Infertility affects 2.4 million couples each year. Infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant after one year of frequent intercourse without contraception. As the woman approaches the age of 35, she may begin to ovulate (release an egg) less effectively. Some couples, particularly those in which the woman is close to or over 40 years old, may consider seeking help if they have not conceived after 6 months of effort.

A woman can most accurately predict her fertile period with an ovulation predictor kit, available at any pharmacy. Intercourse surrounding the day of a positive test is most effective. Some women may choose to measure their basal body temperature, looking for a slight (approximately 1 degree F) rise in oral temperature after ovulation. Charting temperatures may help the woman to predict her ovulation in a future cycle. Some women may find that their vaginal secretions become more profuse and watery at midcycle. Many women also experience a sharp pelvic pain at midcycle, known as mittelschmerz, which is associated with ovulation.

If a couple fails to conceive after trying one of these methods, the Advanced Fertility Institute can provide the expertise to define the problem and provide the solution.