Fertility is the ability to conceive. Conception may take place through sexual intercourse between a man and a woman, or through assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Conception resulting from intercourse occurs after an egg is released from the ovaries during ovulation. It then moves into the fallopian tubes where it is joined by sperm. The fertilized egg (zygote) travels down to the uterus and implants itself into the uterine wall where it normally develops over a 40-week period.  

To maximize chances of conceiving, some women practice natural family planning, which involves using special methods to determine the best times to conceive. Some methods include keeping a fertility calendar to track basal body temperature (when the body is at rest) and monitor cervical mucus changes. This calendar can help women to determine the approximate time of ovulation.

Some women make lifestyles changes to enhance conception, such as taking vitamins and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

When a woman of childbearing age is unable to conceive after a year of having sexual intercourse without using contraception and her partner has no infertility or sterility issues, she is said to be infertile. Some of the most common causes of female infertility include fallopian tube damage or blockage caused by endometriosis or genital infections and ovulation abnormalities caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

In addition to a physical examination, a physician will perform tests to diagnose infertility, such as a series of blood tests and a hysterosalpingography, which is a radiological study that evaluates the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Treatment for infertility depends on the cause and duration of the problem and the couple’s treatment preferences. There are a number of treatment options, including ovulation drugs, surgery and ART. Complications of fertility treatments include multiple pregnancy and miscarriage.