Consult this PDF if you and your partner have had regular sexual intercourse for more than 12 months without using contraception or becoming pregnant. Failure to conceive may be the consequence of an issue affecting either the woman or the man; this chart primarily addresses potential difficulties affecting women. Female infertility is typically caused by an inability to generate eggs or a blockage in the fallopian tubes. A failure to conceive usually necessitates a thorough examination of both couples, usually by a professional, to determine the underlying cause of the problem.
PREVIOUS PREGNANCY
If you have previously gotten pregnant, either with the same or a different partner, your chances of your current inability to conceive are lowered. However, any of the conditions listed on this chart could occur after a previous pregnancy, therefore an in-depth examination of both partners is still necessary.
INFERTILITY TREATMENT
If self-help techniques are ineffective, you may be recommended for in vitro (test tube) fertilization. The ovaries are induced to generate numerous eggs, which are then extracted by laparoscopy. The eggs are combined with donor sperm and put in the uterus or fallopian tubes either immediately or after being observed to ensure fertilization has occurred. The success rate (as evaluated by the number of babies born) is relatively low; you and your partner should seek independent advice and counseling before beginning such treatment. Medicare may not fund this type of treatment.