06/18/2026
National Infertility Awareness Month
Did you know that 1 in 8 couples of childbearing age struggle with infertility in the United States? Infertility is a disease characterized by the failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual in*******se. No matter what age, religion, race, sexuality, or economic status you are, infertility does not discriminate. If you are trying to get pregnant and it’s not happening as quickly as you had hoped, you are not alone.
What are the Risk Factors for Infertility?
Whether you are planning to become pregnant in the future or trying to conceive now, it is helpful to be aware of the different risk factors that may impact your fertility. Contrary to popular belief, infertility is not always a woman’s problem. In fact, about 30% of infertility cases involve male problems alone, and another 30% of cases involve problems with both partners. Find out which risk factors apply to you and your partner and how to address them to ensure a healthy and successful pregnancy down the road.
Risk Factors for Women
The following are risk factors that can affect a woman’s ability to ovulate, conceive, or carry a pregnancy to term:
• Age 35 years or older
• Ovulation disorders, such as polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS)
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities
• Chronic diseases
• Fallopian tube disease
• STDs
• Endometriosis
• Primary ovarian insufficiency, or early menopause
• Hormone imbalance
Risk Factors for Men
The following environmental and medical risk factors may contribute to a male’s declining fertility:
• Exposure to toxic substances, such as pesticides and radiation
• Cigarette or ma*****na smoke
• Prescription drugs for ulcers or psoriasis
• DES exposure in utero
• Exposure of the ge****ls to elevated temperatures
• Hernia repair
• Undescended testicles
• History of prostatitis or ge***al infection
• Mumps after puberty
