Human reproduction is a complex process with a series of intricate steps required to accomplish a pregnancy. Humans are remarkably fertile. Most women can conceive and bear children starting in their teenage years. Although most women in industrialized societies, like the United States, have children in their 20s and 30s, women can give birth into their 40s and beyond (pregnancies at advanced ages, however, are relatively rare). And, men can be fertile well into old age.

For most couples trying to have a baby, getting pregnant takes an average of six months. After having frequent, unprotected (without using birth control) intercourse for one year, about 10 percent to 15 percent of couples in their 20s and early 30s have difficulty getting pregnant-difficulty getting pregnant jumps to 40-50% in women in their late 30s and 40s. When this happens, the couple most likely has a problem with infertility.

For many couples trying to conceive, something may go wrong in one or several of these complex processes, thus causing infertility. A couple is usually considered to be infertile when pregnancy has not occurred after one year of unprotected intercourse. Since most couples are able to conceive within this time frame, it is recommend that couples who are not able to do so be assessed, and if needed, be treated for fertility problems.

Last modified on: 30 June 2015