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Infertility is the inability to conceive within 12 to 18 months,
during which time a couple has intercourse regularly without using
any form of contraception.
Sub-fertility is the term, sometimes used to describe a reduced
state of fertility, due to certain factors such as tubal
irregularities or blockages of the fallopian tube or a low sperm
count. Sterility will suggest that one will never be able to conceive.
However, before trying to identify the cause and severity of
infertility, it is important to understand how pregnancy occurs.
The fundamental components for achieving pregnancy are:
- the ability to have sexual intercourse and ejaculation in the male;
- the production of normal sperm in adequate numbers;
- normal anatomy and function of the vagina, cervix and uterus;
- normal ovulation and undamaged Fallopian tubes;
- the ability of the uterus to support an implanted ovum while it
develops into a baby.
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