Infertility can be caused by many different things. For 25% of couples, a cause cannot be identified.

Infertility in women

Ovulation disorders

Infertility is most commonly caused by problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg). Some problems stop women releasing eggs at all, and some cause an egg to be released during some cycles, but not others.

Ovulation problems can occur as a result of many conditions, such as: 

• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a condition that makes it more difficult for your ovaries to produce an egg
• thyroid problems – both an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can prevent ovulation
• premature ovarian failure – where a woman’s ovaries stop working before she is 40

Womb and fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes are the tubes along which an egg travels from the ovary to the womb. The egg is fertilised as it travels down the fallopian tubes. When it reaches the womb, it is implanted into the womb’s lining, where it continues to grow.

If the womb or the fallopian tubes are damaged, or stop working, it may be difficult to conceive naturally. This can occur following a number of factors, outlined below.

Scarring from surgery

Pelvic surgery can sometimes cause damage and scarring to the fallopian tubes.

Cervical surgery can also sometimes cause scarring, or shorten the cervix (the neck of the womb).

Cervical mucus defect

When you are ovulating, mucus in your cervix becomes thinner so that sperm can swim through it more easily. If there is a problem with your mucus, it can make it harder to conceive.

Submucosal fibroids

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumours that grow in, or around, the womb. Submucosal fibroids develop in the muscle beneath the inner lining of the womb wall and grow into the middle of the womb.

Submucosal fibroids can reduce fertility, although exactly how they do this is not yet known. It is possible that a fibroid may prevent an embryo from implanting itself into your womb.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where small pieces of the womb lining, known as the endometrium, start growing in other places, such as the ovaries.

This can cause infertility because the new growths form adhesions (sticky areas of tissue) or cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that can block or distort the pelvis. These make it difficult for an egg to be released and become implanted into the womb.

It can disturb the way that a follicle (fluid-filled space in which an egg develops) matures and releases an egg.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper female genital tract, which includes the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It is often the result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). PID can damage and scar the fallopian tubes, making it virtually impossible for an egg to travel down into the womb.

Sterilisation

Some women choose to be sterilised if they do not wish to have any more children.

Sterilisation involves blocking the fallopian tubes to make it impossible for an egg to travel to the womb. This process is rarely reversible, and if you do have a sterilisation reversed, it will not necessarily mean that you will become fertile again.

Medicines and drugs

The side effects of some types of medication and drugs can affect your fertility. These medicines are outlined below.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Long-term use or a high dosage of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can make it more difficult for you to conceive.
• Chemotherapy. Medicines used for chemotherapy (a treatment for cancer) can sometimes cause ovarian failure, which means your ovaries will no longer be able to function properly. Ovarian failure can be permanent.
• Neuroleptic medicines are antipsychotic medicines often used to treat psychosis. They can sometimes cause missed periods or infertility.
• Spironolactone – this is a type of medicine used to treat fluid retention (oedema). Fertility should recover around two months after you stop taking spironolactone.

Illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can seriously affect fertility, making ovulation (the monthly cycle where an egg is released from the ovaries) more difficult.

Age

Infertility in women is also linked to age. The biggest decrease in fertility begins during the mid-thirties. Among women who are 35, 95% will get pregnant after three years of having regular unprotected sex. For women who are 38, only 75% will get pregnant after three years of having regular unprotected sex.

Infertility in men

Semen

Male infertility is caused by abnormal semen (the fluid containing sperm that is ejaculated during sex). Possible reasons for abnormal semen include:

• decreased number of sperm – you may have a very low sperm count, or no sperm at all.
• decreased sperm mobility – this will make it harder for your sperm to swim to the egg
• abnormal sperm – sperm can sometimes be an abnormal shape, making it harder for them to move and fertilise an egg
• many cases of abnormal semen are unexplained, but can be due to a variety of factors

Testicles

The testicles are responsible for producing and storing sperm. If they are damaged, it can seriously affect the quality of your semen. This may occur if you have, or have had in the past, any of the following:

• an infection of your testicles
• testicular cancer 
• testicular surgery
• a congenital defect (a problem with your testicles that you were born with)
• undescended testicles (when one or both of your testicles has not descended into the scrotum)
• trauma (injury) to your testicles

Absence of sperm

Your testicles may produce sperm, but it may not reach your semen. The absence of sperm in your semen is known as obstructive azoospermia. This could be due to a blockage in one of the tiny tubes that make up your reproductive system, which may have been caused by an infection or surgery.

