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America) - http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=hysterosono
Also available in Spanish http://www.radiologyinfo.org/sp/info.cfm?pg=hysterosono&bhcp=1
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/lh/test.html
- Progesterone Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/progesterone/test.html
- Prolactin Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/prolactin/test.html
- Saline Infusion Sonohysterography(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Links to PDF - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/SHG.pdf
- Semen Analysis Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/semen/test.html
- Testosterone Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry) - http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/testosterone/test.html
- Embryo Transfer(American Pregnancy Association) - http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/embryotransfer.html
- Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer: GIFT(American Pregnancy Association) - http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/gift.html
- In Vitro Fertilization: IVF(American Pregnancy Association) - http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/ivf.html
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: ICSI(American Pregnancy Association) - http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/icsi.html
- Intrauterine Insemination(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wamo_IUI
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/intrauterine-insemination/MY00104/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all
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Management of Male Infertility(American Urological Association) - http://urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=11&topic=129
Also available in Spanish http://urologyhealth.org/espanol/espanol.cfm?topic=129
- Medical Aspects of Donor Insemination(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wamo_di
- Medical Aspects of Egg Donation(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wamo_deg
- Medications for Inducing Ovulation(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Large PDF file - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/patientbooklets/ovulation_drugs.pdf
- Multiple Pregnancy and Birth: Considering Fertility Treatments(American Society for Reproductive Medicine, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) - Links to PDF - http://www.acog.org/departments/resourceCenter/2006ModAcogAsrmMultiplePregnancyAndBirth.pdf
- Selecting an ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Program(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/select.html
- Side Effects of Gonadotropins(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Links to PDF - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/Gonadatrophins-Fact.pdf
- When to See a Specialist for Infertility(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wdigfh_dinas
- Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer: ZIFT(American Pregnancy Association) - http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/zift.html
- Fertility Herbs and Supplements: Do They Enhance Fertility?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/fertility-herbs/AN01797/METHOD=print
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Psychological Component of Infertility(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - http://www.asrm.org/Professionals/PG-SIG-Affiliated_Soc/MHPG/mhpgfaqs.html
Also available in Spanish http://www.asrm.org/Professionals/PG-SIG-Affiliated_Soc/MHPG/spanishmhpgfaqs.html
- Talking with Family and Friends(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cop_tainf_tfaf
- Tips for Coping with the Holidays(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cop_mis_cwh_gh
- When to Seek Professional Help(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cop_mis_sph
- Fallopian Tubes: Can I Get Pregnant with Only One?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/pregnancy/AN00088/METHOD=print
- Hyperprolactinemia (Prolactin Excess)(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Links to PDF - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/Prolactin_Excess.pdf
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MyOncofertility.org
(Oncofertility Consortium) - Requires Flash Player - http://www.myoncofertility.org
- Secondary Infertility(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wii_si
- Age and Fertility(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Large PDF file - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/patientbooklets/agefertility.pdf
- Cancer and Fertility Preservation(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Links to PDF - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/cancer.pdf
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Disorders Associated with Infertility(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) - http://www.nichd.nih.gov/womenshealth/research/disorders/infertility.cfm
- Fertility and Cancer: What Are My Options?(American Cancer Society) - http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/MBC_2x_Fertility_and_Cancer.asp?sitearea=&level=
- Infertility: Is It Stress Related?(Cleveland Clinic Foundation) - http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/infertility/hic_infertility_is_it_stress_related.aspx
- Optimize My Fertility(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_oyf_home
- Optimizing Your Fertility: Risk Factors(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_oyf_rfac
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)(Genetics and Public Policy Center) - http://www.dnapolicy.org/policy.issue.php?action=detail&issuebrief_id=7
- Smoking and Infertility(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Links to PDF - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/smoking.pdf
- Weight and Fertility(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Links to PDF - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/weightfertility.pdf
- Innovative In Vitro Fertilization Techniques(OR-Live) - Requires media player - One hour program - http://www.or-live.com/distributors/NLM/rnh.cfm?id=228
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MyOncofertility.org(Oncofertility Consortium) - Requires Flash Player - http://www.myoncofertility.org
- Atlas of the Body: Female Reproductive Organs(American Medical Association) - http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ8QKJ56JC&sub_cat=516
