In clinical usage, sterility refers to a complete and generally irreversible inability to conceive, such as after both fallopian tubes are removed or in certain cases of azoospermia with no sperm retrievable by any method. This is different from infertility, which usually describes a reduced or delayed chance of conceiving that can often be treated or worked around with assisted reproduction, donor gametes or surrogacy where legally permitted. "Sterile" is not an appropriate everyday label for a person experiencing infertility, and Indian fertility care avoids this language. Most people who search using this word are describing infertility, which is treatable or manageable in many cases; a clinician can clarify whether a specific, irreversible cause is actually present.
Also known as: sterile, completely infertile
Sources
- Indian Council of Medical Research (icmr.gov.in)
- World Health Organization (who.int)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.