Fertility problems

Fertility problems can lie with both the man and the woman. For various reasons, some women fail to ovulate each month and may need treatments to stimulate the ovaries into producing eggs.

An egg may not be able to make its way down the fallopian tube if there are physical problems or blockages, and the lining of her uterus can’t always support the implantation of an egg. Some medical conditions can pose a threat to a woman’s fertility such as…

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

This occurs when your body starts to produce abnormally large amounts of the male hormone testosterone, and also excessive amounts of LH (luteinizing hormone). This affects your ability to ovulate and therefore to have regular menstrual periods. This is why it is very important to see your physician if you’re having irregular or absent periods, whatever your age. The sooner PCOS is diagnosed and treatment is started, the better chance you will have to restore your ovarian function.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common condition in which the lining of the uterus or the endometrium spreads to your ovaries, pelvis and fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can interfere with ovulation and conception and can also cause repeated miscarriage. If you have very painful periods with severe abdominal or pelvic pain, see your physician.

Early menopause

Most women have their last period at around 50 years old, but premature menopause or ovarian failure is defined as the onset of menopause before the age of 45. A good indication is to ask your mom when her menopause started, as you’ll usually follow the same pattern. If your periods suddenly become very irregular for no apparent reason it may be the start of premature menopause – it can be detected with a simple blood test. When your ovaries begin to fail, your brain sends out more of the hormone FSH that stimulates your ovaries into working harder. If you have high levels of FSH in your blood, it may indicate a problem.

Fibroids

Fibroids are benign muscle growths that develop on the wall of the uterus. They can affect the normal implantation of the embryo in the uterus, and can stop the fertilized egg reaching the uterus at all. Fibroids are more common in women over 35 but can be removed in a fairly simple operation. If you’ve experienced two or more miscarriages or have irregular, painful periods, or no periods at all, it could be the sign of something more serious, so make an appointment with your GP who can refer you to a fertility expert if there is a more serious problem.

As with women, men have their own range of fertility issues. They can have low sperm counts or abnormally shaped sperm. Street drugs such as cocaine, heroin marijuana and ecstasy all have a dramatic impact upon male fertility, as does smoking and drinking heavily. Excessive exercise and wearing tight underwear or tight trousers are also cited as bad for male fertility, due to the heat that builds up in the testicle. If your partner experiences a decreased sex drive, ejaculation problems or impotence he should make an appointment with a health or fertility expert as soon as possible.

The advances in medical technology means there are treatments available for most fertility problems and the likelihood of you going on to conceive a healthy baby is high.

Check you’re having sex at your most fertile times, by using our ovulation calculator and chat to other women who may have experienced the same issues.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.