Female fertility problems are the sole factor in about one third of couples having trouble conceiving. Not only can addressing these medical conditions be the first step in helping you fall pregnant, but can also get you on your way to better overall health.
Around one quarter of female infertility is caused by problems with ovulation, which refers to the development and release of an egg. Ovulation problems include conditions involving absent or irregular menstrual periods, such as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome or PMOS (previously polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS). Without regular ovulation, the egg isn’t available for fertilisation by sperm.
Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition that can cause problems with conceiving, though not all women with endometriosis have fertility issues. In this condition, tissue that is normally found inside the uterus begins to grow elsewhere in the body, causing pain, inflammation, and scarring. It accounts for around 15% of female fertility problems.
Contributing to 12% of female factor fertility issues, adhesions refer to scar tissue that has connected structures within the pelvis that are not normally attached to each other. This can cause distortion of the reproductive organs, interfering with many of the steps needed for successful conception. The most common cause of pelvic adhesions is pelvic inflammatory disease.
Other conditions affecting the uterus account for 11% of female-related infertility. The uterus is where the fertilised egg implants and eventually grows into a baby. Problems with the uterus such as fibroids or uterine septums (an abnormal division within the uterus) are associated with conception difficulties.
Both our fertility specialists are also experienced gynaecologists with specific expertise in managing conditions of the female reproductive system.
Depending on your situation, a comprehensive examination with one of our doctors may include:
The results of your female fertility tests will guide our treatment recommendations.
Some conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids or polyps, or pelvic adhesions, may need surgery.
Other conditions such as PMOS or irregular periods can be addressed through medications.
Lifestyle changes can play a very beneficial role in improving your fertility. This may include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, minimising alcohol intake, and quitting smoking and recreational drug use. Often, these steps are recommended alongside other interventions such as surgery or medications to optimise your reproductive health.
In some cases, treating the underlying gynaecological issue may improve your overall wellbeing but not be enough to help you conceive. This is when assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF or IUI may be considered.
