Because the male and female reproductive systems are so different, one would assume that the treatments used to treat infertility in men would be extremely different than the infertility treatments used to treat women. That, however, is not always the case. While it is true that many of the conventional fertility treatments are specifically designed for use for one sex or the other, some effective treatments can be used on both male and female individuals. Natural, alternative infertility treatments can be used to treat both males and females; however, the way they work for one sex is entirely different than the way the treatment will work for the other sex.

Men often experience infertility issues due to sexual function disorders and low or no sperm production. When this is the case, alternative treatments options such as herbal remedies and acupuncture therapies have been known to aid infertile couples in conceiving. These same methods have also been used to effectively treat female infertility concerns, but for different reasons. Where the alternative treatments have been known to aid in male sperm production and sexual function, for females they aid in improving ovulation and reproductive functions.

In addition to the physical differences between how infertility affects men and women, it is also important to understand the emotional similarities and differences between how the two sexes approach the concerns caused by infertility. Women will usually accept the fact that there is a fertility concern far more quickly than men will; however, both sexes will often experience feelings of disappointment and failure in relation to the infertility. Communication styles will also differ, as will the way frustration, anger and sorrow are expressed. Because of the differences in the way the emotional aspects of infertility are dealt with, it is oftentimes suggested that couples experiencing problems with infertility seek professional counseling to help them cope with these differences.