ASRM's New Definition of Infertility

In the ever-evolving field of reproductive medicine, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recently made a significant update to its definition of infertility, marking a notable milestone in our understanding of human fertility and reproductive health. This change reflects the growing body of knowledge in the field and recognizes the diverse experiences of individuals and couples who seek assistance in building their families.

What is the ASRM?

The ASRM, founded in 1944, is a leading authority on reproductive medicine in the United States. This professional organization plays a crucial role in setting guidelines, conducting research, and providing valuable resources to both healthcare providers and the general public. ASRM's recent update on the definition of infertility underscores its commitment to adapt to the changing landscape of reproductive health and provide comprehensive care for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges.

The Traditional Definition of Infertility

Traditionally, infertility was defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. This definition had its merits but was often criticized for being overly simplistic and not taking into account the myriad factors that can affect one's ability to conceive.

The New Definition

In its recent update, ASRM redefines infertility as a disease, condition, or status characterized by any of the following:

• The inability to achieve a successful pregnancy based on a patient’s medical, sexual, and reproductive history, age, physical findings, diagnostic testing, or any combination of those factors.
• The need for medical intervention, including, but not limited to, the use of donor gametes or donor embryos in order to achieve a successful pregnancy either as an individual or with a partner.
• In patients having regular, unprotected intercourse and without any known etiology for either partner suggestive of impaired reproductive ability, evaluation should be initiated at 12 months when the female partner is under 35 years of age and at six months when the female partner is 35 years of age or older. 

This updated definition is a significant departure from the previous one and reflects a more nuanced understanding of fertility issues.

Implications of the New Definition

Acknowledging Individual Circumstances: The updated definition recognizes that fertility struggles can be caused by various factors, not just the inability to conceive within a year. Conditions that affect reproductive function, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and male factor infertility, are now explicitly included.

Timely Intervention: The new definition encourages couples to seek help earlier if they have known issues that may impair their fertility. This proactive approach can potentially lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention, improving their chances of successful conception.

Inclusivity: By broadening the scope of what qualifies as infertility, ASRM's new definition is more inclusive of diverse family structures. This is an essential step towards recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ couples and single individuals who wish to start a family.

Reducing Stigma: The traditional definition of infertility could inadvertently contribute to the stigma surrounding fertility issues. The updated definition helps reduce this stigma by acknowledging the medical nature of the condition and normalizing the need for medical assistance.

ASRM's recent update of the definition of infertility is a progressive step forward in the field of reproductive medicine. It acknowledges the complexity of fertility issues, promotes early intervention, and fosters inclusivity in the provision of care. This new definition not only reflects the ever-expanding knowledge in the field but also demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate reproductive healthcare to all who seek it. As we move forward, these changes will undoubtedly contribute to more effective and empathetic fertility treatments, ultimately helping more individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

Author

Dr. Sharon Moayeri Sharon Moayeri, MD, MPH, MS, FACOG, is a trusted fertility specialist with more than 15 years of experience. As the founder and medical director of OC Fertility® in Newport Beach. Dr. Moayeri is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 2009, Dr. Moayeri founded OC Fertility®, a culmination of her goals to provide personalized, patient-focused fertility services in her hometown. All treatments use the most cutting-edge technologies while providing trauma-informed care, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Dr. Moayeri is a passionate educator and thought leader and was recently featured in USA Today as an advocate for access to timely fertility care for oncology patients, especially as outcomes for cancer patients continue to improve.