Female Infertility
What causes Female Infertility?
There are many factors that can impact your fertility. Regardless of what’s stopping you from conceiving, Toowoomba Obstetrics and Gynaecology is here to help you find a way to reach your goals of parenthood.
Your first step towards falling pregnant is to figure out what might be impacting your fertility and finding a solution. By identifying the things that might be preventing you from becoming pregnant, you can start working towards your goals alongside your doctor.
Below is a list of common factors that can impact your fertility. If you’re having trouble falling pregnant, it’s a good idea to take a look through them and make a note of which ones may be affecting you. You can then discuss them with your doctor to start moving towards a solution that’s right for you.
What should we look out for?
Age
The quantity and quality of your eggs begins to decline as you get older
Weight
Being overweight may affect your ovulation, and returning to a healthy body mass index (BMI) may increase ovulation
Medical Conditions
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Previous miscarriages
Prior cancer treatment
Ovulation disorders, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Tubal infertility
Uterine or cervical causes
Menstrual Cycles
If your menstrual cycle is too long (more than 35 days)
If your menstrual cycle is too short (less than 21 days)
Irregular menstrual cycle
If you are not ovulating at all
Health
Smoking may damage your cervix and fallopian tubes.
Smoking may age your ovaries, and deplete eggs prematurely.
Excessive alcohol consumption may affect your chances of falling pregnant.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may damage the fallopian tubes.
When to see your Doctor?
If you’re under 35:
You need to try unsuccessfully to fall pregnant for more than a year before seeing your doctor.
If you’re between 35 & 40:
See your doctor after 6 months of trying.
If you’re older than 40:
Contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you’re concerned that you may have underlying issues that might make it difficult for you to fall pregnant, give us a call. Dr Homar can investigate, and offer advice or fertility treatment unique to you.
