Infertility natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sanjana Nethagani, M.B.B.S.[3]

Common complications of infertility treatment include multiple gestations, gestational diabetes, etc. If left untreated, infertility may cause marital discord and psychological issues in the couple.

• Infertility can have a big emotional impact on both of the involved partners.^[1]
• Depression, anxiety, and marriage problems may occur.
• Fertility induction using drugs such as clomiphene or assisted reproductive technology may cause multiple gestations and premature labor.^[2]
• Therapies such as IVF and Assisted reproductive technology are expensive and are a financial strain on couples who wish to conceive.

• As many as 1 in 5 couples diagnosed with infertility eventually become pregnant without treatment.
• More than half of the couples with infertility become pregnant after treatment, not including advanced techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).