Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Infertility?
A primary care doctor or a gynecologist, a doctor for women's health, often starts an infertility evaluation. A urologist, a doctor for men's health, may check the man. A fertility specialist can guide treatment. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is infertility?
Infertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). It can also mean a woman cannot carry a pregnancy to term. Doctors say it is infertility after 1 year of regular sex without birth control. For a woman older than 35, the time is 6 months.
There are 2 types of infertility. Primary infertility means no pregnancy after at least 1 year of sex without birth control. Secondary infertility means a couple got pregnant once but now cannot.
About 9% of men and about 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have had fertility problems.
Symptoms
The main sign of infertility is not being able to get pregnant. A case may have one cause, several causes, or no cause that can be found.
Causes and who gets it
Many medical conditions can cause infertility. It may be due to conditions in the woman, the man, or both. Problems in the man are just as likely as problems in the woman.
In women, causes can include:
- Not releasing an egg (failure to ovulate).
- Growths in the uterus and cervix, such as fibroids or polyps.
- Scarring or swelling of the fallopian tubes from a pelvic infection.
- Thyroid disease.
In men, causes can include:
- A lower number of sperm.
- A blockage that stops sperm from being released.
- Defects in the sperm.
Smoking, too much alcohol, and being overweight or underweight can also cause it in women. Age matters too. The chance that a woman can get pregnant begins to decrease around age 35, and especially after age 40. Healthy couples under age 30 who have sex regularly have about a 20% chance of getting pregnant each month.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors ask about your health history, do a physical exam, and order lab tests. Blood and imaging tests are most often needed.
Tests in women may include:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels.
- Home urine ovulation kits.
- A pelvic ultrasound to evaluate the uterus.
- An HSG, a test that looks for blockages in the fallopian tubes.
- Thyroid function tests.
Tests in men may include:
- Sperm testing.
- An exam of the testes and penis.
- Blood tests to check hormone levels.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of infertility. Treatments range from medicine to surgery. Some use assisted reproductive technology (ART). Other treatments include medicine to start ovulation and intrauterine insemination (IUI). In vitro fertilization (IVF) is another option.
Couples can raise their chances each month by having sex at least every 2 days before and during ovulation. Women who weigh too little or too much may improve their chances by reaching a healthier weight.
Most couples with infertility become pregnant after treatment. As many as 1 in 5 couples diagnosed with infertility eventually become pregnant without treatment. Testing and treatment are stressful for most couples.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you are not able to get pregnant. Couples should see a provider if they have had unprotected sex for 1 year without a pregnancy. If the woman is older than 35, talk to a provider after 6 months.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can start the evaluation with a medical history and physical exam.
Common questions
How long should we try to get pregnant before seeing a doctor?
Couples should see a provider after 1 year of trying. If the woman is older than 35, they should go after 6 months.
Can a man be the cause of infertility?
Yes, problems in the man are just as likely as problems in the woman. Sperm testing is one of the tests that may be done for men.
Can infertility be treated?
Yes, and the right treatment depends on the cause. Most couples with infertility become pregnant after treatment.
What is the difference between primary and secondary infertility?
Primary infertility is when a couple has not become pregnant after at least 1 year of trying. Secondary infertility is when a couple has gotten pregnant before but now cannot.
Can infertility be prevented?
Some steps may lower your risk. Preventing sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, may reduce your risk. A healthy diet, weight, and lifestyle may also increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
