Fertility is a person’s ability to conceive children. In general, when a woman is unable to get pregnant even after at least one year of unprotected sex, she is considered to have infertility and her doctor will begin evaluating the possible causes. Of course, infertility is not strictly a female problem.In both men and women, factors that can contribute to infertility include age, smoking, alcohol and drug use, certain medications, cancer treatments, and certain medical conditions.
Women or men who are having trouble conceiving should ask their doctor for a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist, who can help identify the possible causes, recommend treatments, and discuss options including artificial insemination and assisted reproductive technology.
