Fertility Assessment
Fertility is a critical aspect of reproductive health, and many factors can influence a woman's ability to conceive. A fertility assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a woman’s or couple’s reproductive health to determine their chances of conceiving naturally or identify any potential obstacles to conception.
At Elysian Women’s Health, we offer thorough fertility assessments to help you understand your fertility status and explore the best options for achieving your family planning goals.
Why Undergo a Fertility Assessment?
A fertility assessment is recommended if you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success (or 6 months if you are over 35). It may also be necessary if you have a known medical condition that could affect fertility, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or if you have irregular menstrual cycles, a history of miscarriage, or previous pelvic surgeries. Fertility assessments can provide valuable insights into your reproductive health and help guide any necessary treatments or interventions.
Common Causes of Fertility Issues
A fertility assessment helps identify potential causes of difficulty conceiving, which may include:
Ovulatory Disorders: Conditions such as PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and hyperprolactinemia can affect ovulation. Ovulatory disorders are responsible for around 25% of female infertility cases.
Tubal Factors: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or hinder the fertilised egg's journey to the uterus. Common causes include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), previous surgeries, or endometriosis.
Uterine Factors: Structural abnormalities, such as fibroids, polyps, uterine septum, or scar tissue, can affect implantation or lead to recurrent miscarriages.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often causing pain, inflammation, and scarring that can affect fertility.
Male Factor Infertility: Male factor infertility, including low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal sperm morphology, or hormonal imbalances, can impact the chances of conception.
Age-Related Factors: A woman’s age plays a significant role in fertility. Egg quantity and quality decline with age, particularly after the age of 35, making conception more challenging.
Unexplained Infertility: In some cases, no specific cause of infertility is identified, even after a thorough assessment. This is known as unexplained infertility, which occurs in about 10-15% of couples.
A fertility assessment is a vital step in understanding your reproductive health and identifying any potential barriers to conception.
At Elysian Women’s Health, we offer fertility evaluations and treatment plans. Whether you are just beginning your fertility journey or have been trying to conceive for some time, we are here to help you explore your options and achieve your dream of parenthood.