Topics
- Fertility & infertility
- Fertility assessment
- AMH & ovarian reserve
- Female & male factors
- Semen analysis
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Egg freezing
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
- Egg & sperm donation
What you need to know
The World Health Organization defines infertility as a disease of the male or female reproductive system when pregnancy has not been achieved after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It may be related to female factors, male factors, both, or remain unexplained after the available investigations.
Fertility is the biological ability to achieve a pregnancy and is influenced by many factors. Assessment is individual and involves both partners. It usually considers medical and reproductive history and, where appropriate, may include evaluation of ovulation and ovarian function, imaging of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and semen analysis. Possible factors involve ovulation, the fallopian tubes or uterus, endocrine or other health conditions, and sperm production or function; sometimes no clear cause is found.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) generally involves ovarian stimulation, monitoring with ultrasound and blood tests, egg retrieval, fertilisation and embryo culture in a laboratory and, when appropriate, embryo transfer. Egg freezing follows the first stages of an IVF cycle, but it cannot guarantee a future pregnancy. Age at freezing and the number of mature eggs available are important factors in future chances and should be discussed individually with a specialist.
What this means in practice
Ask your team to explain the purpose of each test, the possible next steps, the alternatives and exactly what your own protocol involves. A simple record of medicines, appointments, instructions and questions can make the process easier to manage.
Chances and risks are not the same for everyone. Discuss them with your doctor in the context of your age, history and results. It is also reasonable to ask for time, a second opinion or psychosocial support before making a decision.
- Keep test results together and ask the clinic for clear written instructions.
- Know whom to contact out of hours and which symptoms require prompt assessment.
- Protect time for sleep, regular meals, gentle movement and personal boundaries, in line with your clinical team’s advice.
How I can support you
I can help you understand the sequence of events, organise the practical side of monitoring and prepare questions for your clinic. I also offer a calm space in which to voice the questions and emotions that can accompany treatment.
This support complements the care of your specialist clinical team. It does not replace medical assessment, treatment decisions or instructions from your clinic.