Frequently Asked Questions

Frequent intercourse (every 1 to 2 days) yields the highest pregnancy rates, but results achieved with less frequent intercourse (two to three times per week) are nearly equivalent. The best time to conceive is during the 6-day interval ending on the day of ovulation.[1]

The most recent estimates indicate infertility affects about 10% of the population during their childbearing years.[2] The most rapid decline in fertility potential among women occurs from age 35.[3]

Sterility is rare. In a large UK survey only 2.4% of women aged 40–55 years reported unresolved infertility with no pregnancies over their reproductive years. Further 1.9% never gave birth despite achieving pregnancy.[4] For most couples, expectations of a successful pregnancy are realised even if a little help is needed along the way.

While many people associate infertility with women, it actually occurs equally among women and men. Male infertility is the primary diagnosis in approximately 25% of cases and contributes to a further 15–25% of the remaining cases.[5] It is important that both partners are thoroughly investigated to determine the right course of action.

Semen quality and quantity may affect the ability of sperm to successfully fertilize the egg. Sperm movement is an important factor. Even with a low sperm count, men who have highlight mobile or ‘motile’ sperm may still be fertile.

Improvements in medication, microsurgery and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) make pregnancy possible for a majority of the couples pursuing treatments. In particular, success rates have dramatically improved for couples requiring ART. A Danish study from 2009 found that within five years of starting ART treatment, almost 70% of couples had succeeded in having at least one child.[6] It’s important to remember however that the success rate for fertility treatment is not absolute. The outcome will be different for every individual couple and clinic.

No. Many couples are successful in their attempts to conceive using relatively simple, ‘low-complexity’ procedures. Most of the major ART procedures, like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are now established medical treatments and are no longer considered investigational or experimental.

Plan to have intercourse during the 6-day interval ending on the day of ovulation when the chances of getting pregnant are the highest. If the need to ‘schedule’ intercourse on a particular day or hour adds too much stress, simply increase the frequency of intercourse beginning soon after cessation of menses if your menstrual cycles are regular.[1] Use the Fertility Compass to help you build a personal conception plan to maximize your chances.

Allow yourselves 12 months of trying (6 months if the woman is 35 or more) before seeking medical advice.[7] Some conditions warrant earlier intervention. Take the Fertility Compass test to see if you should seek medical help earlier.

For a healthy woman, the chances of becoming pregnant during any month are about 20% at the age of 30. The odds reduce to 5% by the age of 40.[8] The most rapid decline in fertility potential in any single year has been found to occur at age 35.[3] By postponing the decision to start a family you may increase the probability of facing difficulties when trying to conceive.

Just because you're young and healthy doesn't mean you are necessarily fertile. If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year without success, arrange to see your doctor.[7] Your medical history could be standing in the way of conception. Find out more about the kinds of medical conditions that affect fertility.

If you have concerns about your fertility, discuss them with your general practitioner, family doctor or gynaecologist. Use this tool to prepare to see a doctor.

Try to relax and allow yourselves 12 months of trying (6 months if the woman is 35 or more) before becoming concerned.[7] Some conditions warrant earlier intervention. Take the Fertility Compass test to see if you should seek medical help earlier.

There is cause for optimism. However, your body or your partner’s may have also changed since your last pregnancy. More than half of couples going through fertility treatments are treated for secondary infertility. If you haven’t become pregnant after 12 months of trying (6 months if you’re over the age of 35) seek advice from your doctor.[7]

Some men may have a very low sperm count, low sperm motility or poor-quality sperm and still ejaculate. In some cases, ejaculate may contain no sperm at all. There’s no way of knowing what ejaculate contains, unless it’s analysed in a laboratory.

Fertility problems in women can take many forms, including ovulatory or hormonal disorders, anatomical irregularities, chromosomal disorders and other causes that remain unexplained. One common problem that lies at the root of many causes is age. The fertility potential of women declines rapidly from the age of 35. Read about the impact of age on the reproductive system.

The major cause of infertility in men is the failure to produce enough healthy sperm. Azoospermia (a complete absence of sperm in the semen) and oligospermia (in which too few sperm are produced) both cause infertility. Sperm abnormalities, sperm antibodies or anatomical factors may also cause fertility problems. Learn more about the male reproductive system and conception difficulties.

Your doctor will typically begin with the simplest and least-invasive tests like palpation, blood and sperm test and ultrasound. If the cause is not immediately identified, more complex tests may be scheduled. Find out more about fertility tests and treatments.