However, factors such as the woman's age , abnormal menstrual periods, history of pelvic inflammatory disease and whether there has been previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, may warrant earlier investigations and treatment of infertility. Although, infertility by itself may not threaten physical health, it does have a serious impact on the mental and social well being of affected couples.
Infertility affects one in seven couples and affects both men and women.
It is important to remember that the majority of infertile couples can achieve a pregnancy and livebirth with treatment, they are subfertile . Only a minority of patients are sterile, i.e. even with treatment they would be unable to conceive. To help you understand what causes infertility, what investigations are needed and why, and the proposed treatment, a review of how to achieve a natural pregnancy is summarized in the following four topics. All rights reserved . View infertility groups in the United Kingdom .