The definition of infertility is not being able to conceive a pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse.
Infertility affects around 1 in 6 Australian couples of reproductive age.
The causes of infertility are wide and varied.
They can involve either the male, female, or a combination of both.
This includes issues with the production of sperm or eggs, the function of male or female reproductive systems; and/or hormonal and immune conditions.
In 40% of couples, the cause of infertility is attributed to a sperm factor, in another 40% the cause is found within the female reproductive system, and a third will have a combination of male and female factors.