Many couples are successful in their attempts to conceive utilizing relatively simple and "low-tech" procedures. Less than 2% of all couples seeking treatment will undergo assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Infertility is not the same thing as sterility. About 90% of all diagnosed infertility cases can be traced to specific causes, and two of every three infertile couples that seek treatment are able to have children.

Normal healthy sperm remain active in the woman's reproductive system from 48 to 72 hours. Therefore, having intercourse at 48-hour intervals near the time of ovulation is usually more then adequate. Actually, once or twice a week is usually enough. If the man has a low sperm concentration that replenishes slowly, intercourse on a daily basis may actually be counterproductive.

• Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (www.socrei.org)
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (www.asrm.org)
• Resolve The National Infertility Association (www.resolve.org)