Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Ask the Expert

Get answers to your fertility or infertility questions by e-mailing Drs. McClamrock and Udoff.

Q&A Archive

Dr. McClamrock's Bio | Dr. Udoff's Bio

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

Related Content

Fertility Services

IVF Success Rates

Patient Success Story

Our Doctors

Infertility

Alternative Names:

Barren; Inability to conceive; Unable to get pregnant

Treatment:

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

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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com