The term infertility is defined as the inability to conceive despite regular and unprotected intercourse for 2 years. However, risk factors such as the woman's age, abnormal menstrual periods, history of pelvic inflammatory disease and whether there has been previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, history of undescended testicles may warrant earlier investigations and treatment of infertility. Couples should be aware that 80% will conceive within a year and 90% within two years if they don't use contraception and have regular intercourse. Although, infertility by itself may not threaten physical health, it does have a serious impact on the mental and social well being of affected couples.

Infertility is classified into two types:

• Primary infertility if there was no previous pregnancy (approximately 40% of infertile couples).
• Secondary infertility if there was a previous pregnancy whatever the outcome (approximately 60% of infertile couples).