Sterilisation

A vasectomy is the surgical procedure for male sterilisation. It involves cutting and sealing off the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm out of your testicles), so that your semen will no longer contain any sperm. A vasectomy can be reversed, but reversals are not usually successful.

Ejaculation disorders

Some men experience ejaculation problems that can make it difficult for them to ejaculate. Other ejaculation problems include:

• retrograde ejaculation – where semen is ejaculated into your bladder
• premature ejaculation – where ejaculation occurs too quickly

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism is an abnormally low level of testosterone – the male sex hormone that is involved in making sperm. This could be due to a tumour, taking illegal drugs or Klinefelter’s syndrome (a rare genetic condition where a man is born with an extra female chromosome).

Medicines and drugs

Certain types of medicines can sometimes cause infertility problems. These medicines are listed below.

• Sulfasalazine – an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat conditions such as Crohn’s disease (inflammation of the intestine) and rheumatoid arthritis (painful swelling of the joints). Sulfasalazine can decrease the number of sperm, but its effects are temporary and your sperm count should return to normal when you stop taking it.
• Anabolic steroids – often used illegally to build muscle and improve athletic performance. Long-term use or abuse of anabolic steroids can reduce sperm count and sperm mobility.
• Chemotherapy – medicines used in chemotherapy can sometimes severely reduce sperm production.
• Herbal remedies – some herbal remedies, such as root extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii (a Chinese herb), can affect the production of sperm or reduce the size of your testicles.

Illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can also affect semen quality.

Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can damage the quality of your sperm. Guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) state that if men follow the Department of Health’s recommendations of drinking no more than three to four units of alcohol a day, it is unlikely their fertility will be affected. However, drinking more than this could make it difficult to conceive.

Infertility in both men and women

There are many factors that can affect fertility in both men and women. These are outlined below.

Weight

Being overweight or obese reduces both male and female fertility. In women, being overweight can affect ovulation. Being underweight can also have an impact on fertility, particularly for women, who will not ovulate if they are severely underweight.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

There are several STIs that can cause infertility. For example, chlamydia can damage the fallopian tubes in women, and cause swelling and tenderness of the scrotum (the pouch containing the testes) in men.

Smoking

As well as affecting your general and long-term health, smoking can also adversely affect fertility. Read more information about quitting smoking.

Occupational and environmental factors

Exposure to certain pesticides, metals and solvents can affect fertility in both men and women.

Stress

If either you or your partner are stressed, it may affect your relationship. Stress can contribute to a loss of libido (sex drive), which in turn can reduce the frequency of sexual intercourse. Severe stress may also affect female ovulation and limit sperm production.

Some infertility treatments can cause complications, including side effects from medication, multiple pregnancy and stress.

Side effects of medication

Some medications used to treat infertility can cause side effects. These may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• stomach pains 
• headaches
• hot flushes

For a full list of possible side effects, please see the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication, or read our medicines information page.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare complication of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). It occurs in women who are very sensitive to the fertility drugs taken to increase egg production. Too many eggs develop in the ovaries, which become very large and painful.

OHSS is more common in women under 30 and in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). OHSS generally develops in the week after egg collection.

The symptoms of OHSS are pain and bloating low down in your tummy (abdomen), nausea or vomiting. Severe cases can be dangerous. Contact your clinic if you have any of these symptoms.

You may need to go to hospital, so your condition can be monitored and treated by healthcare professionals.

Ectopic pregnancy

If you have IVF, you have a slightly higher risk of an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants in the fallopian tubes rather than in the womb.

If you have a positive pregnancy test, you’ll have a scan at six weeks to make sure the embryo is growing properly and that the pregnancy is normal.

Tell your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding or stomach pain after having IVF and a positive pregnancy test.

Pelvic infection

The procedure to extract an egg from an ovary may result in a painful infection developing in your pelvis. However, the risk of serious infection is very low. For example, there is likely to be less than one serious infection for every 500 procedures performed.

