Fertility basics
Fecundity refers to the underlying ability to have a live-born child, as distinct from fecundability, which is the per-cycle probability of conceiving. The two words are often confused. In research papers, fecundity is used when discussing reproductive potential across a population or lifetime rather than an individual month of trying.
Also known as: reproductive capacity
Sources
- Your Fertility, a national public education programme (yourfertility.org.au)
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.