Navigating the journey to parenthood can be a path filled with both hope and challenges. To shed light on the sensitive yet crucial topic of infertility, we’ve invited Dr. Andrew Zuschmann, a leading Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the Sutherland Shire, to share his expertise. With his compassionate and comprehensive care, he offers invaluable insights and practical advice to help you understand and address infertility. Join us as we explore this deeply personal journey and discover his dedication to helping individuals fulfill their dream of parenthood.
Understanding Infertility
Having a baby is one of life’s most precious gifts, however welcoming a newborn into the family is not always straightforward, with one-in-six Australian couples having difficulty falling pregnant.
Infertility is defined by being unable to conceive naturally after a period of 12 months, although if you’re older or have irregular periods you should seek review earlier. Around one-third of infertility problems are related to men and one-third are related to women. The remaining third is a combination of fertility factors involving both partners or unexplained causes.
Common Causes of Infertility
If you asked me the two most common factors I’d see in couples with a delay in conceiving, I’d say age-related delay, and not ovulating due to a hormonal imbalance like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. A borderline sperm parameter or two often contributes.
I’m also treating more and more couples in same sex relationships, and single people looking for treatment with donor sperm or surrogacy.
Lifestyle and Medical Interventions
Fortunately many couples will conceive by addressing lifestyle measures and correcting insulin resistance, which can also lead to improvements in pregnancy outcomes. Others will need ovulation induction with tablets, or have surgery for endometriosis. A minority will need assisted reproductive technology, which encompasses Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
Natural Ways to Support Your Fertility Journey
Things you can do before seeking help include doing regular exercise and optimising BMI, keeping to a maximum of two coffees or caffeine-containing drinks per day, stopping smoking, vaping and recreational drugs, avoiding environmental toxins, and minimising stress. A “Mediterranean diet” is also helpful in optimising fertility potential, and don’t forget a folic acid supplement if you’re trying to conceive. Working with your GP, Naturopath, Dietitian, Integrative Practitioner, Psychologist or Fertility Specialist can assist.
Seeking Medical Advice
It’s a big deal to go along to your family doctor to discuss your delay in getting pregnant or desire for a baby. Despite the abundance of information available from Dr Google, there remain mistruths, fears, and stigma around infertility in the community. This knowledge can often lead to anxiety and unnecessary worry, so some basic investigations can help ensure you’ve got the right building blocks.
The Basics of Conception
To get pregnant, you need eggs, sperm, and a patent female reproductive tract to allow the egg and sperm to get together and fertilise. You also need time! The chance of conceiving in any menstrual cycle is only 20-25%. Therefore, only 60% of fertile couples will have conceived after 6 months of trying, and 80-90% after 12 months.
Initial Investigations
A simple blood test for a “progesterone level” in the second half of the menstrual cycle will confirm ovulation (as will many over the counter home ovulation prediction kits), and most pathology labs offer sperm testing conveniently and accessibly. Seeing your GP for this is also a good opportunity to update general health screenings and arrange the routine pre-pregnancy blood tests. We’ll also want to do a blood test to check your ovarian reserve. Testing beyond this gets a little more involved and targeted to your specific situation.
When to See Your GP
Your GP is your first port of call, and you should see them:
- When you’ve had no success after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse if you’re under 35, or 6 months over 35.
- If the female partner has a history of endometriosis, PCOS, recurrent miscarriage, tubal damage or irregular menstruation.
- If the male partner has abnormal sperm count or vasectomy
- If you know you’ll need donor sperm, donor eggs, or surrogacy to have a baby.