Multiple pregnancy

If more than one embryo is replaced in the womb as part of IVF treatment, there’s an increased chance of producing twins or triplets.

Having more than one baby may not seem like a bad thing, but it significantly increases the risk of complications for you and your babies. These include:

• having a higher risk of miscarriage, anaemia and heavy bleeding; you are also more likely to go into early labour and need a caesarean section or assisted ventouse or forceps delivery
• up to 25% of multiple pregnancies cause pregnancy-related high blood pressure
• being two to three times more likely to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy if you’re carrying more than one baby
• the risk of pre-eclampsia is three times higher for twin pregnancies and nine times higher for triplets

The 2013 NICE fertility guidelines recommend that double embryo transfers should only be considered during treatment in women aged 40-42. Younger women should only be considered for a double embryo transfer if there are no top-quality embryos.

Read more about the risks of multiple births on the One at a time website.

Stress

Infertility can be stressful and put a strain on relationships. It may be helpful to join a support group, where you can talk through your feelings with others experiencing similar problems.

Finding out you have a fertility problem can be traumatic, and many couples find it helpful to talk to a counsellor. They can discuss treatment options, how they may affect you and the emotional implications. Your GP should be able to refer you to a counsellor as part of your fertility treatment.

Read more about managing stress.

Around 84% of couples conceive naturally within one year of having regular (every two to three days) unprotected sexual intercourse. You should visit your GP if you have not conceived after one year of trying.

You should visit your GP sooner if:

• you have any reason to be concerned about your fertility – for example, if you have had treatment for cancer
• you are a woman aged 36 and over

Fertility testing and investigation can be a lengthy process, and female fertility decreases with age, so it is best to make an appointment early on.

Your GP will be able to advise about what to do next, and carry out an initial assessment to investigate things that may be causing your fertility problems.

It is always best for both partners to visit their GP, because fertility problems can affect a man or a woman, and sometimes both partners.

The process of trying to conceive can be an emotional one, so it is important to support each other as much as possible. Stress is just one of the things that can affect fertility.

Medical, sexual and social history

When you visit your GP, they will want to discuss your full medical, sexual and social history. This will help them identify what may be causing fertility problems.

Age

Fertility in women declines with age, and your GP can discuss this with you.

Children

If you are a woman, your GP will want to discuss any previous births and any related complications with your pregnancy. They will also ask about any miscarriages you may have had.

If you are a man, you will be asked whether you have had any children from previous relationships.

Length of time trying to conceive

Your GP will ask how long you have been trying to conceive. A study has found that couples having regular unprotected sex:

• aged 19-26 – 92% will conceive after one year and 98% after two years
• aged 35-39 – 82% will conceive after one year and 90% after two years

If you are young and healthy, and you have not been trying for a baby for very long, you may be advised to keep trying for a little longer.

Sex

You will be asked how often you have sex, and whether you have any difficulties during sex. You may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about discussing your sex life with your GP. However, it is very important to be open and honest. If the fertility problem is to do with sex, it might be overcome easily.

Length of time since stopping contraception

You will be asked about the type of contraception you previously used, and when you stopped using it. It can sometimes take a while for certain types of contraception to stop working, and this may be affecting your fertility.

Medical history and symptoms

Your GP will want to discuss any medical conditions you have, or have had in the past, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are a woman, your GP may ask how regular your periods are and whether you experience any bleeding between periods or after sex.

Medication

The side effects of some medications can affect your fertility. Your GP will look at any medication you are taking, and might discuss alternative treatments with you. You should mention any non-prescription medication you are taking, including herbal medicines.

Lifestyle

Several lifestyle factors can affect your fertility. Your GP will want to know:

• if you smoke
• how much you weigh
• how much alcohol you drink
• whether you take any illegal drugs
• if you are stressed

They may recommend changes to your lifestyle to increase your chances of conceiving. Read more about preventing infertility.

After taking a medical, sexual and social history, your GP may carry out a physical examination, or refer you for tests.

During a physical examination, your GP may:

• weigh you, to see if you have a healthy body mass index (BMI) for your height and build
• examine your pelvic area, to check for infection, lumps or tenderness, which could be an indication of fibroids, ovarian tumours, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (see causes of infertility)

After your medical history and physical examination have been considered, you may be referred to a specialist infertility team at an NHS hospital or fertility clinic for further tests and procedures. These are outlined below.

