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Female Infertility - Frequently Asked Questions

Overview | Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment | FAQ

When should we seek medical advice for infertility?

If you've been trying to conceive for more than a year, there's a chance that something may be interfering with your efforts to have a child. Infertility may be attributed to one issue in either you or your partner, or a variety of factors may prevent a pregnancy from occurring or continuing.

What lifestyle changes can a woman make to help improve fertility?

• Moderate exercise

• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and street drugs

• Avoid unhealthy weights

• Limit caffeine consumption

• Limit prescription and non-prescription medications

How can endometriosis lead to infertility?

When the uterine tissue implants and grows outside of the uterus this is known as endometriosis — this condition often affects the function of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. The implanted tissue reacts to the hormonal cycle and grows, sheds and bleeds in coordination with the lining of the uterus each month. Due to this scarring and inflammation may occur. Women with endometriosis frequently experience pelvic pain and infertility.

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Understanding Female Ovulation

• A woman is fertile during ovulation

• Ovulation generally occurs 14 days before the next menstrual cycle.

• In some cases, women experience an extended or abbreviated post ovulatory phase, however this typically indicates a hormonal imbalance.

• The fertile window can start a few days before ovulation.

Fertility Indicators

Typical fertility indicators to note include:

• Cervical mucous changes

• Bodily symptoms - moods, aches, libido, appetite, sleep patterns

• Basal temperature – temperature taken immediately after awakening, during ovulation, the basal temperature may increase a half to a full degree