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What is Infertility?

Infertility is a condition of the male or female reproductive system characterised by the failure to conceive following at least 12 months of frequent unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility can result from male, female, or unexplained reasons.

A medical condition can cause infertility in either you or your partner or by a combination of conditions that impair pregnancy. However, several safe and effective treatments can improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Early treatment of infertility is critical since it enhances the chances of successful pregnancy. Early intervention can assist in identifying and treating underlying reasons, such as hormone imbalances, obstructed fallopian tubes, or male reproductive disorders. Delaying therapy may aggravate diseases, diminish success chances with assisted reproductive technologies, and drastically limit treatment alternatives. Addressing infertility early on enhances the possibility of successful therapy and conception.

What are the Common Symptoms of Infertility?

The key indicator of infertility is the inability to conceive after six months or a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. You may not experience any additional symptoms. However, some women and men may experience physical symptoms such as:

  • Pelvic or abdominal pain.
  • Irregular vaginal bleeding, irregular periods, or no menstruation.
  • Ejaculatory or penile disorders.

Types of infertility

There are various types of infertility, including:

  • Primary infertility: This occurs when you have never been pregnant and are unable to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse (or six months if you are 35 or older).
  • Secondary infertility: This is the inability to conceive after at least one successful pregnancy.
  • Unexplained infertility: Fertility testing has not identified a reason why a woman or couple is unable to conceive.

Causes and Risk Factors of Infertility

Causes

The causes of infertility might impact any partner.

The causes of infertility in women

Ovulation problems are the leading cause of infertility in women. Ovulation is when your ovary releases an egg to meet sperm and fertilise.

The following causes can contribute to female infertility:

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
  • Primary ovarian insufficiency or insufficient egg quality.
  • Sickle-cell anaemia.
  • Uterine fibroids and uterine polyps.
  • Thyroid illness.
  • Previous surgical sterilisation (tubal ligation or salpingectomy).
  • Genetic or chromosomal problems.
  • Sexual dysfunction.
  • Your ovaries may be missing due to surgery or congenital defects.
  • Menstrual cycles are infrequent or absent.
  • Endometriosis.
  • Your vagina, uterus, or fallopian tubes may be structurally abnormal.
  • Autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease and lupus.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID.
  • Disorders affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

Causes of infertility among males

Male infertility is most commonly caused by issues with sperm shape, movement (motility), or quantity (low sperm count).

The causes of male infertility include:

  • Enlarged veins (varicocele) in your scrotum
  • Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition.
  • Chromosomal disorders, including Klinefelter syndrome.
  • Injury to the scrotum or testicles.
  • Hypogonadism (low testosterone).
  • Misuse of anabolic steroids.
  • Sexual dysfunction includes erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, premature ejaculation, and retrograde ejaculation.
  • Undescended testicles.
  • Previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
  • The lack of testes might be surgical or congenital.
  • Vasectomy

Risk Factors

The risk factors for infertility are:

  • Age, particularly in your late thirties or forties. Men's fertility begins to decline at the age of 50.
  • Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
  • Excessive alcohol use.
  • Toxic environmental exposures include chemicals, lead, and pesticides.
  • Over-exercising.
  • Radiation treatment or chemotherapy.
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • Smoking and using tobacco products.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Being overweight or underweight.
  • Abnormalities of the brain's hormone-producing areas (hypothalamus or pituitary).
  • Chronic ailments and diseases

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Infertility

Recent advances in infertility treatment include genetic screening for embryos using Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and stem cell therapy to restore damaged reproductive tissue. Cryopreservation allows women to save their eggs for later use, while non-invasive hormonal treatments improve fertility control in disorders such as PCOS and endometriosis. These improvements increase success rates and provide more individualised, effective options for infertile couples.

Infertility Prevention Tips

You can take the following precautions to protect your fertility, especially while attempting to conceive:

  • Eat a well-balanced diet and stay within a healthy weight range
  • Do not smoke, abuse medicines, or consume alcohol
  • Get treatment for STIs
  • Limit your exposure to environmental contaminants.
  • Stay physically active, but don't overdo it
  • Don't wait till later in life to conceive
  • Follow fertility preservation methods (freezing eggs or sperm)

Treatment options for Infertility

In vitro fertilisation (IVF): This involves removing eggs from your ovary and combining them with sperm in a lab dish. Sperm fertilises eggs. A provider places one to three fertilised eggs (embryos) in your uterus.


Cost Start From USD 3500 - USD 4500Explore Options

Intrauterine insemination (IUI): It is a procedure in which healthy sperm is injected directly into the uterus around the time the ovary produces one or more eggs to be fertilised. Depending on the cause of infertility, IUI can be timed with your menstrual cycle or with the use of fertility medications. Your partner or a donor supplies the sperm.


Cost Start From USD 1000 - USD 1500Explore Options

Tests for Men

  • Semen analysis: Your healthcare staff may request one or more sperm samples. Then, a lab examines your sperm sample. In rare circumstances, urine may be analysed to determine whether it contains sperm.
  • Hormonal testing: You may be given a blood test to determine your testosterone and other male hormone levels.
  • Genetic testing: This can be done to determine whether a genetic abnormality is the cause of infertility.
  • Testicular biopsy: This treatment involves removing a sample of testicular tissue so that a lab can examine it under a microscope. It may be used in rare cases to determine whether there is a blockage in the reproductive system that prevents sperm from exiting the body in semen.

Tests for Women

Ovulation tests: A blood test measures hormone levels to determine whether you are ovulating.

Thyroid function tests: If your doctor suspects that a thyroid condition causes your infertility, you can have this blood test. If the gland produces too much or too little thyroid hormone, it may cause problems with fertility.

