Infertility is a condition in which a person or couple cannot get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex. For women aged 35 or over, doctors often recommend tests after six months of trying.
Infertility can come from factors affecting either partner, or both. In women, common causes include problems with ovulation, for example due to PCOS, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis and fibroids. In men, problems with sperm count, movement or shape are common. Age matters too, as fertility declines with age, especially after 35. Sometimes no clear cause is found.
A GP is usually the first step. Tests may include blood tests to check hormones and ovulation, an ultrasound scan, a test to check whether the fallopian tubes are open, and a semen analysis for the male partner. Both partners are usually assessed at the same time.
Treatment depends on the cause. Options include medicines to help with ovulation, surgery for problems such as blocked tubes, and assisted conception such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF. A fertility specialist can explain which options suit each situation and what the chances of success are.
Fertility tests and treatment often involve many appointments, sometimes at short notice. The process can also be stressful and emotionally draining, especially when treatment does not work. Flexible working, time off for appointments and a confidential way to ask for support can make it easier to manage treatment alongside a job.
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