--- title: "Finding out you’re infertile: What next?" date: 2026-06-23 author: "HSFC Kenya" featured_image: "https://hsfckenya.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Finding-out-youre-infertile_-What-next.png.webp" categories: - name: "Male and Female Infertility" url: "/resource-library/articles/category/male-and-female-infertility.md" - name: "Treatments and Services" url: "/resource-library/articles/category/treatments-and-services.md" --- # Finding out you’re infertile: What next? Infertility is a medical condition in which a person or couple cannot achieve pregnancy despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for a defined period, generally 12 months for those under age 35 and six months for those aged 35 or older. It affects both women and men and can also occur when no obvious cause is identified despite a complete fertility evaluation. After an infertility diagnosis, the next step is to seek guidance from a healthcare professional, ideally a fertility specialist, to explore treatment options and understand the potential causes of your infertility. This may involve further testing, lifestyle modifications, and potentially medical interventions like medication or assisted reproductive technologies. **What Infertility Is** [Infertility](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/infertility/infertility-risk-factors-diagnosis-treatment/) involves problems with one or more key steps in the reproductive process: hormone signals from the brain, egg maturation and release (ovulation), sperm reaching the egg, fertilisation, and embryo implantation in the uterus. If any part of this process fails, pregnancy may not occur. **Types of Infertility** - Primary infertility: Never having been able to conceive after the recommended period. - Secondary infertility: Difficulty conceiving after already having at least one successful pregnancy. - Unexplained infertility: No cause is found despite comprehensive testing. Causes and Risk Factors** Infertility can result from factors affecting women, men, or both partners. Female causes include ovulation disorders like ([polycystic ovary syndrome](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/treatments-and-services/pcos-symptoms-and-when-to-consult/)), structural abnormalities of reproductive organs, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, fallopian tube damage, and age-related declines in egg quality. Male causes often involve sperm quantity, quality, or motility issues, as well as structural problems or hormonal disorders. Environmental exposures (e.g., toxins), lifestyle factors (such as smoking or excessive alcohol use), weight extremes, and previous cancer treatments may also contribute. About one-third of infertility cases involve women, one-third involve men, and one-third are unexplained or involve both partners. **Symptoms** The most common sign of infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy despite regular, unprotected intercourse within the expected timeframe. Some individuals may also experience irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, or symptoms of hormonal imbalances. Men may notice issues related to sperm production or sexual function. **Diagnosis and Testing** Diagnosing infertility typically begins with a thorough medical and sexual history, physical examination, and targeted testing. For women, this may include hormone blood tests, ultrasounds, and evaluations of fallopian tubes and uterine structure (e.g., hysterosalpingogram). For men, a semen analysis assesses sperm count, movement, and morphology, while hormonal and imaging tests can identify additional factors. **Treatment Options** [Treatment](https://hsfckenya.com/treatments/) depends on the cause, age, duration of infertility, and patient preferences. Strategies can range from lifestyle modifications (such as improving diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco or alcohol) to medications that stimulate ovulation or improve hormonal balance. Surgical procedures may correct structural issues or remove blockages. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation ([IVF](https://hsfckenya.com/treatments/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf/)), and procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are frequently used when other treatments are ineffective. Third-party options, including donor eggs, sperm, or embryos and surrogates, may also be considered. **Prognosis and Outlook** Many individuals and couples eventually achieve pregnancy with or without treatment, especially when age, lifestyle, and health factors are addressed. Success varies depending on the underlying causes, age, and chosen therapies. Seeking evaluation early, particularly for older patients or those with known risk factors, can improve the chances of identifying effective interventions. **Living with Infertility** Infertility can be emotionally and financially challenging. Practising self-care, seeking support from loved ones, and consulting healthcare professionals or [support groups](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/hsfc-kenya-support-group/) can help individuals navigate the journey with resilience. Most couples should consider seeing a fertility specialist if pregnancy does not occur within the expected timeframe. **IN SUMMARY:** Seek Professional Guidance: - Consult with a fertility specialist: A specialist in fertility issues can provide personalised advice and treatment plans based on your specific situation. - Understand the Causes: A fertility specialist can help determine the underlying cause of your infertility, which can be a factor in choosing the most effective treatment. - Explore Treatment Options: Discuss various treatment options, including medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Considering Treatment Options: - Medication: In some cases, medication can be used to regulate ovulation, improve sperm quality, or address other underlying issues. - Surgery: Surgical procedures can be used to repair fallopian tubes, remove fibroids or scar tissue, or address other structural issues affecting fertility. - Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): IUI, IVF, and ICSI are examples of ART procedures that can help couples conceive. - Sperm Retrieval Procedures: If sperm is not present in the semen, retrieval procedures can help collect sperm for use in assisted reproductive technologies. Lifestyle Modifications: - Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise can improve overall health and potentially boost fertility. - Reducing Stress: Stress can negatively impact fertility, so practising relaxation techniques and engaging in activities that promote well-being can be beneficial. - Avoiding Harmful Substances: Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding exposure to toxins can improve fertility potential. Emotional Support: Coping Mechanisms: Infertility can be emotionally challenging, so seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be helpful in coping with the stress and anxiety. Read more about infertility and next steps in this [article](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility) by the Cleveland Clinic. Reach out to us [here](https://hsfckenya.com/contact-us/) at Harley Street Fertility Centre Kenya for guidance on next steps if you have been trying to get pregnant for some time, with no success.