Couple Counseling for understanding fertility

What is Infertility?

• In general, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year of unprotected intercourse.

• As aging occurs, egg number, egg quality, and the likelihood of an egg being genetically normal, decreases. Therefore we recommend a fertility evaluation if a couple has been attempting pregnancy for 6 months or more when the woman is 35 years of age or older.

To get pregnant

• A woman’s body must release an egg from one of her ovaries (ovulation).

• A man’s sperm must join with the egg along the way (fertilize).

• The fertilized egg must go through a fallopian tube toward the uterus (womb).

• The fertilized egg must attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation).

• Infertility may result from a problem with any or several of these steps.

Is Infertility just a women’s problem?

• No, infertility is not always a woman’s problem. Both men and women can contribute to infertility.