Infertility: Signs, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Affecting about 15 percent of U.S. couples, infertility is a complex condition with many possible causative factors—and rates appear to be on the rise.

A person or couple is considered infertile if they've been trying to conceive for at least one year if the woman is under 35, or at least six months if she is over 35. Illustration by Fei Meng

Infertility is a condition that affects the reproductive system and affects the body’s ability to conceive. It may result from issues within the man’s reproductive system, the woman’s, or a combination of both. Women who can conceive but are unable to maintain a pregnancy may also be considered infertile.

About 15 percent of U.S. couples are infertile. Between 10 percent and 13 percent of women in the United States of reproductive age experience challenges with either becoming pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. Some sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suggest even higher rates of 19 percent.