Fertility treatment options
Experiencing infertility can be extremely challenging and it’s important to know that you are not alone. In fact, 1 in 6 Australian couples of reproductive age encounter infertility. Whether there is a known reason preventing conception or the cause of infertility is still being explored, there are fertility treatment options to assist you on your journey to parenthood.
There is no single cause of infertility, however research has found that 30% of cases are caused by female factors, 30% are from male factors, another 30% are from both partners and the remaining 10% are caused by unknown factors.
Whether you are trying to conceive or merely exploring your options, there is a myriad of treatments available for those dealing with infertility.
Some treatment options include:
When should I seek medical advice?
If you have not achieved a pregnancy after a year (or six months if you are over 35) of unprotected intercourse, you should seek medical advice from your GP or a specialist.
For women aged 40 and over, it would be recommended that further investigations be initiated after three months of trying to fall pregnant as female age is one of the most important predictors of whether pregnancy will be achieved.
Other indicators that early treatment should be sought include:
Female
- Irregular menstrual cycles or absent periods.
- A diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- A diagnosis of endometriosis.
- A history suggestive of tubal damage, recurrent miscarriage, genetic conditions or family history of premature menopause.
Male
- Poor sperm morphology (abnormally shaped), poor motility (slow-moving), low sperm count.
- Presence of antisperm antibodies.
- Ejaculatory problems or azoospermia (no sperm present).
- Alternative to male sterilisation reversal.
While infertility can be a challenging experience for you and your partner, the good news is that it can be treated.
Several medical conditions can be treated with assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Getting started
The first step towards accessing fertility treatment is booking an appointment with a fertility specialist. During your initial consultation your fertility specialist will be able to give you a personalised assessment and discuss the different options available to you, considering your individual needs and circumstances.
If you are interested in learning more about the fertility treatment options available, we encourage you to check out a fertility partner of Ignite Athlete, City Fertility.
Established in 2003, City Fertility is one of Australia’s leading IVF & fertility service groups with 14 clinics, over 70 consulting rooms and over 60 fertility specialists nationwide. City Fertility provides seamless care across the full fertility spectrum while ensuring the best possible outcome for their patients.
Their friendly team will be able to offer you insight and advice to help you achieve your goals. Book an appointment with one of City Fertility’s fertility specialists to get started on your journey today.