Infertility is medically defined as occurring when a woman is unable to get pregnant despite having unprotected sex for a year or longer. Because barriers fertility can exist in both men and women, it is often said that the couple, rather than the woman, is experiencing infertility.
What Is Infertility? (Plain Language Explanation)
Infertility refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Infertility
- Symptoms: The specific ways infertility shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen infertility
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When infertility occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Infertility
- Infertility is far more common than most people realize
- Infertility is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with infertility see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about infertility is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing infertility, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.