Infertility Definition

What is Infertility?

Infertility is when a couple have been having unprotected regular intercourse for 1 year without achieving a pregnancy. The NICE guidelines suggests that 80% of couples will conceive within the first year of having unprotected intercourse increasing to 90% in the second year.

However, the female’s age is a factor. For example if the woman is over 35 years it may be suggested that the couple approach their GP after 6 months of unprotected regular intercourse if a pregnancy has not occured for further investigations.

Age and Infertility

A woman is born with a fixed number of eggs present in the ovaries. Although a female is born with approximately 500, 000 eggs, not all of these will develop in to mature eggs. A higher portion will be reabsorbed by the body. There is a noticeable decline in the ability to achieve a natural pregnancy from the age of 35. This can be due to the fact that the egg quality reduces with age. This can result in lower number of eggs fertilized and reduced implantation. In addition there is a higher increase fetal abnormality and miscarriage in the older female age group.

Primary Infertility

Primary Infertility is defined as neither partner having achieved a pregnancy.

Secondary Infertility

Secondary Infertility is defined as when a pregnancy has previously been achieved by the couple but regular, unprotected intercourse has not resulted in a second pregnancy.

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