Numerous studies have shown that involuntary childlessness in the Western world has a wide range of psychological effects, including distress, depression, anxiety, reduced self-esteem, reduced libido and a sense of loss of control, blame and guilt.

Infertility is described as the failure to conceive after regular unprotected intercourse during at least one year for couples under 35 years, and during 6 months for couples over 35 years.

This definition translates into 10 million infertile couples in the EU, 6 million in the USA, and 80 million worldwide. Infertility affects couples in various manners and represents a major life crisis for many couples who are unable to conceive.