Infertility Statistics Explained: Causes, Trends, and Treatment Insights

Couple discussing pregnancy results

Infertility is a widespread health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. Defined as the inability to conceive after a specific period of regular, unprotected intercourse, it can involve both male and female reproductive factors. 

Reliable statistics help illustrate the scope of the issue, identify trends, and inform public health strategies. This guide compiles up-to-date infertility statistics from credible sources, explains relevant medical terms, and examines both global and U.S. trends.

Understanding Infertility

Before reviewing statistics, it’s important to define common terms used in fertility research.

• Infertility: The inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex (or six months for women aged 35 and older).

• Primary infertility: Difficulty conceiving in individuals or couples who have never had a pregnancy.

• Secondary infertility: Difficulty conceiving after having had at least one prior pregnancy, regardless of whether it ended in a live birth.

• Impaired fecundity: A broader term that includes difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term.

• Assisted reproductive technology (ART): Fertility treatments in which eggs or embryos are handled outside the body, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Global Infertility Statistics

17.5% of adults worldwide experience infertility

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 17.5% of the adult population globally (about 1 in 6 people) experience infertility during their lifetime. This figure includes both primary and secondary infertility and represents all geographic regions and income levels.

48 million couples worldwide are affected

The WHO estimates 48 million couples are currently living with infertility. Access to care varies significantly between high-income and low-income countries. In lower-resource settings, the lack of available specialists, high treatment costs, and limited public health support remain barriers to evaluation and treatment.

Causes in global context

A WHO multinational study found that among couples experiencing infertility:

• 37% were attributed to female-only factors

• 8% to male-only factors

• 35% to a combination of both partners

The remainder were classified as unexplained infertility, where standard diagnostic testing does not identify a clear cause.

U.S. Infertility Statistics

10% of women aged 15–44 have difficulty getting or staying pregnant

The Office on Women’s Health estimates 6.1 million U.S. women (about 10%) aged 15–44 experience difficulty achieving or maintaining pregnancy. This includes both infertility and miscarriage risks.

Primary infertility: 1 in 5 married women with no prior births

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 19% of married women aged 15–49 who have never given birth are unable to conceive after one year of trying. In addition, roughly 1 in 4 women in this group experience impaired fecundity, meaning they have difficulty either becoming pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term.

Secondary infertility: lower but significant

Among married women who have had at least one previous birth, about 6% experience secondary infertility (CDC). Contributing factors can include age-related fertility decline, complications from prior pregnancies, new reproductive health conditions, or male factor infertility.

Infertility rates by age

Among married women with no prior births, infertility affects:

• 19.4% of those aged 15–29

• 26.2% of those aged 35–39 (CDC)

The higher percentage in the 35–39 age group reflects the natural decline in fertility that becomes more pronounced after age 35, when egg quality and quantity begin to decrease more rapidly.

Male factor infertility: sole and combined causes

Research in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) shows that male factors are solely responsible in about 20% of infertility cases and contribute alongside female factors in an additional 30–40%, bringing overall male involvement to roughly 50% of cases. This overlap makes it essential to evaluate both partners when investigating infertility. 

Common Causes of Infertility

Female factors

In a WHO multinational study, several reproductive health conditions were identified as common causes of infertility in women. These include:

• Ovulatory disorders: 25%

• Endometriosis: 15%

• Pelvic adhesions: 12%

• Tubal blockage: 11%

• Other tubal/uterine abnormalities: 11%

• Hyperprolactinemia: 7%

Male factors

According to a StatPearls study in the National Library of Medicine, the underlying causes of male infertility can be grouped by general etiology, with broad estimated prevalence as follows:

• Endocrine disorders (often linked to hypogonadism): 2–5%

• Sperm transport disorders (e.g., post-vasectomy obstruction): 5%

• Primary testicular defects (abnormal sperm parameters without an identifiable cause): 65–80%

• Idiopathic infertility (normal sperm and semen parameters with no identifiable cause): 10–20%

These percentages are approximate, as accurate reporting is limited by underdiagnosis, cultural influences, and regional differences in data collection.

Fertility Treatment Use and Trends

Use of infertility services

12.2% of U.S. women aged 15–49 have used infertility services, such as diagnostic testing, fertility medication, or assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures (CDC).

Public awareness of fertility treatments

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 42% of U.S. adults have either used fertility treatments themselves or know someone who has, compared to 33% five years earlier.

FAQs About Infertility

What’s the difference between infertility and impaired fecundity?

Infertility refers specifically to the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex (or six months for women over 35). Impaired fecundity is a broader term that also includes difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term.

What is primary vs. secondary infertility?

Primary infertility occurs when a person or couple has never been able to conceive. Secondary infertility refers to difficulty conceiving after at least one prior pregnancy, regardless of whether it ended in a live birth.

Can lifestyle factors affect fertility?

Yes. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high body mass index (BMI), poor diet, stress, and exposure to certain chemicals can impact reproductive health in both men and women (NLM).

When should someone seek evaluation?

Most healthcare providers recommend evaluation after 12 months of trying to conceive (or after six months if the woman is over 35). People with known reproductive health issues, irregular cycles, or prior pelvic surgery may benefit from earlier assessment.

How is infertility diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and targeted testing such as hormone panels, semen analysis, and imaging studies to assess reproductive anatomy.

Does infertility always mean someone can’t have children?

No. Many people diagnosed with infertility go on to have children with medical treatment, lifestyle changes, or, in some cases, without intervention. Infertility is a diagnosis about the length of time it has taken to conceive, not an absolute statement about the possibility of pregnancy.

What treatments are available for infertility?

Treatment can include medication to stimulate ovulation, surgical procedures to correct structural issues, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

Trusted Fertility Ultrasounds in Greater New Orleans

Infertility may affect millions across the globe, but statistics only tell part of the story. Each case is unique, and accurate diagnostic imaging can play a critical role in uncovering possible causes and guiding treatment options.

At Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound, we offer fertility ultrasounds in Greater New Orleans to support individuals and couples facing infertility, IVF, or IUI care. These scans give your provider clear insight into ovarian and uterine health, helping inform the next steps in your plan. 

Ready to take control of your fertility? Book your appointment today, and let us support you in your pathway to growing your family.