Evaluation of the Infertile Couple

The standard definition of infertility is one year of unprotected intercourse without conception. An infertility evaluation is recommended in couples who have experienced infertility as defined. We will sometimes begin the infertility evaluation sooner in couples who have more obvious barriers to conception including increased age of the female, history of pelvic infection, or known low sperm counts in the male partner. There are three major areas that we are interested in when evaluating the infertile couple. First, is whether a woman is ovulating. Second, is whether her uterus and fallopian tubes are normal. Third, is whether the male has a normal sperm count. Although there are other potential causes of infertility, most couples will have defects in these areas if a problem is to be found.