Female Infertility

The main sign of female infertility is not getting pregnant after a year (or 6 months if you’re over 35) of not using contraception. 

You may also have: 

• irregular, infrequent or absent periods

• pelvic pain and/or pain during intercourse

• a history of pelvic infection or pelvic surgery, such as for appendicitis

Female infertility has several causes, although in some cases, the cause is unclear. 

Common causes of female infertility include: 

• age – fertility naturally declines with age 

• problems with ovulation (such as from polycystic ovarian syndrome)

• anatomical problems such as blocked fallopian tubes

• scarring from past surgeries or infections, uterine fibroids, or polyps

• endometriosis

• premature ovarian failure (POF)

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 

• problems with the cervical mucus

• being overweight or obese

• smoking 

• excessive alcohol consumption 

• chronic stress 

• immune system problems

• some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy

At your initial consultation, you’ll be seen by a consultant gynaecologist or obstetrician, a doctor with specialist training in diagnosing and treating fertility problems. 

Your consultant will ask you about how long you have been trying to conceive, your general health, medical history and any medications you take regularly. They may also ask you some questions about your lifestyle, which may include some personal questions like whether you’ve ever had a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and how often you have sex. It’s important to remember that your consultant is used to discussing these topics and to try not to feel embarrassed. 

Your consultant may perform a physical examination and request some tests to investigate the cause of your infertility. 

These may include:

• blood tests – these may need to be done at a specific point in your menstrual cycle

• pelvic ultrasound scan to check for issues such as fibroids or endometriosis

• sexual health screen

• test of fallopian tube function

• laparoscopy – may be used to investigate pelvic pain or any abnormalities picked up during your ultrasound. In some cases, your consultant may be able to treat the cause of your infertility during the procedure

Your consultant will make a diagnosis using a combination of your symptoms and test results. They will explain your diagnosis to you and discuss the best treatment plan to give you the best chance of conceiving. 

It isn’t always possible to prevent female infertility, but there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of conceiving. 

These include: 

• not smoking

• maintaining a healthy weight 

• taking regular exercise 

• managing stress 

• eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables  

• limiting caffeine and alcohol

• getting adequate sleep 

• limiting exposure to pollution and environmental toxins where possible 

• practicing safe sex to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 

• getting regular gynaecological check-ups and attending routine screenings to ensure any issues that could affect your reproductive health are diagnosed and treated 

The long-term impact of female infertility can lead to mental health problems such as depression and low self-esteem. Infertility and infertility treatment can also put a strain on your relationship. 

Treatment for female infertility depends on the cause. Your consultant will recommend the most suitable treatment plan for you based on your symptoms, diagnosis, age, and expectations for treatment. 

Treatment for female infertility includes: 

• cycle monitoring – this involves tracking your body’s reproductive process and determining the best time to conceive 

• antibiotics – these may be prescribed to treat an infection in your reproductive organs

• fertility medication – this can help correct hormonal imbalances and stimulate ovulation 

• surgery – to treat blockages or scarring in your fallopian tubes 

• intrauterine insemination (IUI) – sperm is placed directly in your uterus around ovulation 

• in vitro fertilisation (IVF) – a fertilised egg (embryo) is placed into your uterus 

At Welbeck, our gynaecologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.