Disruption of ovarian function (presence or absence of ovulation (anovulation) and effects of ovarian “age”) A woman’s menstrual cycle is, on average, 28 days long. Day 1 is defined as the first day of “full flow.” Regular predictable periods that occur every 24 to 32 days likely reflect ovulation. A woman with irregular periods is likely not ovulating. Ovulation can be predicted by using an ovul ...

How Much of a Role Do Genes and Family History Play in Fertility? Can you blame your parents if you’re having trouble getting pregnant? The short answer is probably not. Your family history is not the biggest factor—or even one of the biggest factors—that affects your fertility. Infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. However, that definition i ...

Risk factors Certain factors may put you at higher risk of infertility, including: Age. The quality and quantity of a woman's eggs begin to decline with age. In the mid-30s, the rate of follicle loss speeds, resulting in fewer and poorer quality eggs. This makes conception more difficult, and increases the risk of miscarriage. Smoking. Besides damaging your cervix and fallopian tubes, smoking inc ...

Can infertility in women be prevented? There is usually nothing that can be done to prevent female infertility caused by genetic problems or illness. However, there are several things that women can do to decrease the possibility of infertility: Take steps to prevent sexually transmitted diseases Avoid illicit drugs Avoid heavy or frequent alcohol use Adopt good personal hygiene and health practi ...

What are the types of infertility? Types of infertility include: Primary: A woman who was never pregnant and who can’t conceive after one year of not using birth control. Secondary: Secondary infertility occurs when a woman can’t get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy. SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES What are risk factors for infertility in all genders? These factors increase the r ...

Risk factors Many of the risk factors for both male and female infertility are the same. They include: Age. Women's fertility gradually declines with age, especially in the mid-30s, and it drops rapidly after age 37. Infertility in older women is likely due to the lower number and quality of eggs, and can also be due to health problems that affect fertility. Men over age 40 may be less fertile th ...

Prevention Some types of infertility aren't preventable. But several strategies may increase your chances of pregnancy. Couples Have regular intercourse several times around the time of ovulation for the highest pregnancy rate. Intercourse beginning at least five days before and until a day after ovulation improves your chances of getting pregnant. Ovulation usually occurs in the middle of the cy ...

Ovulation problems: An ovulation problem occurs when eggs don't mature in the ovaries or when the ovaries fail to release a mature egg. This is sometimes known as premature ovarian failure. Ovulation problems are common in women with infertility. Possible symptoms: Absent or infrequent periods, unusually light or heavy menstrual bleeding, or lack of such premenstrual symptoms as bloating or breas ...