What is infertility?

Although it sounds scary, being infertile doesn't mean you'll never conceive a child – it's not the same as being sterile. You get an infertility diagnosis if you haven't become pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sex (or if you haven't been able to get your partner pregnant within that same time frame). But there's a good chance you'll conceive later, either with or without medical help.

Not coincidentally, 12 months is also how long experts recommend trying to conceive before seeing a specialist. If you're 35 or older, doctors recommend seeing a specialist after just six months, even though you wouldn't be diagnosed with infertility until a year has passed.

However, some women shouldn't wait the recommended 6 or 12 months: Consult your ob-gyn sooner if you have a history of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, structural issues with your reproductive system, very irregular cycles, miscarriage, or if your partner has a known fertility issue (such as low sperm count).

What causes infertility? Sometimes doctors can pinpoint the cause, but sometimes not. About 30 percent of infertility cases are due to male fertility issues and another 30 percent to female fertility issues. The remaining 40 percent is from multiple factors involving both partners or due to unknown causes.

About 85 percent of couples trying to get pregnant will conceive within a year, leaving about 15 percent who are infertile. The good news is that many couples coping with fertility problems will be able to conceive. About half of infertile couples pursue fertility treatments, and up to 65 percent eventually have a baby.

Of those who don't pursue treatment, about 20 percent who keep trying longer than the one-year mark conceive without medical intervention.