What is Infertility? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Infertility is an issue that more and more couples and individuals are facing, yet it is still rarely discussed. In a world where lifestyle, hormonal health, and environmental factors directly influence our reproductive capacity, understanding infertility is the first step toward addressing it with information, empathy, and medical support.

At Fertilidad Integral, we support those seeking to fulfill their dream of becoming parents with the science, technology, and human warmth that every story deserves. 

What is infertility?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. For women over 35, this period is reduced to 6 months. It is important to note that infertility does not mean impossibility, but rather a condition that can be treated with specialized medical support. 

Infertility can have multiple causes and affect both women and men. Therefore, any evaluation must always consider both factors.

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There are two main types of infertility:

Primary infertility

This occurs when a couple or individual has never achieved a pregnancy, despite having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for the established period of time. It may be related to ovulatory, tubal, sperm, or genetic factors.

Secondary infertility

This occurs when, after having had a previous pregnancy (even if it did not reach term), it is not possible to conceive again. It is often associated with reproductive age, pelvic infections, endometriosis, or changes in reproductive health over time.

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Causes of infertility

Infertility can be due to female, male, or mixed factors (when both partners have associated issues). Below, we outline the most common causes. 

Causes of female infertility

Ovulatory disorders

These are among the most frequent causes. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid dysfunction, or elevated prolactin levels can prevent or disrupt ovulation.

Reproductive age and ovarian reserve

Female fertility naturally declines with age. From the age of 35, the quantity and quality of eggs decrease, which can make pregnancy more difficult and increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Endometriosis

This is a condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pelvic pain, and sometimes infertility by affecting ovulation, egg transport, or embryo implantation.

Fallopian tube obstruction or damage

Fallopian tubes that are blocked or damaged by pelvic infections, surgeries, or endometriosis prevent the egg and sperm from meeting.

Uterine conditions

Uterine fibroids, polyps, or uterine malformations can make it difficult for an embryo to implant correctly. 

Metabolic or lifestyle factors

Being underweight or overweight, smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance and compromise fertility.

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Causes of male infertility

Impaired sperm production

This includes a decrease in the count, motility, or normal morphology of sperm. These issues can be caused by genetic, hormonal, infectious, or environmental factors.

Varicocele

Dilation of the veins in the scrotum affects testicular temperature and impairs sperm production.

Hormonal and genetic factors

Disorders in testosterone secretion or genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome can affect spermatogenesis.

Sexually transmitted infections

These can cause inflammation or obstruction in the seminal tract. Infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea affect sperm motility and quality.

External factors

Smoking, alcohol, exposure to environmental toxins, chronic stress, and a sedentary lifestyle are risk factors that impact male fertility.

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Diagnosing infertility

Diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary and simultaneous approach for both partners. Tests such as a hysterosalpingogram, which evaluates the patency of the fallopian tubes, may be recommended depending on each case. 

AtFertilidad Integral, we perform cutting-edge studies to identify the root cause of infertility and design a personalized treatment plan. Treatments exist for both male and female infertility. We offer online and in-person fertility testing for women, men, and couples, including the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test and semen analysis.

This allows us to accurately detect the factors that may be affecting conception. Choosing Clínica FI means gaining access to advanced technology, comprehensive care, and a specialized team committed to your reproductive well-being from the very first step.

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Infertility symptoms

Although infertility does not always present with obvious symptoms, certain indicators may signal the need for an evaluation.

Female infertility symptoms

- Irregular menstrual cycles.

- Absence of menstruation.

- Abnormal bleeding.

- Chronic pelvic pain or pain associated with the menstrual cycle (endometriosis).

- History of pelvic infections.

- Noticeable hormonal changes (acne, excessive hair growth, weight fluctuations).

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Male infertility symptoms

- Decreased sex drive.

- Difficulty maintaining erections.

- Testicular pain or swelling.

- History of infections.

- Changes in semen texture or volume.

