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Your guide to female infertility

Navigating infertility can be an emotional and overwhelming journey. This guide aims to cover the different causes of female infertility, signs and symptoms and how fertility treatments can help.

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In this guide:

One in seven couples in the UK will struggle with infertility. There are many conditions that can affect male and female infertility and many remain undiagnosed until you begin trying for a family.

In this guide, we cover:

- What we mean by female infertility

- The different conditions that can impact fertility and the symptoms to look out for

- How fertility treatments can help

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What is female infertility?

Female infertility occurs when an individual is unable to achieve a naturally conceived pregnancy with her partner, despite having regular unprotected sexual intercourse for 12 months.

Most women only realise when they have difficulty trying to conceive. Rest assured, there are various fertility treatments and tests for women available to enhance the likelihood of conception.

How is infertility diagnosed?

If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months or longer without success, you may consider having a fertility assessment. At TFP Fertility, we use a variety of blood tests and ultrasound scans to provide an accurate view of your fertility status and how well you’re likely to respond to medication should fertility treatment be needed.

To identify specific causes of infertility, you may need additional tests and scans. These can look at your reproductive organs and hormone health to check for any abnormalities or imbalances. We recommend speaking to a doctor about your specific circumstances so the right diagnostics are used for you.

Causes of female infertility

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS affects around one in 10 women and is the most common cause of fertility problems. It disrupts ovarian function and can also impact egg quality. Symptoms include irregular or absent menstrual periods, difficulty conceiving, weight gain, oily skin, acne, thinning hair, hair loss from the head or excessive hair growth.

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis can damage reproductive organs, scar or block fallopian tubes and cause inflammation. Some will experience symptoms as soon as they get their first period, whereas others may remain unaware of the condition until later in life. These include severe pelvic pain, painful intercourse and heavy periods.

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Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

POI causes infertility problems by reducing ovarian function, where the ovaries struggle to produce and release eggs. Symptoms include irregular or missed periods, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and headaches.

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Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Many people with fibroids may be unaware that they have them, as fibroids can sometimes be asymptomatic. Common symptoms include heavy or painful periods, abdominal swelling or pain, bloating, constipation and a frequent need to urinate.

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Cancer treatment

Surgical procedures and cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can affect reproductive organs and the number of eggs. However, there are several treatments to help preserve fertility before undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

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Other causes

Medication including long-term use or high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as antipsychotic medication, can temporarily reduce fertility. Furthermore, untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), age and lifestyle choices, like smoking, diet, and excessive alcohol consumption, can also contribute to infertility

Common signs of female infertility

Some individuals may only notice symptoms of female infertility when they are trying to conceive. It's important to be aware of the symptoms and contact your doctor if you have any concerns.

Symptoms can vary among individuals. The main sign of infertility is not being able to get pregnant within a year of having unprotected sex. Other symptoms may include irregular menstrual cycles, absent periods, painful or heavy periods, pain during intercourse, and underlying medical conditions, including endometriosis and PCOS.

When to seek professional help

We understand that your fertility journey can be overwhelming, which is why at TFP Fertility, we will provide you with dedicated guidance and support every step of the way.

Female infertility can impact individuals in different ways. You should contact your doctor if you have not conceived after one year of unprotected sex. Individuals over 35 should see a doctor after six months.

If you're concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing, contact your doctor or fertility clinic for advice.

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Treatment

How fertility treatments can help

Fertility drugs

Your consultant may offer medicines to induce ovulation like Clomifene or Letrozole. Metformin is another option that can encourage regular monthly ovulation and reduce insulin resistance to help improve fertility.

IVF - In Vitro Fertilisation treatment cell

In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

During IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries following a period of stimulation and then mixed with sperm in a lab. The resulting embryo/s are left to develop over a 5-6 day period before being transferred to the birth parent or frozen.

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Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

IUI is a less invasive procedure than IVF which involves injecting healthy sperm directly into the uterus. This is usually recommended for same-sex female couples using a sperm donor.

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Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

ICSI is an additional step during the IVF process that is recommended for patients with male factor infertility or that are using frozen eggs. It involves injecting a single healthy sperm directly into the egg.

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Egg freezing

Egg freezing is a way of preserving an individual's fertility, giving you the flexibility to have children when you're ready. This treatment involves a partial IVF cycle, which includes a course of hormone medication, followed by an egg collection procedure.

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Donation

For some people, their journey to parenthood is only possible with the help of a donor. This is often recommended for same sex couples, solo parents and those not producing viable eggs or sperm. Finding the right donor can be overwhelming but we'll offer guidance to support you.

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