Fertility
It is estimated that 1 in 6 couples in Ireland experience difficulty conceiving. If you have been trying for pregnancy for over a year without success, fertility investigations may help identify any underlying issues and guide the next steps.
In some situations, it is advisable to begin investigations sooner — particularly for women over 35 years of age, or where there is a history of pelvic infection, endometriosis, irregular periods, or previous testicular problems in men. In these cases, assessment after six months of trying is recommended.
As fertility issues can affect both men and women equally, we encourage assessment of both partners.
Female Fertility
The most common cause of reduced fertility in women is problems with ovulation. Women with irregular or infrequent periods may not be ovulating regularly.
Other factors that can affect fertility include:
- Blocked fallopian tubes, often caused by endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or previous abdominal infections such as appendicitis
- Structural issues within the uterus, such as fibroids
- Reduced egg quality with increasing age, which lowers the chances of pregnancy and increases the risk of miscarriage
Male Fertility
Male fertility issues may involve:
- A low or absent sperm count, which can result from genetic conditions, infection, or injury
- Poor sperm quality, affecting the sperm’s ability to reach or fertilise an egg
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, stress, illness, or certain medications