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Infertility symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, which is why a proper medical assessment is essential to identify the root cause and guide the correct treatment. If you have concerns or notice changes in your cycle, reproductive health, or semen volume, we invite you to learn more about our fertility treatment services. 

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Infertility treatment

Infertility treatment depends directly on the identified cause, reproductive age, general health status, and how long the individual or couple has been trying to conceive. There is no single approach, but rather a range of medical alternatives selected on a personalized basis following a comprehensive evaluation of the reproductive system. 

The main treatments include:

Ovulation induction

Uses hormonal medications to stimulate the development and release of eggs. It is useful in cases of ovulatory disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, or irregular cycles.

Hormonal regulation

Aimed at correcting imbalances that affect ovulation and hormone production, such as hyperprolactinemia, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, or hypothalamic and pituitary disorders.

Minimally invasive surgery

Used to correct issues such as polyps, fibroids, adhesions, endometriosis, or fallopian tube abnormalities that prevent fertilization or implantation.

Male fertility treatments

These include varicocele repair, infection management, hormonal regulation, or lifestyle changes to improve semen quality.

Assisted reproductive technology

When female, male, or mixed factors limit natural conception, methods such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization. Thanks to these procedures, many people achieve pregnancy even in complex cases.

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At Fertilidad Integral, our specialists design completely personalized treatments based on your results and reproductive goals. Learn about our fertility treatments.

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Preventing infertility

While not all causes can be prevented, there are habits that help protect reproductive health:

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or underweight can disrupt hormonal balance and affect key processes such as ovulation, egg quality, and sperm production. Proper nutrition and regular physical activity support reproductive function.

Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs

These substances damage reproductive cells and can decrease sperm count, motility, and quality, in addition to affecting ovarian and uterine health. Reducing their consumption significantly improves fertility.

Prioritizing gynecological and sexual health

Preventive gynecology and the timely treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are essential for maintaining proper reproductive function. Some infections can cause inflammation or damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and other organs, making a future pregnancy difficult.

Managing stress and getting adequate sleep

Chronic stress disrupts the hormonal axis and can interfere with ovulation and sperm production. Sleeping 7–8 hours and practicing emotional management techniques contribute to reproductive balance.

Considering fertility preservation

The egg freezing or sperm freezing allows you to preserve your reproductive potential for the future, especially for those who wish to delay parenthood, or in cases where there is a risk of declining fertility due to age or medical conditions.

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Assisted reproductive technology

Assisted reproductive technologies allow thousands of people to achieve pregnancy, even when complex causes of infertility exist. At Fertilidad Integral, these techniques are performed by certified teams and highly trained embryologists.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

This involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. It is a simple, outpatient procedure indicated for mild cases of male infertility or ovulatory dysfunction. Learn more about the procedure, benefits, and results of intrauterine insemination.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

This involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the uterus. It is the treatment with the highest success rate for cases involving tubal factors, advanced age, or endometriosis. Learn about the complete process of in vitro fertilization, its stages, and when it is recommended.  

In our laboratory we use state-of-the-art technology, including systems like RI Witness™, which ensures the traceability and security of every sample, and Alife Health, an artificial intelligence tool that optimizes embryo selection.

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Is infertility common?

Yes. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 6 people of reproductive age faces some degree of infertility during their lifetime. Recognizing its prevalence is essential to eliminating stigma and understanding that it is not a life sentence, but a medical condition that can be treated successfully with the right support.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that the male factor contributes to approximately 40–50% of cases, so the evaluation should always include both partners.

There are treatments for both male and female infertility. The first step is for both of you to see specialists who can perform tests to determine what is causing the difficulties in conceiving. We know that a diagnosis comes with many emotions; at Fertilidad Integralwe are with you every step of the way.

When should you see fertility specialists?

If a woman is over 35 years old and has been trying to conceive for more than 6 months, or is under 35 and has been trying for more than a year, it is time to see fertility specialists. However, there are also other scenarios where it is advisable to seek an expert:

• If a woman has not had a period for 3 months (amenorrhea).
• If there is a history of miscarriages.
• If you have undergone chemotherapy.
• If a woman has had surgery on her uterus or ovaries.
• If there is a family history of infertility.
• If a woman has endometriosis.

