What is the Difference Between Subfertility and Infertility?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between subfertility and infertility lies in the ability to conceive. Subfertility refers to a reduced fertility level, where it takes longer than average to conceive, while infertility refers to the inability to conceive naturally after one year of trying.
Subfertility:
- Describes any form of reduced fertility with a prolonged time of unwanted non-conception.
- Affects more than 48 million women worldwide, and one in seven couples has difficulty conceiving a baby.
- Couples with subfertility may sometimes achieve a pregnancy naturally, while those with infertility generally cannot.
- Risk factors for subfertility include being over the age of 35, being overweight or underweight, smoking, excessive alcohol use, excessive physical or emotional stress, exposure to radiation, certain medications, and exposure to environmental toxins.
Infertility:
- Refers to the inability to conceive naturally after one year of trying.
- Affects approximately 5% of couples after 48 months of unsuccessful attempts.
- Infertile couples generally require medical intervention to conceive.
- Risk factors for infertility are similar to those for subfertility, but the chances of conceiving without medical help are much lower.
In summary, subfertility is characterized by a reduced fertility level and a prolonged time to conceive, while infertility is the complete inability to conceive naturally without medical intervention.
Comparative Table: Subfertility vs Infertility
The difference between subfertility and infertility can be summarized as follows:
Subfertility | Infertility |
---|---|
Refers to any form of reduced fertility with a prolonged time of unwanted non-conception | Refers to the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term |
A couple is considered subfertile if they have not achieved pregnancy after 2 years of regular unprotected sex | A couple is considered infertile if they have not achieved pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sex, or after 6 months for women over the age of 35 |
Most pregnancies occur within the first six cycles with intercourse in the fertile phase (80%) | There is a nearly zero chance of becoming pregnant spontaneously |
Subfertility can be influenced by factors such as age, with women over the age of 30 being more likely to have difficulty getting pregnant | Infertility is diagnosed when all possible causes of subfertility have been investigated and ruled out |
It is essential to differentiate between subfertility and infertility to provide appropriate management and support for couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving.
- Fertility vs Infertility
- Primary vs Secondary Infertility
- Fertility vs Fecundity
- IVF vs Surrogacy
- Birth Rate vs Fertility Rate
- IVM vs IVF
- Fertile vs Ovulation
- Artificial Insemination vs In Vitro Fertilization
- IVF vs IUI
- Impotence vs Sterility
- IVF vs ICSI
- Fertilization vs Implantation
- Ovulation vs Conception
- Intercourse vs Conception
- Spermiogenesis vs Spermiation
- Having a Baby vs Not Having a Baby
- Inbreeding vs Outbreeding
- Fertilized vs Unfertilized Eggs
- Spermatogenesis vs Oogenesis