The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has recently issued a significant committee opinion on the definition of infertility. This new document supersedes the prior one titled “Definitions of Infertility and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Committee Opinion,” last published in 2020.

In the eyes of the ASRM, “infertility” is no longer simply a condition but is officially recognized as a disease, condition, or status defined by the following key criteria:

1. The Inability to Achieve a Successful Pregnancy: Infertility is characterized by the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy based on various factors. These factors include the patient’s medical, sexual, and reproductive history, age, physical findings, diagnostic testing, or any combination of these elements.
2. The Need for Medical Intervention: It encompasses situations where medical intervention is required, including the utilization of donor gametes or donor embryos to attain a successful pregnancy, either as an individual or with a partner.
3. Recommended Evaluation Timelines: The ASRM emphasizes the importance of timely evaluation when infertility is suspected. Evaluation should begin after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for the female partner under the age of 35 and after 6 months for those who are 35 years of age or older. These timelines ensure a proactive approach to infertility management.

It is crucial to note that this new definition underlines the importance of timely evaluation and medical intervention when needed, without any discrimination based on relationship status or sexual orientation. Infertility is recognized as a medical condition that requires appropriate care and support for all individuals.

Acknowledgments and Considerations:

This committee opinion represents a collaborative effort led by the Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and serves as a guideline for reproductive healthcare providers. While this document outlines the recommended approach to addressing infertility, it does not intend to be the exclusive standard of practice or dictate a single course of treatment. Healthcare providers may choose other management plans, taking into account individual patient needs, available resources, and institutional or clinical practice limitations.

The Practice Committee and the Board of Directors of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine have reviewed and approved this committee opinion, reinforcing its significance within the field of reproductive medicine.

The members of the ASRM Practice Committee who contributed to the development of this document are acknowledged for their valuable insights and expertise in the field of reproductive medicine. The committee members ensure the document reflects appropriate management of infertility as a medical condition.

It is noteworthy that all committee members disclosed any commercial or financial relationships with manufacturers or distributors of goods or services used for patient care. Any conflicts of interest that arose from these relationships were carefully considered, and members with conflicts did not participate in the development of this document.

In essence, the ASRM’s updated definition of infertility as a disease underscores the significance of early evaluation and intervention, with the overarching goal of ensuring that all individuals have access to the necessary support and care on their unique fertility journeys.

Definition of infertility: a committee opinion
Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, American Society for Reproductive
Medicine, Washington, DC.
Infertility is defined. This document replaces the document titled “Definitions ofinfertility and recurrent pregnancy Ioss: a committee
opinion,” last published in 2020 (Fertil Steril. 2020;113:533-535. PMID: 32115183). C’ 2023; @2023 by American Society for
Reproductive Medicine.)