Our services
Infertility
Overview
Understanding why pregnancy is taking longer, and the treatments that can help. The causes of female infertility can be difficult to diagnose, but successful treatment often depends on understanding the cause. The specialists at Minerva Women's Healthcare are committed to finding answers with skill, discretion and genuine warmth and care. For answers to your fertility questions, call our office today or request your visit online.
At a glance
- Infertility means not becoming pregnant after a year of regular, unprotected sex, or after six months if you are 35 or older
- Either partner can be affected. Female factors account for about one-third of cases, male factors for another third, and the rest are combined or unexplained
- Common causes include ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis and fibroids
- Many causes can be treated, and many couples go on to have a healthy pregnancy
- Seeing a specialist early can save time, so do not wait if you have concerns
What is infertility?
Infertility becomes a consideration when you have been trying to get pregnant for a year without success, despite regular unprotected sex. If you are 35 or older, we recommend an evaluation after six months. You should not wait that long if you have irregular or absent periods, known conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis, a history of pelvic infection or surgery, or other concerns. Many issues can cause infertility, and men and women are equally at risk of fertility difficulties. Female factors cause about one-third of cases, male factors another third, and the remainder are due to unknown causes or a combination of both partners. Because of this, we usually recommend that both partners are assessed.
What causes female infertility?
Female infertility can be complex and may involve a combination of factors. Problems with ovulation are among the most common causes, and include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can interfere with ovulation and is the most common cause of female infertility
- Hypothalamic dysfunction, which can affect ovulation and may cause irregular or absent periods
- Primary ovarian insufficiency, where the ovaries stop working normally before age 40 and release eggs less often or not at all
- Excess prolactin, a hormone that can reduce oestrogen production and interrupt ovulation
Structural problems can also lead to infertility, including:
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, which stop eggs from travelling to the uterus
- Endometriosis, which can scar or block the tubes and may prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterine wall
- Uterine fibroids, which can block the tubes or prevent implantation
Other factors include age, weight, smoking, heavy alcohol use, thyroid conditions and past pelvic infections.
How is infertility diagnosed?
Your evaluation begins with a physical exam and a careful review of your medical history, including your periods, past pregnancies, surgeries and infections. You may already have a diagnosis, such as PCOS, that is known to affect fertility. Otherwise, testing may include:
Blood tests: To check hormone levels, including those that show whether you are ovulating, and thyroid and prolactin levels.
Ultrasound scan: To look at the uterus and ovaries for fibroids, cysts or other structural problems.
Tube assessment: A special X-ray or scan test to check whether your fallopian tubes are open.
Other tests: Further tests may be advised depending on your findings, including a semen analysis for your partner.
Once the cause is known, we create a treatment plan with you.
What treatments are available?
Fortunately, many effective treatments can resolve fertility problems and give you the opportunity to carry a successful pregnancy. Depending on the cause, your plan may include:
- Lifestyle guidance, including weight, nutrition and timing of sex
- Medicines to stimulate ovulation or correct hormone imbalances
- Treatment of infections or conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids
- Surgery to repair or remove structural problems
- Referral for assisted reproduction, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF), when appropriate
We will explain each option, including benefits, limits and expected timelines, so you can make decisions that feel right for you.
Common questions
When should we seek help?
After a year of trying, or six months if you are 35 or older. See us sooner if your periods are irregular or absent, you have pelvic pain, or you have a known condition that may affect fertility.
Can lifestyle changes improve my chances?
Yes. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol and managing stress can all help.
Does my partner need testing too?
Usually yes. A simple semen analysis is an important part of a full fertility assessment.
Does infertility mean I can never get pregnant?
No. Infertility means pregnancy is taking longer than expected. Many people with a diagnosed cause go on to conceive with treatment.
Ready to find answers?
Schedule a visit with Minerva Women's Healthcare to find out what is behind your fertility difficulties and what treatments are available. Call our office or request your appointment online. It takes about a minute, and no account is needed.
