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Infertility

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Barren; Inability to conceive; Unable to get pregnant

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the cause of infertility. It may involve:

• Simple education and counseling
• Medicines to treat infections or promote ovulation
• Highly sophisticated medical procedures such as in vitro fertilization

It is important for the couple to recognize and discuss the emotional impact that infertility has on them as individuals and together and to seek medical advice from their health care provider.

Support Groups:

Many organizations provide informal support and referrals for professional counseling. See infertility - support group .

Expectations (prognosis):

A cause can be determined for about 85- 90% of infertile couples.

Appropriate therapy (not including advanced techniques such as in vitro fertilization) allows pregnancy to occur in 50 - 60% of previously infertile couples.

Without any treatment intervention, 15 -  20% of couples previously diagnosed as infertile will eventually become pregnant.

Complications:

Although infertility itself does not cause physical illness, the psychological impact of infertility upon individuals or couples affected by it may be severe. Couples may encounter marital problems, as well as individual depression and anxiety.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are unable to achieve a desired pregnancy.

References:

Speroff L, Fitz M. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. 7th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.

Stenchever A. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:1204-1206.

• Review Date: 5/15/2006
• Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMedHealthcare Network.

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