How Common is Infertility?

Key Points:

• 10% – 15% of couples in the U.S. struggle with infertility and look for solutions to become parents.
• There are commonly two types of fertility that make it difficult for couples to become parents or add to their family.
• Surrogacy is fast becoming a family-building option with a high success rate, in particular when couples work with the right agency.

Infertility is more common than many people think. The Mayo Clinic reports that 10% to 15% of couples in the United States are infertile.

In this guide, we’ll examine:

• How common is infertility
• Primary infertility
• Secondary infertility
• Family-building options

We can help you get more information about the types of family-building options many people facing infertility consider.

Speak with a specialist today!

In the meantime, continue reading to find out how common is infertility.

Disclaimer: You should always speak to a medical professional to determine if you think you’re experiencing infertility. This article is only intended for educational purposes and should not be taken as medical advice.

How Common is Infertility?

Wondering how common infertility is in females and males can bring up a lot of complicated emotions. Women and men experiencing infertility often blame themselves for their fertility struggles. We want you to know that experiencing infertility is not your fault and is more common than you think.

How Common is Infertility in Females?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 10% of women experience infertility of some kind. A woman’s chance of becoming infertile increases as she gets older.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that there are a few common causes of infertility and risk factors.

Infertility causes can involve a woman’s:

• Uterus
• Fallopian tubes
• Eggs
• Ovulation

Infertility risk factors include:

• A woman’s age
• Hormonal issues
• Abnormal menstrual cycle
• Weight
• Endometriosis
• And more

How Common is Infertility in Men?

The Cleveland Clinic adds that about 10% of men experience infertility, too.

Similar to female infertility, there are common causes and risk factors that affect male fertility.

Infertility causes include:

• Issues relating to sperm
• Some medical conditions
• Cancer treatments
• Hormonal disorders
• And more

Risk factors include:

• Taking certain medications and supplements
• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking (marijuana and cigarettes)
• Weight

The Two Types of Infertility

When researching how common is infertility, you’ve likely come across two terms: Primary and secondary infertility.

Although many causes and risk factors lead to infertility, the following definitions help define the two broad types of infertility.

What is Primary Infertility?

Primary infertility is when a woman within a couple cannot get pregnant after at least one year of unprotected sex.

Medline Plus notes that primary infertility most commonly occurs because of:

• A low sperm count in men
• Fallopian tube scarring in women                                                                   

What is Secondary Infertility?

The Cleveland Clinic reports secondary infertility is when a couple cannot “conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term after previously giving birth.”

For a doctor to be able to diagnose secondary infertility, the following also must occur:

• A couple’s first pregnancy should have happened without the aid of fertility treatments
• The couple needs to have been trying to get pregnant for at least six months to a year

Another condition that’s related to secondary infertility is recurrent pregnancy loss, meaning a couple is able to conceive but cannot carry a baby to term.

All types of infertility are tough to go through. You’ve likely experienced a lot of loss in the last year and are feeling grief and a range of other emotions. You may benefit from reaching out to an infertility support group because you are not alone.

Working with a Doctor

Generally, infertility can affect you or your partner or result from a combination of factors.

A doctor can sometimes diagnose the cause of female and male infertility with tests. Some kinds of infertility can be treated, and some cannot. While a doctor can answer your medical questions, like “how common are fertility problems,” they also are here to remind you this isn’t your fault.

Your doctor is on your side and can give you resources to help you process your diagnosis and work toward a solution.

Building a Family Through Surrogacy

If you’ve decided to pursue other family-building options after an infertility diagnosis, you may start to consider surrogacy.

Before you commit to surrogacy, make sure you take all the time you need to process your infertility diagnosis. A surrogacy professional can connect you with an infertility counselor or support group if you need extra resources.

Understanding Surrogacy Basics

Surrogacy is when a surrogate carries a baby to term for a single person or a couple. Although anyone can pursue surrogacy, it’s a common choice for people dealing with infertility.

Prospective intended parents will go through the following steps during the surrogacy process:

• Decide surrogacy is the right choice for you and choose a surrogacy agency to work with
• Complete surrogacy screenings with the guidance and support of your surrogacy professional
• Match with a surrogate and sign a surrogacy contract
• Enjoy pre-delivery meetings to watch your baby grow
• Take your baby home and enjoy parenthood

Although every surrogacy is unique, all prospective intended parents should be prepared to pay surrogacy fees and consider how they feel about working with a donor.

Surrogacy Costs

Intended parents can expect to pay anywhere from $60,000 to $150,000 for their surrogacy. These fees pay for a surrogate’s medical and legal services and her base compensation. A surrogate never has to pay to become a surrogate.

Working With or Without a Donor

The fertility clinic you work with on your surrogacy journey will help determine if you need to work with an egg or sperm donor. If you use a gamete donor to complete your surrogacy, your fertility clinic will help you find the right match.

Next Steps Toward Parenthood

Knowing that the answer to the question “How common is infertility?” is common, you may feel less alone. Others have been down this road and have successfully become parents. An infertility diagnosis shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your parenthood dreams.

You can contact us today if you want to talk to a professional about the different paths you can take toward parenthood.