Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected intercourse if the woman is under 35, or after 6 months if she is 35 or older.
There can be several reasons such as hormonal imbalances, fallopian tube issues, or conditions like endometriosis. Infertility is more common than many realise, and numerous couples experience challenges in their journey to conceive.
Some of the causes we look into when it comes to female infertility are:
Both the egg quantity and quality reduce over time. At birth, the ovaries hold about one million eggs. By puberty, this drops to around half a million, and by the time a woman reaches menopause (generally between 45 and 55), fewer than 1,000 eggs remain.
As the number of eggs decreases, so does their quality. This decline in quality has a significant impact on fertility, leading to lower chances of natural conception, reduced success rates with fertility treatments, and a higher risk of pregnancy loss. The primary reason for this decline in egg quality is an increase in chromosomal abnormalities that come with age.
If your periods are inconsistent, too light, or too heavy, it might suggest hormonal imbalances or other underlying issues affecting ovulation.
While these symptoms don’t always mean infertility, they warrant further evaluation to identify and address any underlying issues. A great resource that provides further information on female infertility can be accessed here: https://www.fertilitysociety.com.au/female-infertility-australia-new-zealand
During this chat, we’ll discuss your medical history, any symptoms you’ve noticed and how long you’ve been trying to conceive. It’s important that we allocate enough time during the consultation to get a clear picture and work out the best way forward.
If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if you’re over 35) and you haven’t been able to conceive or maintain a pregnancy, then I would generally recommend seeking advice from a fertility specialist. Age related infertility is best dealt with as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles or have known health conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, it’s a good idea to book a consultation. A fertility specialist can help you understand any potential complications and guide you through your fertility journey.
Cycle tracking is used to monitor a woman’s menstrual cycle to identify her most fertile days and evaluate ovulation. It involves tracking hormone levels through blood tests to confirm ovulation and detect potential hormonal imbalances.
Infertility can be a disheartening and isolating experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. My team and I are committed to providing personalised support throughout your fertility journey. Our goal is to help you feel empowered and informed at every step, ensuring you feel cared for and confident in your decisions.
Our goal is to optimise your treatment plan and give you the best possible chance of success, all while delivering the highest standard of care.
Still have questions? Chat to us!
Understanding the emotional journey couples endure when they have difficulty conceiving or recurrent pregnancy loss is essential to my approach.
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