Fertilization
Conception is one step in a long biological process involving many factors. If anything goes wrong at any step of the way, infertility could result. In many cases, there's more than one reason a couple can't conceive: it could be anything from a failure to ovulate, to weak sperm, to inability to carry a pregnancy to term. In general, experts say, couples should try to conceive for a year before seeking treatment.
The exception to this rule is if the woman is over thirty-five, in which case age may be a contributing factor to her infertility and it's wise to seek treatment as soon as possible. Once a couple seeks help, testing is performed on both partners. If a problem is detected, the couple proceeds accordingly, with the help of their doctor. Treatments range from minimally invasive measures such as hormone therapy and artificial insemination to more complicated procedures such as in-vitro fertilization or egg donation.
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