While this is the "classic" definition of infertility, the "current" definition is "failure to conceive following one year of unprotected intercourse if under 35 years of age or six months if over 35."

While this definition is useful as a guideline for who should be evaluated for infertility, rigid adherence to the definition can be a disservice to many people desiring to create a family. Some insurance companies and health plan administrators set policies on fertility coverage based on the 'six months to one year' definition even though it does not apply to everyone in every situation. For example, couples with specific infertility risk factors, such as women with a history of pelvic infection or men with a history of undescended testicles should be evaluated as soon as they plan on starting a family. The likelihood of discovering a problem, which would require intervention, is higher in such cases. Other cases include single women or lesbian couples who may need the services of fertility specialists, but may not qualify under their insurance policy’s definition of infertility. Valuable fertile time - may be lost, if evaluation and treatment are delayed.