Fertilidad

Infertility and when to get help

Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026

Solo en inglés por ahora

Infertility means not getting pregnant after a year of regular sex without contraception. It is common, affects men and women, and help is available.

What infertility means

Doctors call it infertility when a pregnancy does not happen after 12 months or more of regular sex without contraception. It is common. Worldwide, about 1 in 6 people of reproductive age are affected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is called primary infertility if you have never been pregnant, and secondary infertility if you have been pregnant before.

Common causes

Causes can come from either partner, from both, or remain unexplained. In women, common causes include not ovulating regularly, conditions of the ovaries such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome, now also called PMOS), blocked or damaged fallopian tubes and endometriosis. Fibroids can sometimes play a part. In men, problems include low numbers of sperm, or sperm that are an unusual shape or do not move well. In about a quarter of cases, no cause is found.

Things that can affect fertility

Fertility declines with age. Smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, being overweight or underweight, and a lot of physical or emotional stress can also play a part. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect fertility, too. Some of these factors can be changed, and a doctor or nurse can help with support to stop smoking or reach a healthy weight.

When to see a doctor

If you are under 35, see a doctor or nurse after a year of trying. From 35, US guidance advises going after 6 months of trying, and UK guidance says women aged 36 and over should go sooner than a year. Over 40, it is worth asking for tests straight away. At any age, go early if your periods are irregular or have stopped, you have endometriosis, or you know of a possible problem. Your cycle history from Ciclo can help show the doctor your pattern.

Tests and treatment

A doctor can arrange tests to look for a cause, in both partners where needed. Treatment depends on the cause. It may include medicines to help you ovulate, surgery, or assisted conception such as putting sperm directly into the womb (IUI, intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in vitro fertilisation, where eggs are fertilised in a lab and then put into the womb). Access and cost vary a lot between countries. Infertility can bring real stress, anxiety and low mood, so ask about emotional support as well.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your fertility, talk to a doctor or nurse.