Treatment
Fertility Assessment
Clinical work-up to investigate difficulty conceiving — history, examination and targeted tests for one or both partners.
Condition
Infertility
Difficulty conceiving despite regular unprotected sex — educational overview of causes, when to seek help and usual pathways.
Medical disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified health professional.
Quick facts
- Type
- Condition
- Category
- Fertility
- Prevalence note
- Around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving, according to NHS information.
- Evidence status
- See sources and linked research
Overview
Infertility is usually discussed when a couple have not conceived despite regular unprotected sex over a sustained period. NHS information notes that around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving, and that most couples where the woman is under 40 conceive within a year if they have regular unprotected sex.
Fertility problems can affect either partner. Common factors include ovulation problems, semen quality issues, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, and endometriosis. In about a quarter of cases a clear cause is not identified. Age, weight, smoking, alcohol, sexually transmitted infections and stress can also influence fertility.
Getting help often starts with a GP. NHS advice commonly suggests seeking help after about a year of trying, sooner if aged 36 or over, or if a fertility problem is already known. Assessment may lead to medical treatment, surgery, intrauterine insemination, IVF, or expectant management depending on findings and local pathways.
Private fertility clinics can offer faster access to assessment and treatment, but cost, licensing and expected outcomes should be reviewed carefully. This page does not diagnose infertility or recommend a clinic.
Symptoms
- Not conceiving despite regular unprotected sex over a sustained period.
- Irregular or absent periods may accompany some causes.
- Painful periods or pelvic pain may occur with conditions such as endometriosis.
- There may be no obvious symptoms beyond difficulty conceiving.
Possible causes
- Ovulation problems.
- Semen quality problems.
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
- Endometriosis.
- Unexplained infertility in a substantial minority of couples.
- Age, weight, smoking, STIs and other risk factors can contribute.
When to seek medical advice
See a GP if you have not conceived after about a year of regular unprotected sex, sooner if the woman is 36 or over, or if either partner already knows about a fertility problem. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding or other emergency symptoms.
Common diagnostic pathways
Assessment usually starts with history for both partners where relevant, examination, and tests such as ovulation assessment, semen analysis, infection screening, hormone blood tests and imaging when indicated. Treatment depends on cause and may include medicines, surgery or assisted conception such as IUI or IVF.
Treatment options
Treatment
IVF
In vitro fertilisation — an assisted conception treatment where eggs are fertilised outside the body and embryos may be transferred to the womb.
Related providers
Provider
Manchester Fertility
Manchester Fertility is an independent regional clinic providing IVF, ICSI, IUI, egg freezing, donor treatment and fertility assessment.
Provider
CARE Fertility
CARE Fertility is one of the UK's largest private fertility networks, providing IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, donor treatment and fertility testing.
Provider
CREATE Fertility
CREATE Fertility is a UK specialist private healthcare provider focused on fertility clinic network. Its published services include IVF, Mild IVF, Natural IVF,…
Provider
The Evewell
The Evewell is a premium London fertility clinic providing IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, fertility testing and gynaecological services.
Provider
CRGH
CRGH is a long-established London fertility clinic with particular strength in reproductive genetics, IVF, ICSI and complex fertility care.
Provider
Bourn Hall
Bourn Hall is historically significant as the world's first IVF clinic and remains a major regional fertility provider.
Provider
ABC IVF
ABC IVF is a lower-cost fertility clinic network serving UK-wide. Its published services include IVF, ICSI, Fertility testing, Treatment packages.
Provider
Harley Street Fertility Clinic
Harley Street Fertility Clinic is a private fertility clinic serving London. Its published services include IVF, ICSI, Egg freezing, Fertility assessment.
FAQs
When is infertility usually diagnosed?
NHS information describes infertility being diagnosed and treated when a couple have not conceived after 2 years of regular unprotected sex, while earlier GP review is often appropriate after about a year, or sooner in higher-risk situations.
Is IVF always needed?
No. Many people receive other treatments or advice first. IVF is one option after assessment.
Should private clinics be HFEA-licensed for IVF?
For assisted conception treatments such as IVF, choose clinics carefully and prefer appropriate UK licensing. The HFEA publishes guidance for patients.
Editorial information
- Editorial owner
- MHI Editorial
Sources
- NHS — infertility(guideline)
- NICE — fertility problems (CG156)(guideline)
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)(registry)
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