Hysterosalpingography: Hysterosalpingography examines the status of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It also checks for obstructions in the fallopian tubes and other issues.

Ovarian reserve testing: This allows your care team to determine how many eggs you have for ovulation. The procedure frequently begins with hormone testing early in the menstrual cycle.

Hormone testing: These measure the levels of hormones that regulate ovulation. They also examine pituitary hormones, which regulate reproductive processes.

Infertility rehabilitation focuses on improving general health and managing fertility-related issues. This includes:

Lifestyle Changes: Eating a good diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can all enhance reproductive health and increase the likelihood of conception.

  • For ovulation-related infertility, your healthcare provider may prescribe substances to induce ovulation and enhance egg release.
  • These medications can help regulate irregular ovulation or restart ovulation that has halted.
  • Prescription medications may also boost ovarian function and increase the odds of pregnancy.
  • Examining each fertility medicine's potential benefits and hazards with your doctor is critical to selecting the best treatment option.

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Hospitals for Infertility in India

Ruby Hall Clinic: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Ruby Hall Clinic

Pune, India

Ruby Hall Clinic located in Pune, India is accredited by NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Ruby Hall Clinic brought in Intensive Care and Coronary care units as early as in 1969.
  • It was the pioneer in terms of having achieved the first successful Kidney Transplant and test tube baby in Pune and being the initiator for Cobalt Therapy to ensure Cancer treatment.
  • Imaging advancement is being used in the hospital which is highly advanced known as Positron Emission Tomography.
  • Ruby Hall Clinic is in the possession of two cardiac cath labs and Linear Accelerators.
  • There are as many as 550 in-patient beds which is inclusive of 130 ICU beds.
  • Air Ambulance services are provided by the hospital.
  • There is a multi-organ transplant centre which began operations in the year 1997 and a Neuro Trauma stroke centre.
  • There is also the presence of an independent Stroke Trauma Unit which is fully equipped and enabled with the right units and healthcare personnel.
Aster CMI Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Aster CMI Hospital

Bangalore, India

Aster CMI Hospital located in Bengaluru, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Around 500 bed capacity
  • Primary care to Quaternary care services
  • Outpatient and inpatient departments
  • Day care center for small children
  • Availability of Surgical suites
  • Intensive Care Units
  • 24-hour Emergency and Trauma Care
  • Emergency Unit especially for children
  • Newly launched the Lung and Heart Transplant Centre
  • Video Consultation with doctors available on GraphMyHealth
  • A specialised Aster Center of Excellence for Women & Children
  • Latest Minimally Invasive Procedures being performed
  • Safe Interventional Procedures
  • Control of Infection protocols are strictly followed
  • Aster Holistic Collaborative Care: Aster Palliative Care for lowering suffering if critically ill patients, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Aster Wellness, Psychology, Chronic Pain Management, Nutrition & Dietetic, Podiatry Care etc.
  • 11 Centers of Excellence
  • An academics focus with BSc Program, MEM Program, Pediatric Fellowship Program
  • A streamlined International patient care center with dedicated services and technology enabled processes
Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali

Ghaziabad, India

  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, is a leading multi-speciality hospital with 387+ beds and 37+ clinical specialities, offering advanced care in Cardiology, Neuro Sciences, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Transplants, Gastroenterology, and Reconstructive Surgery.
  • Supported by 389+ doctors and 1038+ trained staff, the hospital combines state-of-the-art technology, including robotic surgery and advanced imaging systems, with compassionate, patient-centred care.
  • Accredited by NABH and NABL, Max Vaishali is a trusted destination for both domestic and international patients seeking high-quality, integrated medical services.

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Why Choose India for Infertility Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing India:

  • Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques.
  • World-class experts include highly experienced doctors, JCI, and NABH-accredited healthcare institutions.
  • Compared to other countries, treatment in Indian hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Indian hospitals provide International patient services, including a multilingual support system.
  • Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, however, it is dependent on the cause. In 85% to 90% of cases, lifestyle changes, medication, ART, or surgery can resolve infertility and allow a woman to conceive.

Endometriosis is associated with infertility. Approximately 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis will become infertile.

People under the age of 35 who are not pregnant after a year of trying should consult a healthcare provider. If you are 35 to 39 years old, get help sooner (after six months of trying). If you are 40 or older, you should seek evaluation after less than six months of attempting. Your chances of becoming pregnant decline with age.

The success rate of infertility treatments in India varies according to the type of treatment, age, underlying causes of infertility, and clinical skill. Success rates for procedures such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) usually vary from 30% to 50% every cycle, with more excellent rates reported in women under 35. However, success rates might vary greatly amongst clinics, therefore, tailored consultations are required to determine the likelihood of success for each specific instance.

Complications from infertility therapy include:

  • Higher probability of multiples (twins, triplets, or more): Producing numerous eggs and transferring more than one embryo raises your chances of becoming pregnant with more than one fetus.
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): It is a fertility medication-related illness that produces painful and enlarged ovaries.
  • Ectopic pregnancy: IVF increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
  • Failed cycles: It occurs when you undergo infertility therapy but do not become pregnant.

IVF is regarded as a safe and successful treatment option in India when carried out by competent and certified fertility specialists. However, like with any medical operation, there may be dangers and complications, so speaking with a respected clinic and healthcare provider who can give specialised care and assistance throughout the process is essential.

Gender selection through IVF for non-medical reasons is prohibited in India under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. Gender selection is permitted only when there is a risk of severe genetic disorders associated with a particular gender. However, IVF can be used to screen embryos for genetic diseases through a process called Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). Still, it cannot be used for gender selection unless medically necessary.