The female reproductive system is wonderfully intricate. Not only does your body need to produce an egg and make it available for fertilisation by sperm, but also needs to grow and nourish the embryo into a foetus, which will eventually enter the world through labour and delivery. Female fertility therefore refers not only to your ability to conceive but also to carry a pregnancy to term.
Some possible causes of infertility in women can include:
Female fertility naturally declines with older age. This is due to the effects of age on ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have left) as well as egg quality. Peak fertility in women occurs around the 20s, and declines rapidly after 35 years of age.
Ovulation refers to the release of an egg from an ovary, usually one per month. If this egg is not fertilised within a couple of days of ovulation, it is then shed from your body with your monthly menstrual period. Problems with ovulation are typically caused by hormonal disturbances from conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, or being severely over or underweight.
The fallopian tubes are responsible for gathering the egg from your ovaries, providing a place for fertilisation by sperm, and pushing the egg into your uterus. Infection, damage from previous pelvic surgery, or scarring and adhesions from endometriosis among other conditions can cause blockage or distortion of the fallopian tubes.
Also known as your womb, the uterus is a muscular organ where a fertilised egg can develop through pregnancy. Conditions of the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or congenital abnormalities can interfere with implantation of a fertilised egg or with properly supporting a growing foetus.
Dr Gavin Sacks has years of experience in journeying with women faced with infertility, both those struggling to conceive and those affected by recurrent pregnancy losses. For almost all women, this is an emotionally challenging time. The team at Flow Fertility is committed to providing sensitive and compassionate support for you during this journey.
Your first consultation with Dr Sacks will explore your medical history and current health. This will guide his investigations, which may involve:
The results of your tests will inform our next steps, whether treatment with the Bondi Protocol, surgery, or medication, or exploring your options for assisted reproduction such as IVF or ICSI.
Our lifestyle choices can often have a big impact on our fertility. For some women, making a change such as to your diet or alcohol intake can give you the fertility boost you need to get that positive pregnancy test.
Women who smoke cigarettes often take longer to fall pregnant. Tobacco smoke negatively affects your egg quality, disrupts the balance of key hormones, and even contributes to accelerated ovarian reserve decline and earlier menopause. By quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, not only do you improve your chances of conceiving but also reduce your risk of pregnancy complications.
Being either severely underweight or overweight can interfere with normal ovulation by disturbing the production of oestrogen. Obesity and being overweight may also increase the risk of miscarriage. It can be challenging to maintain a fertility-friendly body weight, especially if you have polycystic ovary syndrome, but regular moderate intensity exercise and a balanced diet are a good place to start.
Alcohol consumption during the preconception stage even at low levels has been linked with a longer time to falling pregnant. Higher levels of alcohol intake can interfere with ovulation, hormones, egg quality, and implantation, as well as increase the risk of foetal developmental problems. Similarly, by abstaining from recreational drug use, you can improve your chances of conception and reduce your risk of pregnancy complications.