Tests for women

For women, a number of tests can be used to try and establish the cause of infertility.

Hormone tests

A sample of your blood can be tested for a hormone called progesterone, to check whether you are ovulating. The timing of the test is based on how regular your periods are.

If you have irregular periods, you will be offered a test to measure hormones called gonadotrophins, which stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.

Checking your ovaries

Your ovaries may be tested before you are offered fertility drugs. This may be either a blood test to measure certain hormones or an ultrasound scan to examine the follicles in your ovaries.

Chlamydia test

Chlamydia is an STI that can affect fertility. A swab (similar to a cotton bud, but smaller, soft and rounded) is used to collect some cells from your cervix to test for chlamydia. If you have chlamydia, you will be prescribed antibiotics to treat it.

Hysterosalpingogram

A hysterosalpingogram is a type of X-ray taken of your womb (uterus) and fallopian tubes after a special dye has been injected. This will outline the cavity of your womb and detect any blockage of the fallopian tubes.

Hysterosalpingo-contrast-ultrasonography

A hysterosalpingo-contrast-ultrasonography is a type of ultrasound scan. A small amount of fluid will be injected into your womb through a tube that is put into your cervix (the womb opening). Ultrasound is used to confirm whether this fluid spills through the tubes. 

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy involves making a small cut in your lower tummy (abdomen). A thin, tubular telescope called a laparoscope will be used to look more closely at your womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Dye may be injected into your fallopian tubes through your cervix to highlight any blockages in them.

A laparoscopy is usually only used if there is a strong chance that you have a problem – for example, if you have had an episode of PID in the past.

Examination and tests for men

During a physical examination, your GP may check:

• your testicles – to look for any lumps or deformities 
• your penis – to look at its shape and structure, and for any obvious abnormalities

Further testing may include:

• a semen analysis – your semen will be tested to determine whether you have a low sperm count, low sperm mobility or abnormal sperm
• a chlamydia test – a sample of your urine will be tested to determine whether you have chlamydia

If you do have chlamydia, your GP will prescribe antibiotics to treat it.

Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive), despite having regular unprotected sex.

Around one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving. This is approximately 3.5 million people in the UK.

About 84% of couples will conceive naturally within one year if they have regular unprotected sex.

For every 100 couples trying to conceive naturally:

• 84 will conceive within one year
• 92 will conceive within two years 
• 93 will conceive within three years

For couples who have been trying to conceive for more than three years without success, the likelihood of pregnancy occurring within the next year is 25% or less.

Deciding to seek help

Some women get pregnant quickly, but for others it can take longer. It is a good idea for a couple to visit their GP if they have not conceived after one year of trying.

Women aged 36 and over, and anyone who is already aware they may have fertility problems, should see their GP sooner. The GP can check for common causes of fertility problems, and suggest treatments that could help.

A couple will only be diagnosed as being infertile if they have not managed to have a baby after one year of trying. There are two types of infertility:

• primary infertility – where someone who has never conceived a child in the past has difficulty conceiving
• secondary infertility – where a person has had one or more pregnancies in the past, but is having difficulty conceiving again

Read more information about how infertility is diagnosed.

What causes infertility?

There are many potential causes of infertility, and fertility problems can affect either the man or the woman. However, it is not always possible to identify the cause.

Common causes of infertility in women include lack of regular ovulation (the monthly release of an egg), blockage of the fallopian tubes and endometriosis. However, for 25% of couples, the cause is unexplained. In men, the most common cause is poor quality of semen (the fluid containing sperm that is ejaculated during sex).

For some people, leading a healthy lifestyle and staying up to date with regular health checks and tests may help to prevent infertility.

What treatment is available?

Types of fertility treatment available include:

• medical treatment for lack of regular ovulation
• surgical procedures – such as treatment for endometriosis
• assisted conception – which may be intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)

The treatment offered will depend on what is causing your fertility problems and what is available from your local CCG.

You may wish to consider private treatment. This can be expensive, and there is no guarantee it will be successful.

It is important to choose a private clinic carefully. You can ask your GP for advice, and you should make sure you choose a clinic that is licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

Read more about how infertility is treated.

