N
Velvet Digest

How common is female infertility?

Author

Eleanor Gray

Updated on June 11, 2026

Is infertility a common problem? Yes. About 10 percent of women (6.1 million) in the United States ages 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

.

Correspondingly, what are the chances of a woman being infertile?

Age is one of the main factors that can drive up a woman's risk of infertility, which affects approximately 10 percent of women between the ages of 15 to 44. By 40, a woman's chances of becoming pregnant drop from 90 to 67 percent; at 45, a woman has just a 15 percent shot.

is infertility more common in males or females? Men are overtaking women as the root of infertility in relationships, according to a recent study which shows that, for the first time, male causes are more common than female causes in diagnoses of fertility problems.

Also question is, what are the signs of infertility in a woman?

In women, signs of infertility may include:

  • Pain during sex.
  • Heavy, long, or painful periods.
  • Dark or pale menstrual blood.
  • Irregular menstrual cycle.
  • Hormone changes.
  • Underlying medical conditions.
  • Obesity.
  • Not getting pregnant.

What are 4 causes for female infertility?

  • Failure to Ovulate.
  • Problems in the Menstrual Cycle.
  • Structural Problems of the Reproductive System.
  • Infections.
  • Failure of an Egg to Mature Properly.
  • Implantation Failure.
  • Endometriosis.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Related Question Answers

Do infertile females have periods?

Most cases of female infertility are caused by problems with ovulation. Without ovulation, there are no eggs to be fertilized. Some signs that a woman is not ovulating normally include irregular or absent menstrual periods. Ovulation problems are often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Can infertility be cured?

Some causes of infertility can't be corrected. In cases where spontaneous pregnancy doesn't happen, couples can often still achieve a pregnancy through use of assisted reproductive technology. Infertility treatment may involve significant financial, physical, psychological and time commitments.

Will I have fertility issues?

Symptoms. The main symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. A menstrual cycle that's too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent can mean that you're not ovulating. There may be no other outward signs or symptoms.

What is the most common cause of infertility in females?

The most common overall cause of female infertility is the failure to ovulate, which occurs in 40% of women with infertility issues. Not ovulating can result from several causes, such as: Ovarian or gynecological conditions, such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

How do you check for infertility?

Specific fertility tests may include:
  1. Semen analysis. Your doctor may ask for one or more semen specimens.
  2. Hormone testing. You may have a blood test to determine your level of testosterone and other male hormones.
  3. Genetic testing.
  4. Testicular biopsy.
  5. Imaging.
  6. Other specialty testing.

How can I boost my fertility?

17 Natural Ways to Boost Fertility
  1. Eat Foods That Are Rich in Antioxidants. Antioxidants like folate and zinc may improve fertility for both men and women ( 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ).
  2. Eat a Bigger Breakfast.
  3. Avoid Trans Fats.
  4. Cut Down on Carbs.
  5. Eat Less Refined Carbs.
  6. Eat More Fiber.
  7. Swap Protein Sources.
  8. Choose High-Fat Diary.

How do I know if my husband is infertile?

Common Signs of Infertility in Men
  • Changes in sexual desire. A man's fertility is also linked with his hormone health.
  • Testicle pain or swelling.
  • Problems maintaining erection.
  • Issues with ejaculation.
  • Small, firm testicles.

What pills can I take to get pregnant?

Types of fertility drugs for women
  • Metformin (Glucophage): This can decrease insulin resistance.
  • Dopamine agonists: These drugs reduce levels of a hormone called prolactin.
  • Clomiphene (Clomid): This drug can trigger ovulation.
  • Letrozole (Femara): Like clomiphene, letrozole can trigger ovulation.

How do you test for female infertility?

Fertility tests may include:
  1. Ovulation testing. An at-home, over-the-counter ovulation prediction kit detects the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs before ovulation.
  2. Hysterosalpingography.
  3. Ovarian reserve testing.
  4. Other hormone testing.
  5. Imaging tests.

What can cause a female not to get pregnant?

Without ovulation, there are no eggs to be fertilized. Ovulation problems are often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormone imbalance problem which can interfere with normal ovulation. PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility.

What causes unexplained infertility?

“The majority of couples experiencing problems with fertility are able to receive an explanation for their infertility. These causes range from low sperm count, poor sperm motility in the man to blocked falllopian tubes or endometriosis in the women.

Can a man be infertile?

Up to 15 percent of couples are infertile. Male infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility.

What percent of couples struggle with infertility?

About 9% of men and about 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems. In one-third of infertile couples, the problem is with the man. In one-third of infertile couples, the problem can't be identified or is with both the man and woman.

What percentage of people can't have kids?

Studies suggest that after 1 year of having unprotected sex, 12% to 15% of couples are unable to conceive, and after 2 years, 10% of couples still have not had a live-born baby. (In couples younger than age 30 who are generally healthy, 40% to 60% are able to conceive in the first 3 months of trying.5)

How many infertile couples eventually conceive?

Quick Facts Without any treatment intervention, 15 to 20 percent of couples previously diagnosed as infertile will eventually become pregnant. More than half of couples who seek infertility treatment get pregnant without advanced techniques such as in vitro fertilization.

What foods kill sperm?

Five foods that decrease sperm health
  • Processed meats. This is not surprising—recent studies link processed meats to all sorts of illnesses.
  • Trans fats.
  • Soy products.
  • Pesticides and bisphenol a (BPA)
  • High fat dairy products.
  • Fish.
  • Fruits and veggies.
  • Walnuts.

Can infections cause female infertility?

Reproductive tract infections — A leading cause of infertility in both men and women is sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea. If untreated — and many infected women have no symptoms — scarring or damage of the fallopian tubes may cause infertility.

What affects female fertility?

Various medical issues can contribute to female fertility problems, including: Ovulation disorders, which affect the release of eggs from the ovaries. These include hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperprolactinemia and thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism).

How do doctors check if you can get pregnant?

Your doctor will give you a pelvic exam. They may also use an ultrasound to look at your ovaries and uterus, and give you a blood test to check your hormones. Sometimes you'll need to start tracking your ovulation patterns by checking your cervical mucus, taking your temperature, or using home ovulation tests.