A woman's eggs need to be released regularly. Hormone therapy or surgery may help an ovulation problem. A man must produce enough motile sperm. Hormone therapy or surgery can treat some sperm problems. The egg and sperm must be able to meet.
Surgery can often treat a blockage in either partner.
A fertilized egg must implant in the uterus. Hormone therapy may help implantation problems. Diagnosing the problem is the first step in the process. This includes a complete examination of both partners and various laboratory studies, such as semen analysis, post coital test, hysterosalpingogram, endometrial biopsy and proof that ovulation has occurred. Ultimately, outpatient surgery such as laparoscopy might be necessary.