fertility risks and benefits for patients

Overview

Fertility means your body’s ability to become pregnant and carry a baby. Fertility risks are the factors that can make it harder to get pregnant. Fertility benefits are the things that can improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. This article explains how age, health, lifestyle, and treatments can affect fertility — and what you can do to make informed choices.

Fertility challenges are common. In the UK, around 1 in 7 couples experience difficulty conceiving. Many people face decision points about whether, and when, to have children.

It affects people with ovaries, primarily women. Both partners’ health matters for conception, but this article focuses on women’s fertility. It can affect people in all age groups, especially those in their 30s and 40s.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Irregular or absent periods
• Painful periods
• Heavy or very light bleeding
• Hormonal signs such as acne or extra hair growth
• Trying for a baby without success for 12 months (or 6 months if over 35)

Symptoms in children

• Fertility issues are rarely diagnosed in childhood. However, some signs such as extremely early or late puberty may point to conditions that could later affect fertility. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to a healthcare provider.

Symptoms in older adults

• In women over 40, menstrual cycles may become shorter, longer, or less regular. These changes can make it harder to predict ovulation and may signal declining fertility.

Causes

Main causes

• Ovulation disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Age-related decline in egg quality and quantity
• Damage to the fallopian tubes, often from infection or endometriosis
• Uterine conditions, such as fibroids or polyps
• Hormonal imbalances, including thyroid or prolactin problems
• Endometriosis, where tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere

Risk factors

• Being over 35
• Smoking or vaping heavily
• Drinking alcohol heavily
• Being underweight or overweight
• High stress levels
• Certain health conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders
• Previous pelvic surgery or sexually transmitted infections

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection, get care right away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success (or 6 months if you are over 35), talk to a doctor.
• If you have irregular, absent, or painful periods that affect your daily life.
• Before starting fertility treatment, you may want to discuss options with a specialist.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your medical history, periods, and lifestyle. They may recommend blood tests, imaging scans, and a physical exam to see why you might be having difficulty conceiving.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check hormone levels and egg reserve
• An ultrasound to look at your ovaries and uterus
• A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check if your fallopian tubes are open
• A pelvic exam and possibly a Pap test
• For partners, a semen analysis may be suggested

What to expect at your appointment

Fertility testing usually takes several weeks. It is done over a few cycles to get the clearest picture. Your doctor will explain each step and what the results mean. You can ask for a nurse to accompany you if you feel anxious.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the fertility problems. In many cases, simple lifestyle changes can help. If not, there are safe and effective medical options. Always talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

Self-care at home

• Track your menstrual cycle to understand ovulation
• Have regular sex around ovulation, which is your fertile window
• Aim for a healthy body weight
• Limit caffeine to less than 200 mg per day (about one or two cups of coffee)
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Take a daily prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid

Medical treatments

Medical treatments for fertility may include medicines to stimulate ovulation, hormone treatments, or assisted conception techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). These are general approaches, not specific brands. Your doctor will discuss the options and risks, including the chance of multiple pregnancy.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be an option to treat conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or blocked fallopian tubes. This is not right for everyone, so your specialist will consider your overall health and fertility goals.

Living with this condition

Living with fertility concerns can be emotionally challenging. It is important to keep a healthy routine and communicate openly with your partner or a trusted friend. Remember that your worth is not defined by your ability to have a child.

Lifestyle tips

• Get enough sleep and manage stress
• Stay active but avoid extreme exercise
• Keep a healthy, balanced diet
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Do not smoke or use recreational drugs

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports reproductive health. Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, can improve overall well-being without putting extra stress on your body.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

The journey to conceive can bring anxiety, sadness, and frustration. It is common to feel overwhelmed. Talking to a mental health professional or joining a support group can help. If you are in emotional crisis, reach out to a crisis line right away — you are not alone.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all fertility problems, but you can reduce some risk factors. Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and protecting against sexually transmitted infections can help.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines specifically to prevent fertility problems. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines can protect against infections that might harm fertility.

Screening programmes

Regular check-ups and STI testing can catch issues early. If you have risk factors, a doctor may suggest fertility testing before you start trying to conceive.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a fertility problem is not addressed, it may lead to ongoing difficulty conceiving or pregnancy loss.
• Conditions like endometriosis or PCOS can worsen without management, potentially affecting egg quality and overall health.

Long-term outlook

Many fertility problems can be treated. Even with age-related decline, there are options. The outlook depends on the cause, and many people go on to have healthy pregnancies or build their families through adoption or other paths. A fertility specialist can help you understand your personal chances and choices.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.