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Get answers to your female Fertility and Infertility questions.

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Infertility - Symptom

Alternative Names

Inability to conceive; Unable to get pregnant

Symptoms:

The main symptom of infertility is the inability to become pregnant. Specific symptoms depend on what is causing the infertility.

Infertility can cause many painful emotions in one or both partners.

Signs and tests:

When you should seek treatment for infertility depends on your age. It is recommended that women under 30 should generally try to get pregnant on their own for 1 year before seeking testing.

Infertility testing involves a complete medical history and physical examination of both partners.

Blood and imaging tests will be done. In women, this may include:

Blood tests to check hormone levels, including progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone
Checking body temperature first thing in the morning to check if the ovaries are releasing eggs
FSH and clomid challenge test
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
Pelvic ultrasound
Laparoscopy
Luteinizing hormone urine test (ovulation prediction)
Thyroid function tests

Tests in men may include:

Sperm testing
Testicular biopsy (rarely done)

Pelvic laparoscopy

Female reproductive anatomy

Male reproductive anatomy

Primary infertility

Sperm

Reviewed last on: 2/28/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Jose-Miller AB, Boyden JW, Frey KA. Infertility. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(6):894-856.

Lobo RA. Infertility: etiology, diagnostic evaluation, management, prognosis. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap 41.

Speroff L, Fitz M, eds. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.

Brassard M, Melk YA, Baillargeon JP. Basic Infertility Including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Medical Clinics of North America. Sept 2008;92(5).

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