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Fertility(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Fertility%22
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Fertilization in Vitro(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Fertilization+in+Vitro%22
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Infertility(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Infertility%22
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Insemination, Artificial(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Insemination,+Artificial%22
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Genetics Home Reference: Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens(National Library of Medicine) - http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=congenitalbilateralabsenceofthevasdeferens
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Acupuncture Shows Promise in Improving Rates of Pregnancy Following IVF(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) - http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/020808.htm
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Clomifene citrate or unstimulated intrauterine insemination compared with expectant management... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18687718&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Fertility preservation in cancer patients. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18686559&tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Pathogenic mechanisms in endometriosis-associated infertility. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18672121&tool=MedlinePlus
- Infertility -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=((infertility,female[majr]+NOT+infertility,male[mh])+OR+(infertility[majr]+NOT+male[mh]))+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+(jsubsetk[text]+OR+review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
- Male infertility -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=((infertility,male[majr]+NOT+infertility,female[mh])+OR+(infertility[majr]+NOT+female[mh]))+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+(jsubsetk[text]+OR+review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus
- Infertility Terms to Know(American Pregnancy Association) - http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/termstoknow.html
- Find a Reproductive Endocrinologist(Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility) - http://www.socrei.org/SREImap.html
- Find a Reproductive Surgeon(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - http://www.reprodsurgery.org/frsia.html
- Find a Urologist(American Urological Association) - http://urologyhealth.org/find_urologist/
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine - http://www.asrm.org/
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National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - http://www.nichd.nih.gov/
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National Women's Health Information Center(Dept. of Health and Human Services) - http://womenshealth.gov/
Also available in Spanish http://womenshealth.gov/espanol/
- State Infertility Insurance Laws(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/insur.html
- Assisted Reproductive Technology(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/ART/
- FASTATS: Infertility(National Center for Health Statistics) - http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/fertile.htm
- Dry Orgasm (Orgasm without Discharge of Semen)(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/mens-health/AN00630/METHOD=print
- Healthy Sperm: Optimizing Your Fertility(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/fertility/MC00023/METHOD=print
- Known Health Effects for DES (Diethylstilbestrol) Sons(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/DES/consumers/about/effects_sons.html
- Low Sperm Count(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/low-sperm-count/DS01049/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all
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Male Infertility(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/men/reproductive/766.printerview.html
Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/men/reproductive/766.printerview.html
- Patient's Guide to Low Testosterone(Hormone Foundation, Endocrine Society) - http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZO7PDVDLC&sub_cat=57
- Retrograde Ejaculation(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/retrograde-ejaculation/DS00913/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
- Vasectomy Reversal(American Urological Association) - http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=11&topic=154
- Freezing Eggs: An Option for Future Pregnancies?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/freezing-eggs/AN01904/METHOD=print
- Hormonal Causes of Ovulatory Disorders(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wii_od
- Hydrosalpinx(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Links to PDF - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/hydrosa.pdf
- Intrauterine Adhesions(American Society for Reproductive Medicine) - Links to PDF - http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/Intrauterine_Adhesions-Fact.pdf
- Known Health Effects for DES (Diethylstilbestrol) Daughters(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - http://www.cdc.gov/DES/consumers/about/effects_daughters.html
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/DS00423/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
- Uterine Factors in Infertility(Resolve) - http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_wii_uf
- Adoption - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/adoption.html
- Reproductive Health - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/reproductivehealth.html
- Female Reproductive System - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/femalereproductivesystem.html
- Male Reproductive System - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/malereproductivesystem.html
- Men - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/men.html
- Pregnancy and Reproduction - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pregnancyandreproduction.html
- Women - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/women.html
The primary NIH organization for research on Infertility is the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - http://www.nichd.nih.gov/
Infertility - Multiple Languages - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/languages/infertility.html