How common is conceiving problems in couples?

80% of couples who have regular sexual intercourse (2 to 3 times a week) without using contraception will get pregnant within a year. The majority of the remaining 20% will get pregnant within two years of trying. 

An estimated one in seven couples will have difficulty in conceiving in spite of trying to do so for more than two years. They would then be deemed to have pro 

There are several possible reasons why this may be so. In men, infertility is usually caused by 

• low number of sperm
• no sperm at all 
• poor quality sperm

Women on the other hand will become less fertile as they get older. infertility problems affecting women include

• damage to the fallopian tubes 
• endometriosis 
• absent of ovulation

In addition, your lifestyle can also affect your chances of conceiving, particularly if you are a heavy smoker and are significantly overweight or underweight. Sometimes infertility problems can be due to a combination of factors.  In a third of these cases, a clear cause is never established.  

When do I need to get help?

If you have not been able to get pregnant after two years of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, either one or both of you may have a fertility problem. However, you don’t need to wait that long to seek help.

If you are concerned about not being pregnant, you can always come to us; we will give you a physical examination and may recommend some tests or lifestyle changes in order to help you conceive naturally. Should this fail, then only will you be advised to seek fertility treatment.