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Frequently asked questions about infertility

How do you know if you are infertile?

The only way to confirm it is through a comprehensive medical assessment that includes hormonal studies, an ultrasound, a uterine evaluation, and a semen analysis. Symptoms alone do not always determine a diagnosis. At Fertilidad Integral, this process is carried out with advanced technology and a comprehensive approach that allows for the precise identification of the cause.

What causes infertility in women?

The most common causes affecting female fertility are ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, pelvic infections, hormonal problems, tubal obstruction, advanced age, and chronic diseases. Each requires a different approach, which is why a personalized diagnosis is essential.

When is a woman considered infertile?

When pregnancy is not achieved after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. If the woman is 35 or older, this period is reduced to 6 months due to the natural decline in ovarian reserve.

At what age does a woman stop being fertile?

Fertility begins to decline more noticeably after age 35 and drops significantly after age 40. This is due to a decrease in both the quantity and quality of eggs.

What are the genetic causes of female infertility?

These include chromosomal abnormalities, mutations related to premature ovarian failure, and fragile X syndrome, among others. These conditions can affect the number of eggs or their genetic quality.

Why can't I get pregnant if I'm not using birth control?

Not using contraceptives does not guarantee fertility. Issues such as anovulation, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, tubal damage, or poor sperm quality can prevent pregnancy even without preventive methods.

What diseases cause infertility in women?

PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, pelvic infections, thyroid diseases, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Detecting these conditions early improves the chances of pregnancy.

How can infertility be overcome?

Through timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and professional support. Infertility can trigger intense emotions, and having a team to support you through every stage is key. At Fertilidad Integral, patients receive medical and emotional support throughout the entire process.

Difference between infertility and sterility

Infertility implies difficulty in achieving a pregnancy, but there are possibilities with treatment. Sterility refers to the definitive biological inability to conceive without medical intervention.

What types of infertility exist?

There are three main types of infertility: primary infertility, when a woman or couple has never achieved a pregnancy; secondary infertility, when a pregnancy has been achieved before but is currently not possible; and unexplained infertility, when fertility tests do not find a clear reason preventing pregnancy.

How do you know if a man is infertile?

The primary study is a semen analysis, which evaluates sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and vitality. In some cases, hormonal studies or advanced tests are required. At Fertilidad Integral, the semen analysis is performed in specialized laboratories according to international standards.

What can cause male infertility?

Varicocele, infections, hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption, exposure to toxins, obesity or elevated testicular temperature, and ejaculation disorders that hinder the proper release of semen.

How is male infertility treated?

It depends on the cause: varicocele correction, treatment of infections, hormonal adjustments, lifestyle changes, or assisted reproductive techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), including advanced methods like ICSI. Our specialists create a personalized plan for every case.

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Your fertility journey begins here

The pursuit of pregnancy is a deeply personal process, and every story deserves professional, clear, and compassionate support. Dealing with fertility issues is not a path you have to walk alone or in silence; there are effective medical alternatives that can help you achieve a pregnancy, even when the diagnosis is complex.

At Fertilidad Integral, we have a specialized medical team, cutting-edge technology, and a laboratory with international standards, including advanced systems like RI Witness and artificial intelligence-based tools for embryo selection. Each treatment is designed based on your medical history, your reproductive goals, and the specific characteristics of your case.

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Schedule your initial assessment

The first step is a comprehensive medical assessment, in which your ovarian reserve, hormonal health, and, if applicable, your partner's semen quality are analyzed. This evaluation allows us to determine which assisted reproductive technique offers the best chances of success for you. You can book your consultation directly or request more information from our care team.

Treatment pricing

At Fertilidad Integral, we offer transparent and accessible pricing compared to the United States, while maintaining high medical and technological standards. You can view the updated details of Fertilidad Integral treatment costs.