What Is Infertility?

Infertility is defined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Although conceiving a child may seem to be simple and natural, the physiologic process is quite complicated and depends on the proper function of many factors, as listed by the ASRM, including the following:

Who is affected by infertility?

The average chance to conceive for a normally fertile couple having regular, unprotected intercourse is approximately 25 percent during each menstrual cycle. In most couples, conception occurs within approximately 12 months. However, infertility affects about 10 percent of couples of childbearing age. Infertility is not just a woman's concern. A problem with the male is the sole cause, or a contributing cause, of infertility in about 40 percent of infertile couples. About one-third of infertile couples have more than one cause or factor related to their inability to conceive. About 20 percent of couples have no identifiable cause for their infertility after medical investigation.

What are the risk factors for men regarding infertility?

The following is a list of risk factors related to male infertility (also called male factor or male factor infertility):

• History of prostatitis or genital infection
• Testicular trauma or torsion
• History of precocious puberty (puberty occurring at a young age) or delayed puberty (puberty occurring at an older age)
• Exposure to toxic substances or hazards on the job, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, ethylene oxide, vinyl chloride, radioactivity, and x-rays
• Cigarette or marijuana smoke
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Exposure of the genitals to high temperatures
• Hernia repair
• Undescended testicles
• Prescription drugs for ulcers or psoriasis
• DES taken by mother during pregnancy
• Mumps after puberty