Fertility Links

What is Infertility?

Roughly one in six Australian heterosexual Couples will have a fertility issue in their lives, and one in ten will face difficulty in conceiving their second child. Contrary to popular belief, infertility is common.

I see couples struggling with infertility every day, and it can be reassuring for many couples to know they are not alone on their journey. But what is infertility, and how do you know if you need treatment?

The consensus within the medical community is that infertility is defined as having attempted to conceived for 12 months without success.

Between the ages of 25 and 35 there is approximately a 20% chance of conceiving each cycle, and between 85 and 90% of couples of this age will conceive within 12 months.

What causes infertility?

The reasons for infertility are varied, with possible causes ranging from diet to endometriosis and low sperm count. I have plenty of experience managing infertility and encourage early diagnosis so that a treatment plan can be implemented, giving the greatest chance of success.

Infertility can be caused by:

• Unexplained infertility, where no cause is found
• Gynaecological factors, such as ovulatory disorders or poor egg quality, damaged or blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis
• Other factors, including poor sperm quality or reduced sperm production

Early treatment is best

Some couples feel anxious or uncomfortable and may delay seeking help. Other couples may not be clear on what infertility is, which may result in a less proactive approach to learning more about why they haven’t conceived. Or after one successful conception and birth, some couples may not recognise that they may need help for infertility.

Infertility affects everyone, and getting an early diagnosis is critical to maximising your chances of a healthy pregnancy.