Infertility : Infertility is the most common health problem nowadays as many couples are facing, as they are unable to conceive. And even if they conceive, they are unable to continue the pregnancy to term. Infertility is “a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.” Mostly females are more criticized for the reason, but its incidence infertility but its incidence is equal in both females and males.And there are some couples in whom without any particular cause infertility arises.This condition is called “Idiopathic infertility”. Infertility is of two types: 1) Primary infertility: Primary infertility is defined as the absence of a live birth for the women. Who desire a child and have been in a union for at least 5 years, during which they have not used any contraceptives. 2) Secondary infertility: When a woman is unable to become pregnant at least five years after the first child even without using any contraceptives is known as secondary infertility. Causes of Infertility: Factors causing infertility in females: For women, problems with fertilisation arise mainly from either structural problems in the fallopian tube or uterus Infertility may be caused by blockage of the Fallopian tube due to malformations, infections such as chlamydia and/or scar tissue. For example, endometriosis can cause infertility with the growth of endometrial tissue in the Fallopian tubes and/or around the ovaries. Endometriosis is usually more common in women in their mid-twenties and older, especially when postponed childbirth has taken place. Another major cause of infertility in women may be the inability to ovulate. Malformation of the eggs themselves may complicate conception. eg: PCOD – which affect the development & release of eggs during ovulation. Some women are infertile because their ovaries do not mature & release eggs. Other factors that can affect a woman’s chances of conceiving include being overweight or underweight, or her age as female fertility declines after the age of 30. Sometimes it can be a combination of factors, and sometimes a clear cause is never established. Common causes of Infertility of females include:- ovulation problems (e.g. PCOS, the leading reason why women visit to fertility clinics due to anovulatory cycles. – tubal blockage • pelvic inflammatory disease caused by infections like tuberculosis • age-related factors • uterine problems like bicornuate uterus, fibroids etc. • previous tubal ligation • endometriosis • advanced maternal age Factors causing male Infertility: Factors including low sperm count like azoospermia (complete absence of sperm in semen), oligospermia (low sperm count due to endocrine problems, drugs, radiation, or infection), asthenospermia (poor sperm motility), teratospermia (abnormal structure of sperm), varicocele (abnormal enlargement of veins in the scrotum), hydrocoele (collection of fluid around testicle). – Erectile Dysfunction – Impotency Hormonal imbalance in thyroid, testosterone, prolactin, FSH and LH levels etc and Environmental factors include smoking, alcohol intake, obesity, stress are common for both male and female. Investigations: In males: semen analysis, harmones test, genetic testing, testicular biopsy, imaging include MRI, ultrasound In females: Ovulation test including follicular study, USG of pelvis, hysterosalpingography and genetic testing and chromosomal analysis. Best Fertility Care Centre, Advanced Fertility Care Centre, Ashwini Hospital Moondrumavadi K.Pudur Madurai-07.