Quick Facts About Infertility

Infertility is NOT an inconvenience; it is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body’s ability to perform the basic function of reproduction.

Impaired fecundity (the inability to have a child) affects 6.7 million women in the U.S. — about 11% of the reproductive-age population (Source: National Survey of Family Growth, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2006-2010).

In a survey of married women, the CDC found that 1.5 married million women in the US (6%) are infertile (Source: National Survey of Family Growth, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2006-2010).

Twenty-five percent of infertile couples have more than one factor that contributes to their infertility.

In approximately 40 percent of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility.

In approximately 40 percent of infertile couples, the female partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility.

Irregular or abnormal ovulation accounts for approximately 25 percent of all female infertility problems.

Most infertility cases — 85% to 90% — are treated with conventional medical therapies such as medication or surgery.

While vital for some patients, in vitro fertilization and similar treatments account for less than 3% of infertility services, and approximately 0.07% of U.S. health care costs.

Twelve percent of all infertility cases are a result of the woman either weighing too little or too much.

It is possible for women with body weight disorders to reverse their infertility by attaining and maintaining a healthy weight.

Men and women who smoke have decreased fertility. The risk of miscarriage is higher for pregnant women who smoke. Up to 13 percent of female infertility is caused by cigarette smoking.