Some types of infertility treatment can cause complications, including:

• side effects of medication
• increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• multiple pregnancy
• stress

Read more about complications associated with infertility treatments.

For some, adopting a healthier lifestyle through simple lifestyle changes, or staying up to date with regular health checks and tests, may help to prevent infertility.

Lifestyle changes

Weight

Women who are underweight or overweight ovulate (release an egg) less regularly, or sometimes not at all, compared to women of a healthy weight.

Therefore, ensuring you maintain a healthy weight will make it easier to conceive. Use the healthy weight calculator to find out if you are the right weight for your height.

Women with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 are likely to take longer to conceive, and your GP may recommend that you lose weight. A BMI of less than 19 may mean you are ovulating less frequently.

Men with a BMI of 30 or over are likely to have reduced fertility, and your GP may recommend that you lose weight. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help maintain a suitable weight.

Read more information and tips on improving your health and fitness.

Diet

Make sure that you eat a nutritious, balanced diet of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Include carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread and pasta, and lean meat, fish and pulses for protein. Green, leafy vegetables are high in folic acid, which can help prevent birth defects.

Read more on what to eat if you are trying to conceive, and foods to avoid in our pregnancy care planner.

Stress

Stress can often affect fertility because it may lead to you having sex less frequently. For the best chance of becoming pregnant, you need to have sex every two to three days. Talk to your partner if you are feeling stressed and consider using counselling (talking therapy). You may also find regular exercise helpful.

Medicines and drugs

Illegal drugs such as marijuana or cocaine can affect fertility, and can seriously damage the development of your baby if you fall pregnant. You should therefore avoid using them.

You should also avoid using some prescription medicines if you are trying to get pregnant. Ask your GP for further advice.

Health checks and tests for women

Make sure you are up to date with your cervical screening tests (smear tests). You need to have one every three to five years, depending on your age.

You should also visit your local sexual health clinic (GUM clinic) to make sure you do not have any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Infections such as chlamydia may not have symptoms, but can cause infertility if left untreated.

The Map of Medicine is used by doctors throughout the NHS to determine the best treatment options for their patients. NHS Choices offers everyone in England exclusive and free access to this cutting-edge internet resource, which lets you see exactly what your doctor sees.

The information in the Map has been approved by the UK’s leading clinical experts, is based on the best available clinical evidence, and is continually updated. To take advantage of this unique resource go to:

Map of Medicine: infertility

 

The treatment you are offered will depend on what is causing your fertility problems and what is available from your local clinical commissioning group (CCG).

Eligibility for treatment

Fertility treatment funded by the NHS varies across the UK. In some areas, waiting lists for treatment can be very long.

The criteria that you must meet to be eligible for treatment can also vary. Your GP will be able to advise about your eligibility for treatment.

If your GP refers you to a specialist for further tests, the NHS will pay for this. All patients have the right to be referred to an NHS clinic for the initial investigation.

Going private

If you have an infertility problem, you may wish to consider private treatment. This can be expensive and there is no guarantee of success.

It is important to choose a private clinic carefully.

You should find out:

• which clinics are available
• which treatments are offered
• the success rates of treatments
• the length of the waiting list
• the costs

Ask for a personalised, fully costed treatment plan that explains exactly what is included, such as fees, scans and any necessary medication.

If you decide to go private, you can ask your GP for advice, and make sure you choose a clinic licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The HFEA is a government organisation that regulates and inspects all UK clinics that provide fertility treatment, including the storage of eggs, sperm or embryos.

Treatment options

There are three main types of fertility treatment:

• medicines to assist fertility
• surgical procedures
• assisted conception

Medicines to assist fertility

Medicines often used to assist fertility are listed below. These are usually prescribed for women, although in some cases they may also be prescribed for men.

• Clomifene helps to encourage ovulation (the monthly release of an egg) in women who do not ovulate regularly or who cannot ovulate at all.
• Tamoxifen is an alternative to clomifene that may be offered to women with ovulation problems.
• Metformin is particularly beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Gonadotrophins can help stimulate ovulation in women, and may also improve fertility in men.
• Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and dopamine agonists are other types of medication prescribed to encourage ovulation in women.

