Female infertility

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Definition

Female infertility, male infertility or a combination of the two affects millions of couples in the United States. An estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of couples are classified as infertile, which means that they've been trying to get pregnant with frequent, unprotected intercourse for at least a year with no success.

Of all couples classified as infertile, female infertility accounts for about 40 percent to 50 percent. In 30 percent to 40 percent of infertile couples, the man's sperm is the cause, while the remaining 10 percent to 30 percent either is attributed to both male and female infertility or is unexplained.

The cause of female infertility can be difficult to diagnose, but there are many resources and therapies available to treat it. And sometimes, treatment isn't necessary: Half of all infertile couples will go on to conceive a child spontaneously within the next 36 months.

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Symptoms