If you and your partner are struggling to have a baby, you’re not alone.

Ten to 15 percent of couples in the United States are infertile.

Fortunately, there are many safe and effective therapies that significantly improve your chances of getting pregnant.

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant.

There may be no other obvious symptoms.

Sometimes, an infertile woman may have irregular or absent menstrual periods.

Most couples will eventually conceive, with or without treatment.

Infertility causes can affect one or both partners.

In some infertile couples, no specific cause is found (unexplained infertility).

Infertility evaluation can be expensive, and sometimes involves uncomfortable procedures.

Many medical plans may not reimburse the cost of fertility treatment.

Finally, there’s no guaranteeeven after all the testing and counselingthat you’ll get pregnant.

Tests for male infertility attempt to determine whether any of these processes are impaired.

You may have a general physical exam, including examination of your genitals.

Specific fertility tests may include:

Fertility for women relies on the ovaries releasing healthy eggs.

Her reproductive tract must allow an egg to pass into her fallopian tubes and join with sperm for fertilization.

The fertilized egg must travel to the uterus and implant in the lining.

Tests for female infertility attempt to determine whether any of these processes are impaired.

You may have a general physical exam, including a regular gynecological exam.

You and your doctor will decide which tests you will have and when.

Infertility treatment depends on:

Some causes of infertility can’t be corrected.

Infertility treatment may involve significant financial, physical, psychological, and time commitments.

Men’s options can include treatment for general sexual problems or lack of healthy sperm.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is any fertility treatment in which the egg and sperm are handled.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART technique.

In some cases, both you and your partner may require a comprehensive infertility evaluation.

The emotional burden on a couple is considerable.

Some types of infertility aren’t preventable.

But several strategies may increase your chances of pregnancy.

Have regular intercourse several times around the time of ovulation for the highest pregnancy rate.