However, medication that stimulates the ovaries should not be given to women with unexplained infertility, as it is not thought to be an effective treatment in these circumstances.

Surgical procedures

Surgical procedures that may be used to investigate fertility problems and assist with fertility are listed below.

Fallopian tube surgery

If your fallopian tubes have become blocked or scarred, perhaps as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), you may need surgery to repair the tubes. Surgery can be used to break up the scar tissue in your fallopian tubes, making it easier for eggs to pass along them.

The success of surgery will depend on how damaged your fallopian tubes are. One study found that 69% of women with the least damaged tubes had a live birth after surgery. Other estimates for live births in women following surgery are 20-50%.

Possible complications from tubal surgery include an ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilised egg implants outside of your womb). Between 8% and 23% of women may experience an ectopic pregnancy after having surgery on their fallopian tubes.

Laparoscopic surgery is often used for women who have endometriosis (when parts of the womb lining start growing outside of the womb), to destroy or remove cysts (fluid-filled sacs). It may also be used to remove submucosal fibroids (small growths in the womb).

In women with PCOS, laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be used if ovulation medication has not worked. This involves using either heat or a laser to destroy part of the ovary.

Read more information about a laparoscopy.

Correction of an epididymal blockage and surgical extraction of sperm

The epididymis is a coil-like structure in the testicles that helps to store and transport sperm. Sometimes the epididymis becomes blocked, preventing sperm from being ejaculated normally. If this is causing infertility, surgery to correct the blockage can be performed.

Surgical extraction of sperm may be an option for men with:

• an obstruction that prevents the release of sperm, such as an injury or infection
• a congenital absence of the vas deferens (men born without the tube that drains the sperm from the testicle)
• a vasectomy or a failed vasectomy reversal

Both procedures only take a few hours and are carried out as outpatient procedures under local anaesthetic. You will be advised on the same day about the quality of the material collected and if there are any sperm present.

Any material with sperm will be frozen and placed in storage for use at a later stage. If surgical retrieval of sperm is successful, enough sperm is usually obtained for several cycles of treatment (if required).

Assisted conception

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves sperm being placed into the womb through a fine plastic tube. Sperm is collected and washed in a fluid. The best quality specimens (the fastest moving) are selected.

The sperm are passed through a tube that enters the cervix and extends into the womb. This procedure is performed to coincide with ovulation, to increase the chance of conception. The woman may also be given a low dose of ovary stimulating hormones to increase the likelihood of conception.

Some women may experience temporary cramps, similar to period cramps, after or during IUI, but other than that, the procedure should be painless.

Availability and success

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that you should be offered up to six cycles of IUI if:

• you are unable (or would find it very difficult) to have vaginal intercourse – for example, due to a physical disability
• you have a condition (such as a viral infection that can be sexually transmitted) that means you need specific help to conceive
• you are in a same-sex relationship 

The availability of this fertility treatment on the NHS varies throughout the UK. In some areas, the waiting list for treatment can be very long. The criteria that must be met to be eligible for treatment can also vary.

Provided that the man’s sperm and the woman’s tubes are healthy, the success rate for IUI in women under 35 is around 15% for each cycle of treatment.

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF)

During in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), the fertilisation of the egg occurs outside the body. The woman takes fertility medication to encourage her ovaries to produce more eggs than normal. Eggs are then removed from her ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory dish. A fertilised embryo is then put back inside the woman’s body.

There are several different methods that can be used during IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). You can read more about these and other fertility procedures on the HFEA website.

Availability and success

NICE recommends that IVF should be offered to women up to 42 years of age, depending on their circumstances. Read more about the criteria for IVF treatment on the NHS.

However, the implementation of these guidelines currently depends on your local CCG. Priority is often given to couples who do not already have a child living with them.

The success rate for a cycle of IVF is about 32% for women under 35 years of age. The success rate decreases as the woman’s age increases.

Egg and sperm donation

If you or your partner has an infertility problem, you may be able to receive eggs or sperm from a donor to help you conceive. Treatment with donor eggs is usually carried out using IVF.

Anyone who registered to donate either eggs or sperm after 1 April 2005 can no longer remain anonymous, and has to provide information about their identity. This is because a child born as a result of donated eggs or sperm is legally entitled to find out the identity of the donor upon reaching the age of 18.