Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples and can result from a range of genetic, medical, surgical or trauma related causes. A fertile couple having regular intercourse (every 2 to 3 days) only has a 1 in 6 chance of becoming pregnant every month. After 6 months around 40% of couples will not be pregnant.

Even though infertility is commonly thought of as a female problem, it is actually caused by both male and female factors. In our experience 40% of cases are male related, 35% are female related and 35% are deemed unexplained infertility. In many cases both couples are contributing to their infertility. 

It is advised that women under the age of 35 should seek assistance after 12 months of trying and women over the age of 35 should seek treatment after 6 months of trying for a pregnancy. QFG encourage couples over the age of 30 who are experiencing difficulties to be proactive with their investigations and see a specialist sooner rather than later!