Table 1.
Eleven Possible Definitions of Infertility From the Furthering Understanding of Cancer, Health, and Survivorship in Adult Women Study, 2012–2015
| Infertility Definition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Unprotected intercourse for 6 months | Did not get pregnant after 6 months of regulara unprotected intercourse |
| Attempting pregnancy for 6 months | Did not get pregnant after 6 months of regular unprotected intercourse while actively trying to become pregnant |
| Unprotected intercourse for 12 months | Did not get pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse |
| Attempting pregnancy for 12 months | Did not get pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse while actively trying to become pregnant |
| Unprotected intercourse for 24 months | Did not get pregnant after 24 months of regular unprotected intercourse |
| Attempting pregnancy for 24 months | Did not get pregnant after 24 months of regular unprotected intercourse while actively trying to become pregnant |
| Unprotected intercourse using 2013 ASRM age cutpoints | Did not get pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse for those <35 years old or after 6 months for those ≥35 years old |
| Attempting pregnancy according to 2013 ASRM definition | Did not get pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse for those <35 years old or after 6 months for those ≥35 years old while actively trying to become pregnant |
| Visited a doctor for help getting pregnant | Visited a doctor or other health professional for help becoming pregnant |
| Physician diagnosis of infertility at fertility care visitb | At doctor visit, was told there was a problem with her or her partner’s fertility |
| Physician diagnosis of infertility at fertility care visit due to female-related factorsb,c | At doctor visit, was told there was a problem with her fertility |
Abbreviation: ASRM, American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
a Regular intercourse defined as ≥3 times per month.
b Measured only among women who visited a doctor for help getting pregnant.
c Reason given by doctor for cause of infertility was a female-related factor (e.g., poor ovulation, low ovarian reserve, fibroids, blocked tubes, endometriosis, cervical problem, or menopause).