The Facts About Infertility, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A couple is generally considered infertile if they are unable to achieve conception after a year. Infertility is a problem which affects up to 10 percent of all married couples. Because infertility is a disorder of couples, Loma Linda University Center for Fertility and In Vitro Fertilization evaluates each partner. A male problem is identified in 40 percent of the cases, a female problem is found in 40 to 50 percent, and both male and female problems exist in 20 percent. Although 10 percent of the couples who undergo testing are classified as "unexplained," this group is now better understood due to current advances in immunology, biochemistry, and reproductive medicine.

The length of time required for an infertility evaluation depends upon the nature and severity of the problem. Evaluation may take several months, and therapy may take a year or more. However, a pregnancy results for more than 50 percent of the couples who undergo treatment.