Fertility
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Last reviewed: April 2022
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How Age Matters For Your Fertility | Your Fertility
It's a biological fact that as women and men age, their potential to have children decreases, although the exact time when this starts to happen can vary among individuals
Read more on Your Fertility website
Healthy conception tool | Your Fertility
When trying for a baby it’s important to be as healthy as possible
Read more on Your Fertility website
Smoking and fertility
We all know that smoking can cause cancer, heart disease and a range of other health problems. Many smokers don’t realise that smoking can also affect both men’s and women’s fertility.
Read more on Quit website
Infertility in men - Better Health Channel
A couple isn't suspected of fertility problems until they have tried and failed to conceive for one year.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Pre-conception checklists for men and women | Your Fertility
Planning to have a baby? Your first step is to make an appointment to see your doctor (with your partner if you have one) for a pre-conception health check
Read more on Your Fertility website
I’ve been trying to have a baby for a while | Your Fertility
If you’ve been trying for a baby for some time, you might be wondering if it will ever happen, and if so, how
Read more on Your Fertility website
Suspecting infertility | VARTA
What are the causes? Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of unprotected sex. If you have been trying to have a baby for a year or more, it is time to speak to your GP. If you are over 35, you should see a doctor if you have been trying to conceive for six months or more. About one in six Australian couples experience fertility difficulties. There are many reasons for this, some relating to the male partner, some to the female partner, and sometimes both. For many people, there is no medical explanation as to why they can’t conceive. This is referred to as unexplained infertility. A diagnosis of infertility often comes as a shock and can be emotionally challenging. Unlike other adverse life events, which may have a clear resolution, infertility is uniquely distressing because it can last for many years and the outcome is uncertain. If you suspect a fertility problem, talk to your GP who will guide you through the steps of an infertility investigation. There are many reasons why pregnancy does not occur. About 20 per cent of infertility cases are due to male factors and 30 per cent are due to female factors. Sometimes both partners have a fertility problem, and in about 20 per cent of cases, there is no apparent cause of infertility (idiopathic or unexplained infertility). Many people are delaying starting a family beyond their most fertile years. If you are unable to conceive due to social circumstances, such as relationship, age, financial or practical reasons, and are concerned about your fertility declining, you might want to consider fertility preservation (e.g. freezing eggs or sperm for future use). The Better Health Channel has helpful information on infertility in men and infertility in women. Getting help Speak to a GP The first point of contact should be your GP who will start an infertility investigation. This involves a detailed medical history and a physical examination of both partners and some basic tests to make sure that the woman is ovulating and that the man produces sperm. If everything seems in order, your GP may advise you to keep trying for a little longer before consulting a fertility specialist. However, if your test results indicate a problem, your doctor will refer you to a fertility specialist straight away. The fertility specialist will do more tests to establish the cause of infertility and determine the type of fertility treatment you may need. The chance of fertility treatment working has greatly improved since the late seventies when the first IVF baby was born. Although your chance of having a baby with fertility treatment depends largely on factors that are beyond your control, there are some things that you can do to improve the odds. The lifestyle factors that influence the chance of natural conception for both men and women also affect your chance of success through fertility treatment. Finding a fertility specialist Fertility treatment is physically and emotionally demanding, and depending on your needs it can be expensive, so it is important to find a clinic and doctor that is right for you. You can ask your GP for advice about choosing a fertility specialist, but you can also do your own research before committing to a doctor and clinic. You can find out more about choosing a fertility clinic here. Finding a fertility counsellor If you want to speak to a private counsellor specialising in infertility, the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA) has a list of independent counsellors. You can also ask your fertility clinic about the counselling sessions included as part of your treatment.
Read more on Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority website
Optimizing male fertility
A man’s lifestyle affects his fertility and lifestyle changes can increase the chance of conception. Keeping the testicles away from high temperatures such as laptop heat, and avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are two important measures. Men who are trying to conceive should also exercise to boost fertility and be aware of the links between age and fertility in men.
Read more on Parenthub website
Smoking | Your Fertility
A healthy baby starts with healthy sperm and healthy eggs
Read more on Your Fertility website
Test your fertility knowledge | Your Fertility
Correct answer: False Although living a healthy life will certainly help if you’re trying to conceive, the age of the mother-to-be is the single most important factor
Read more on Your Fertility website
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Inhibin - Pathology Tests Explained
Why, when and how inhibin testing is carried out
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
Contraception - Australasian Menopause Society
While fertility naturally declines with age, there is still a chance of pregnancy for up to 12 months after the last menstrual period for women over 50 (24 months for women who reach menopause before 50 years).
Read more on Australasian Menopause Society website
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - Pathology Tests Explained
Why and when to get tested for FSH
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website
Sexual difficulties in the menopause - Australasian Menopause Society
Sexual difficulties can be life-long or recently acquired, but they are a common presentation at the menopause.
Read more on Australasian Menopause Society website
An Overview of Menopause | Ausmed
Menopause marks the permanent end to a person’s menstrual cycle. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 (with an average age of 51). A person is considered to be postmenopausal after 12 consecutive months without experiencing a period.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
