Abstract
The etiology of infertility was evaluated in 98 previously unexamined couples at Helsinki University Central Hospital. Female endocrine disturbances (33%) and male causes (26%) were the most common factors of infertility. Two or more causes were found in 28 couples (29%). Both female and male factors were involved in 8% of cases. Eighteen of 98 women became pregnant during the infertility evaluation before any treatment was given. At four years the cumulative pregnancy rates were 65% for all couples and 60% and 51% for couples with single-factor and multifactorial infertility, respectively. The mean age was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among those who failed to conceive than among those who conceived. Ovulatory disturbances and multiple causes are common factors in reproductive failure, but even in the presence of multi-factorial infertility the primary referrals have good chances of achieving pregnancy.