A woman who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy to term is considered infertile. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of trying to conceive through regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. This applies to both women and men.
Understanding Infertility
Infertility is a complex medical issue affecting both men and women. It can stem from various factors including:
- Female Factors: These can encompass hormonal imbalances (such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS), fallopian tube blockage, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovulatory disorders. Age also plays a significant role; a woman's fertility naturally declines with age, especially after age 35. See NIH News in Health: Having Kids Later in Life for more on the impact of age on fertility.
- Male Factors: Low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), abnormal sperm morphology (shape), and various other conditions can lead to male infertility.
- Combined Factors: Sometimes, infertility is due to a combination of factors in both partners.
It's important to note that infertility is not always a lifelong condition. Many treatments are available, including medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF). See Planned Parenthood: What Is Infertility? for more on treatment options.
Primary vs. Secondary Infertility
There's a distinction between primary and secondary infertility:
- Primary Infertility: A woman has never been able to get pregnant.
- Secondary Infertility: A woman has been pregnant before but is now unable to conceive.
Cleveland Clinic: Female Infertility provides further details on these types.
While the question mentions a "girl," it's important to use medically accurate and respectful terminology. The term "woman" is more appropriate when discussing reproductive health issues. The inability to have children is called infertility, irrespective of age.
