The Hidden Infertile: Infertile Women without Pregnancy Intent in the United States

A national probability sample reveals two relatively distinct groups of infertile women: those with intent, who have experienced a period of 12 or more months during which they tried to conceive but did not, and those without intent, who had a period of at least 12 months during which they could have conceived and did not but who do not describe themselves as having tried to become pregnant at that time. Those with intent are more likely to identify as having a fertility problem, to be distressed, and to pursue infertility treatment than those without intent, suggesting that many women do not realize that they meet the medical criteria for infertility and may therefore wait longer to get help, therefore lowering their chances of conception