Infertility (NHS)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: NHS (National Health Service, UK) · Published: September 15, 2026 · Accessed: September 15, 2026

Visit the source ↗

Claims this source supports

  • Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive) despite having regular unprotected sex; around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving.
  • Age is one of the factors that can affect fertility: fertility declines with age.
  • It's a good idea to see a GP if you have not conceived after a year of trying; women aged 36 and over, and anyone already aware they may have fertility problems, should see their GP sooner.
  • Common causes of infertility include lack of regular ovulation (the monthly release of an egg), poor quality semen, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, and endometriosis; in a quarter of cases it is not possible to identify the cause.
  • Fertility treatments include medical treatment for lack of regular ovulation, surgical procedures, and assisted conception such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF; the treatment offered depends on the cause.