Fertility Challenges in Canada: When to Seek Help

Approximately 1 in 6 Canadian couples experience fertility challenges. The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) defines infertility as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (or 6 months for women over 35). Factors that affect fertility include age (female fertility declines significantly after 35, and male fertility declines more gradually), hormonal disorders (PCOS, thyroid issues), structural issues (blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis), male factors (low sperm count, motility issues - contributing to about 40% of infertility cases), lifestyle factors (smoking, excessive alcohol, obesity), and unexplained causes (approximately 15% of cases). When to see a doctor: if you are under 35 and have not conceived after 12 months, if you are over 35 and have not conceived after 6 months, if you have irregular or absent periods, or if you have a known condition affecting fertility. Initial evaluation typically includes blood tests for hormonal levels, semen analysis, and imaging (ultrasound, HSG for tubal assessment). Treatment options in Canada include ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Government funding for IVF varies by province - Ontario covers one funded IVF cycle through the Ontario Fertility Program. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.