What is the typical duration of unprotected sex after which infertility is considered?

What is the typical duration of unprotected sex after which infertility is considered?

• A. 6 months
• B. 12 months
• C. 18 months
• D. 24 months

Answer: (B)

Regular unprotected intercourse for about a year is the usual threshold used to define infertility. This 12-month timeframe reflects that most healthy couples conceive within a year, so if pregnancy hasn’t occurred after that period, a fertility evaluation is commonly recommended. In contrast, 6 months is sometimes used when a woman is older (around 35 or older) or has known risk factors, but for the general population the standard is 12 months. Waiting 18 or 24 months would delay necessary assessment and potential treatment. So the typical duration is 12 months.

Regular unprotected intercourse for about a year is the usual threshold used to define infertility. This 12-month timeframe reflects that most healthy couples conceive within a year, so if pregnancy hasn’t occurred after that period, a fertility evaluation is commonly recommended. In contrast, 6 months is sometimes used when a woman is older (around 35 or older) or has known risk factors, but for the general population the standard is 12 months. Waiting 18 or 24 months would delay necessary assessment and potential treatment. So the typical duration is 12 months.