Fertility Issues

Let’s unpack the issues

You may be here because you’re facing some challenges falling pregnant. You may have many questions about your fertility and the reasons why you’re unable to conceive. I understand it can be overwhelming. I’m here to reassure you that it’s best to take this one step at a time, starting with breaking down the issue. I’m here to give you the information you need that will help you take the next positive step towards your goal. Information is power!

What is infertility?

In a nutshell, it’s the inability to conceive a baby naturally after six months of trying. One in six couples is diagnosed with infertility, but thanks to advances in fertility treatments, many go on to have healthy families.

I’ve seen the anxiety fertility issues can cause. They can be physically and emotionally demanding and they need specialist skills and care. As a Melbourne IVF fertility specialist, I can tailor fertility treatments using advanced science and techniques that best suit your needs. I want to make sure you’re comfortable and well informed throughout your fertility journey.

Support one another throughout your journey

When you’re trying to conceive, sometimes it can feel as though the trouble with falling pregnant rests with one partner – and that’s often not the case. Sometimes women have fertility issues, sometimes men do. And sometimes it’s a combination of factors affecting both of you.

While this can certainly test you both, it’s important to look after your relationship and keep things in perspective – fertility treatment usually takes time, but I assure you, there’s always hope.

Take care of each other physically and emotionally and accept your partner’s different reactions at different times. Talk to each other and discuss what’s working, what’s not. Check in with each other at social events. I recommend taking particular care of yourselves at children’s birthday parties, which can be especially emotional for couples experiencing fertility problems. Leave early if you need to or just send a gift.

A problem shared takes the weight off

You may also want to share your feelings with someone else, like a trusted GP or counsellor.  If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, I absolutely recommend it. Regular exercise, sleeping and eating well and ‘me time’ is important for keeping balance in your life. Doing things you like to do, planning fun activities or projects, and having things to look forward to can help you maintain perspective. While your fertility journey may feel all encompassing at times, it’s important not to let it overtake your life.

Investigating your fertility

It’s best not to jump to conclusions

Take a deep breath and slow down. When you’ve been trying to fall pregnant for some time, wanting to dive right into IVF treatment might seem like the way forward. But we need to stop for a minute and go back and look at what might be causing your infertility. I’m here on the journey with you — let’s investigate this together, so you have all the right information to empower you to take the next steps.

You’re not alone

Infertility affects about one in six Australian couples of reproductive age. For every person or couple I see, the causes of infertility are unique to their situation. That’s why it’s important for us to determine the underlying causes early on. After your first consultation, both of you will need to have some fertility tests, so I can make my diagnosis.

If the diagnosis is unexplained infertility (more on that later) – it doesn’t mean you won’t conceive. IVF treatment has a high success rate for all sorts of infertility, and together we’ll work out the best plan for you.

Potential causes of infertility

There’s something to learn at every stage

When it comes to what could be causing infertility, your age is the most significant. Women are born with a set number of eggs, and the quantity and quality of these decrease over time. While this doesn’t happen to a man’s sperm, health and lifestyle factors can also have a negative impact on sperm quality. Around half the couples I see have a male factor causing infertility, while female and male factors combined make up a third of infertile couples. 

Other causes of infertility can be:

  • Endometriosis, fibroids, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women

  • Hormonal problems, chromosomal abnormalities or tubal blockages in men

  • Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive drinking or obesity in both partners

Remember, keep on supporting each other physically and emotionally through your fertility investigation and treatment, and I will always be here to support you, too

What if it’s unexplained infertility?

When the answer isn’t cut and dried

This is one of the most common diagnoses. Sure it can be frustrating not to have a clear answer, it’s important not to lose hope if the results of your fertility tests indicate unexplained infertility.

We can carry out more investigations, to identify whether there are more complex underlying reasons. Sometimes – through laparoscopy for example – the investigation itself can help you to go on to conceive naturally. But in many cases, especially if you’re over 35 and have been trying to fall pregnant for some time, IVF treatment is the best possible course.

Your first fertility appointment

Starting your journey off on the right foot

When you come in for your first appointment, my goal is to investigate the potential causes of the difficulties you are having. We’ll chat about you and your partner’s medical histories, your general health, any previous pregnancies, and how long you’ve been trying to conceive. I might suggest a general examination, a gynaecological examination, and an ultrasound to have a look at the fertility organs.

What to bring

Please bring a referral from your GP. If you have had recent blood or imaging tests, bring those results too. If you need any more tests, I’ll explain these clearly to you. Because your case is unique to you, I tailor the investigations to your circumstances. This could include blood and ovulation tests and semen analysis. Following this the treatment plan could include:

  • Advice on continuing to try to conceive naturally, and how to maximise your chance of success

  • Medications to regulate ovarian function or to treat male infertility

  • Surgery to check for endometriosis, fibroids and other conditions. Sometimes we can even correct these conditions at the time.

  • Surgery to correct issues such as endometriosis; or microsurgery for male fertility problems, like vasectomy reversal.

  • Assisted reproductive technology (IUI, IVF or ICSI).

It’s a good idea to keep all your tests together in a sleeve or folder so we can easily access them when needed. My personal assistants, Lorna and Emma, can help you with this.