When should couples get medical help for fertility problems? Couples not using any form of contraception, who do not become pregnant after a year of regular (at least twice weekly) sexual intercourse, may wish to see a doctor and have some tests.
Couples should seek medical help earlier if there are known reproductive problems, or if the female partner is nearer the end of her reproductive life (older than 35 years). Questions about the timing of sexual intercourse and other facts about the reproductive system should be asked of a local doctor. Some basic answers can sometimes lower stress and anxiety and help couples. Some couples will be worried “that things are not working” after only a few months, and they may find it helpful to talk about their concerns with their local doctor.  Back to top
Why is timing of intercourse important?Problems becoming pregnant can also happen because sexual intercourse is not timed with ovulation (or at the fertile time of a woman’s menstrual cycle). Infrequent sexual activity is a common reason why couples do not become pregnant within the first few months.
For the best chance of conception, sexual intercourse should take place at the time of ovulation (i.e. when an egg is released into the female reproductive tract). This usually happens around the mid point of a woman’s 28 day menstrual cycle, about 12 to 15 days after the first day of her period. Back to top
What is male infertility?Reproduction (or making a baby) can be a simple and natural experience for many couples. However, it is not always easy. For some couples it is very difficult to conceive.
To achieve a pregnancy, sperm must be put into the vagina at the fertile time of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Sperm must then travel through the womb (uterus) and into the uterine tubes where they meet the egg. Fertilisation of the egg happens when moving sperm stick to and then enter (penetrate) the egg.
A man’s fertility generally relies on the quantity and quality of his sperm. If the number of sperm a man ejaculates is low or if the sperm are of a poor quality, it will be difficult, and sometimes impossible, for a couple to become pregnant. Male infertility is diagnosed when, after testing of both partners, reproductive problems have been identified in the male partner. Back to top
Are there any signs or symptoms of male infertility?In most cases, there are no obvious signs of infertility. Intercourse, erections and ejaculation will usually happen without difficulty. The quantity and appearance of the ejaculated semen generally appears normal to the naked eye.
Medical tests are needed to determine if a man is infertile.
 More information: Diagnosis of Infertility
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