Overview
Fertility refers to the ability to conceive and support a pregnancy. Difficulty becoming pregnant is sometimes called infertility, which is commonly discussed when pregnancy has not happened after a period of regular unprotected sex. Fertility is influenced by many factors, including ovulation, the health of the uterus and fallopian tubes, sperm health, age, and overall medical conditions.
Key Symptoms
The main sign of a fertility problem is difficulty becoming pregnant. Some people also notice menstrual periods that are irregular, very far apart, very heavy, or absent, which can suggest ovulation or hormone problems. Pelvic pain, pain during sex, or a history of repeated pregnancy loss may also point to an underlying reproductive health issue.
Causes and Risk Factors
Fertility can be affected by problems with ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine conditions, thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and infections that affect reproductive organs. Age is an important factor because egg number and quality decline over time. Smoking, heavy alcohol use, certain medications, untreated sexually transmitted infections, severe underweight or overweight, and chronic illnesses may also reduce fertility.
Who Is Affected
Fertility concerns can affect adults of reproductive age in all regions and backgrounds. A fertility problem may involve the woman, the man, both partners, or sometimes no clear cause is found. People with irregular periods, prior pelvic infections, endometriosis, past cancer treatment, or older reproductive age may be more likely to face challenges.
Prevention
Not all fertility problems can be prevented, but some risks can be reduced. Protecting against sexually transmitted infections, not smoking, limiting alcohol, managing long-term health conditions, and getting timely care for menstrual or pelvic symptoms may help protect reproductive health. If possible, planning conversations about fertility earlier rather than later can also be useful because age-related changes cannot be fully prevented.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may ask about menstrual cycles, pregnancies, surgeries, infections, medications, and timing of sex. Testing may include hormone blood tests, ovulation assessment, pelvic ultrasound, imaging to check the uterus and fallopian tubes, and tests related to the partner's sperm. Evaluation often looks at both partners because fertility depends on more than one part of reproduction.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause and may include addressing hormone problems, treating infections, managing conditions such as thyroid disease or endometriosis, or procedures to correct some structural problems. Some people may be referred to fertility specialists for additional options and support. The right approach depends on age, test findings, medical history, and personal goals.
Diet and Lifestyle
General health habits can support reproductive health even though they do not solve every fertility problem. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, enough sleep, stress management, and avoiding tobacco may help overall well-being. It is also important to discuss supplements, traditional remedies, and environmental or workplace exposures with a healthcare professional.
When to Seek Medical Care
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you have been trying to become pregnant without success, especially if menstrual periods are irregular or absent, you have pelvic pain, or you have a history of miscarriage, pelvic infection, or surgery. Earlier evaluation may be especially important for people with older reproductive age or known reproductive health conditions. Seek medical advice as well if your partner has known fertility concerns.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
You may want to ask what factors could be affecting fertility, what tests are recommended, and whether both partners should be evaluated. It can also help to ask how age, menstrual patterns, past infections, or medical conditions may play a role. Other useful questions include what treatment categories exist, what follow-up is needed, and when referral to a specialist may be appropriate.