Infertility is most often defined by people as the inability to get pregnant or always having to experience miscarriages. However, this is not completely true because it is not only women but also men, who can be affected by infertility. In a man, infertility is usually caused by the production of very few sperms or even none at all. Sometimes, the infertility of a man can be due to the abnormal shape or structure of the sperm, which acts as a deterrent in reaching the woman's egg. There are cases wherein a man is born infertile. However, infertility in a man can also be brought about by injury or illness such as cystic fibrosis. A woman's infertility, on the other hand, is usually because of problems regarding ovulation. It may also be because of blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, or physical problems of the uterus.

For a man, several factors can increase the risk of him becoming infertile. These factors include cigarette smoking, drugs, alcohol, age, health problems, environmental toxins, and medicines, among others. As for women, things such as stress, athletic training, alcohol, tobacco smoking, sexually transmitted diseases, poor diet, age, tobacco smoking, and hormone problems can bring about an increase in the risk of infertility.

Being infertile can be frustrating and depressing. However, this can still be treated. Treatment options include surgery, artificial insemination, medicine, or assisted reproductive technology. There are quite a number of times when these treatments are used in combination. Due to these treatments, approximately 65 per cent of couples who get treatment for their infertility are blessed with a baby.