What is Infertility? (Introduction)

Infertility means not being able to conceive after a period of regular, unprotected sex. It is a medical condition, it is common, and it is not anyone's fault.

How it is defined

• Under 35 years: no pregnancy after 12 months of trying
• 35 years or older: no pregnancy after 6 months of trying
• Earlier checks are reasonable if there are known risks, such as irregular periods, previous pelvic infection, endometriosis, known male factors or cancer treatment

Primary and secondary

• Primary infertility: a couple has never conceived.
• Secondary infertility: a couple has conceived before but now cannot.

Who is affected

Roughly one in six couples worldwide faces infertility. In about a third of cases the cause is mainly in the woman, in about a third mainly in the man, and the rest involve both or remain unexplained. Both partners should be checked.

The good news

Many causes can be treated, and many couples conceive with simple measures, medicines or assisted reproduction. Outcomes depend on age and cause, so seeing a specialist early helps.

Emotional side

Infertility can bring stress, grief and pressure from family. Support, counselling and open talk between partners matter.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes difficulty conceiving as vandhyatva and discusses it in terms of healthy shukra (male reproductive tissue) and artava (female reproductive tissue). This is an interpretive framework and not a proven explanation.

Key point

Infertility is a shared medical issue. Early evaluation of both partners gives the best chance.

Before your appointment

Come as a couple if you can. Note how long you have been trying, cycle length and regularity, past pregnancies, surgeries, infections and medicines. Bring past reports and, if available, a semen analysis. List supplements and herbs you take, along with smoking, alcohol and exercise habits. Ask about tests, treatment options, costs, success rates and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.