For couples whose fertility issues involve female factors, we offer investigations and treatments for women.
For couples whose fertility issues involve female factors, we offer investigations and treatments for women.
Ovulatory disorders are the most common cause of female infertility. The failure to ovulate occurs in about 40% of women with infertility issues. Ovulation problems can be caused by:
As you get older, your fertility declines. Particularly after the age of 35, it gets harder to fall pregnant.
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where the cells of the lining of your womb are found elsewhere, usually around the pelvis and near the womb. Sometimes women don’t have symptoms but in most cases it is very painful and the condition may cause menstrual disturbance and for some women it causes infertility.
In case your fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, the sperm might not reach the egg, or if it does, the fertilised egg might not reach the uterus. Fallopian tube damage may be caused by sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or other conditions such as endometriosis or a ruptured appendix.
Fibroids are benign tumours or overgrowth of cells within and around the wall of the uterus. Fibroids don’t affect ovulation, but they can prevent the uterus from doing what it is supposed to do to support conception and pregnancy.
Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s and other types of thyroiditis, may affect your fertility as well. It is not fully understood why, but they are thought to involve inflammation in the uterus and placenta.
Smoking and illicit drug use have been shown to reduce your fertility and too much alcohol and excess caffeine reduce your chances of falling pregnant as well.
A healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is beneficial for your fertility. If it is below 18 it is considered underweight which may affect your fertility negatively particularly if your cycles are affected. If your BMI is between 18 and 25 it is considered normal. If it is above 25 you are overweight, and over 30 is considered obese, which again will affect your fertility negatively. In summary, both being underweight and overweight can impact your fertility.
Moderate physical exercise will positively impact your fertility. However, excessive exercise can negatively alter the energy balance in your body and affect your reproductive system. Talk to your GP or to your fertility specialist to know what is best for you.
Severe stress may also negatively affect your reproductive system. Stress hormones such as cortisol disrupt signalling between the brain and the ovaries, which can suppress ovulation.
At Universal Clinic, we conduct an assessment of women and men’s fertility, provide strategies and options to achieve safe and successful pregnancy now or in the future.
We will start by taking a full fertility history from you (and your partner if relevant). We may order blood tests and ultrasounds to assess your fertility, including pre-pregnancy screens, reproductive hormone assessments, ovulation status and tests to assess the function of your reproductive organs, including the tubes, the uterus and the ovaries. We also perform a health assessment to ensure that you are in the best possible condition to safely have a baby.
