Infertility is a medical condition, usually defined as not achieving a pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse — or six months where the female partner is over 35, or sooner where there is a known problem such as absent periods, previous pelvic surgery or a known sperm issue. It affects people of any gender and is investigated as a couple where there are two partners. A diagnosis of infertility does not mean pregnancy is impossible; it means investigation and, often, treatment are reasonable next steps.
Also known as: infertile, unable to conceive, trouble conceiving, difficulty getting pregnant
Related Australia guides
Related checklists
Sources
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ranzcog.edu.au)
- Healthdirect Australia (healthdirect.gov.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.