Female factors: reproductive health
The human body is a remarkable biological system – and female fertility is one of its more amazing mechanisms.
Understanding how the female reproductive system works and knowing what factors may affect your fertility, can help build a plan for maximising the chances of successfully conceiving.
The activity of the female reproductive system is controlled by hormones released by both the brain and the ovaries that cause the development and release of eggs.
Females must have regular periods, produce and release a mature egg each menstrual cycle, produce oestrogen and progesterone, and have clear fallopian tubes and an endometrial lining that can receive a fertilised egg. If one or more of these ‘basics’ isn’t quite right, you may experience fertility issues and find it difficult to become pregnant.
Having problems falling pregnant is not an uncommon problem. In fact around 1 in 6 couples of reproductive age have trouble conceiving.
One in six Australian couples of reproductive age experience difficulties conceiving a child. If you have been trying to conceive for more than twelve months and you’re under 36 (or over six months if you’re over 36) we recommend you see a TasIVF fertility specialist for some basic fertility tests, a full assessment and to discuss your options.
While age is the biggest factor affecting female fertility – especially for women aged 35 or over – it’s by no means the whole story. There are other things to consider.
Here’s a brief overview of the main issues that impact female fertility.
Common Female Fertility Problems
Endometriosis
Endometriosis where the tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterus (in the pelvis, for example), making it harder for the egg to fertilise and the embryo to implant. Symptoms include painful periods, and pain during intercourse. A fertility specialist can treat endometriosis with laparoscopic surgery.
Fibroids
Fibroids are lumps of uterine cell tissue in or around your uterus. If these are a barrier to pregnancy, a fertility specialist can remove fibroids with straightforward surgery.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is when ovaries have many small follicles, and they can sometimes prevent eggs from maturing. Symptoms include irregular periods, acne, obesity and increased hair growth. There are a number of ways to treat PCOS, including medication, or IVF treatment.
By answering 7 simple questions, the Female Fertility Assessment Tool is designed to give you an indication of whether there are any factors that might be affecting your chance of falling pregnant and whether you should consider seeking the advice of a fertility specialist for further assessment.
Female Fertility Assessment Tool
Tas IVF offers fertility consultations and treatment. For general enquiries or to book your first appointment, please complete the form below or call us on 1800 111 483.