The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as the inability of a couple to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse. This definition includes both primary infertility (when a couple has never conceived) and secondary infertility (when a couple has conceived in the past but is unable to conceive again).
- L’ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) recommends that couples consult a fertility specialist in the following situations :
- After 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse without pregnancy for women under 35.
- After 6 months for women aged 35 and over, due to the age-related decrease in fertility.
- Immediately if the woman has a known medical history that could affect fertility (such as endometriosis or irregular ovulation) or if the man has a history of testicular pathology.
- L’ ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine ) has issued identical recommendations.