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It doesn't mean you'll never be able to get pregnant

	Some couples may need only one type of treatment to get pregnant, but others will need to try more than one. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to learn the most common causes for fertility problems.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today for more detailed information about treatments that work best for fertility problems.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with fertility problems, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about infertility, and expert evidence and advice about treatment options.

Key points about fertility problems

• Fertility problems are very common. In the United States, about 1 in 5 couples seek medical help to have a baby.
• The most common causes in women are ovulation problems and damaged or blocked tubes.
• The most common causes in men are a low sperm count and poor-quality sperm.
• In up to one-third of infertile couples, doctors cannot find a reason for the problem.
• To improve your chances of getting pregnant, your doctor may advise you to have sex two or three times a week.
• If you're a woman aged 35 or older and you're having problems getting pregnant, don't wait more than a year before you seek help. If you've been trying to get pregnant for at least a year, your doctor will be able to suggest some tests to find out what the problem is. Women over 35 will probably be able to get help sooner.

Fertility problems don't seem to be getting more common, but more couples are seeking help than in the past. Also, more couples now delay starting a family until later. But if you’re older, getting pregnant becomes more difficult.. Simultaneously, more couples are seeking more help than in the past because there are now so many treatments that can help them.

If you and your partner have been diagnosed as infertile, it means you've been trying to have a baby for a year without success. It doesn't mean you'll never be able to have a baby. Doctors can't work miracles, but there are treatments that can help, whatever the problem. We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about fertility problems. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you