Infertility is defined as trying to get pregnant with frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year with no success.

Infertility results from female factors about one-third of the time and both female and male factors about one-third of the time. The cause is either unknown or a combination of male and female factors in the remaining cases.

Female infertility causes can be difficult to diagnose. There are many treatments, depending on the infertility cause. Many infertile couples will go on to conceive a child without treatment.

The main symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. A menstrual cycle that’s too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent can mean that you’re not ovulating. There might be no other signs or symptoms.

When to seek help can depend on your age:

• Up to age 35, most doctors recommend trying to get pregnant for at least a year before testing or treatment.
• If you’re between 35 and 40, discuss your concerns with your doctor after six months of trying.
• If you’re older than 40, your doctor might suggest testing or treatment right away.

Your doctor might also want to begin testing or treatment right away if you or your partner has known fertility problems, or if you have a history of irregular or painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, repeated miscarriages, cancer treatment, or endometriosis.