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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

Nova Fertility Centre, New Delhi: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Nova Fertility Centre, New Delhi

Delhi, India

Nova Fertility Vasant Vihar centre offers a comprehensive Infertility Management programme to couples who face infertility problems in having a child. With around nine years of existence in Delhi, the IVF clinic is a center of excellence for couples looking for fertility treatment. The clinic has the most advanced equipment in the field of laparoscopy and infertility. The embryology lab has well-trained embryologists and support staff. The center deals with various reproductive techniques, such as blastocyst culture and transfer, oocyte/embryo culture, embryo cryopreservation, laser-assisted hatching, and ICSI. There is a highly experienced team of senior doctors which comprises IVF specialists, embryologists, laparoscopic surgeons, and trained technical staff. The clinic ensures complete transparency in treatment, lively environment and the best results.

Max Hospital, Gurgaon: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Max Hospital, Gurgaon

Gurgaon, India

  • Max Hospital Gurugram is a leading multi-speciality healthcare centre in Haryana, renowned for its advanced clinical expertise and patient-focused care.
  • Established in 2007, it is part of the trusted Max Healthcare network and has treated over 500,000 patients across 35+ specialities.
  • The hospital is equipped with modern medical technology, internationally trained doctors, and superior clinical infrastructure.
  • Known for its excellence in Cardiology, Oncology, Neurosciences, Orthopaedics, Gastroenterology, and Women & Child Care, Max Hospital is a preferred choice for both domestic and international patients seeking high-quality treatment with compassionate care.
Batra Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Batra Hospital

Delhi, India

  • More than 35 years of trusted healthcare service
  • Multi-specialty tertiary care with over 30 departments
  • Comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care under one roof
  • International patient coordination team for seamless overseas care

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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.