BMJ  2003;327:434-436 (23 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7412.434

Clinical review

ABC of subfertility

Extent of the problem

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Introduction

One in six couples have an unwanted delay in conception. Roughly half of these couples will conceive either spontaneously or with relatively simple advice or treatment. The other half remain subfertile and need more complex treatment, such as in vitro fertilisation and other assisted conception techniques; about half of these will have primary subfertility.

Most couples presenting with a fertility problem do not have absolute infertility (that is, no chance of conception), but rather relative subfertility with a reduced chance of conception because of one or more factors in either or both partners. Most couples with subfertility will conceive spontaneously or will be amenable to treatment, so that only 4% remain involuntarily childless. As each couple has a substantial chance of conceiving without treatment, relating the potential benefit of treatment to their chances of conceiving naturally is important to give a realistic appraisal of the added benefit offered by treatment . . . [Full text of this article]

Chance of spontaneous conception

Age
Duration of subfertility
Previous pregnancy
Timing of intercourse during ovulatory cycle
Weight
-->Other factors affecting fertility

Is subfertility getting more common?

Major causes of subfertility

The impact of subfertility

Preconception advice

Managing subfertility

The role of general practitioners

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Rapid Responses:

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subfertility and socioeconomic status

naomi h pfeffer
bmj.com, 23 Aug 2003 [Full text]