top of page
42.png

Fertility Assessments

15 in 100 couples
in Australia are affected by infertility
 
HealthDirect

Infertility usually refers to when a couple have been unable to get pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sex.

​

If you are having trouble getting pregnant, or it is taking longer than you expected, your GP can provide advice and work out if there is anything that may be affecting your chances of having a baby.

​

PREPARING FOR PREGNANCY

If you and your partner are thinking of starting a family, it is important to make an appointment with your GP.

 

Your GP will perform a general health check before looking at specific factors that can affect your fertility. For women, they will make sure that you are up to date with your cervical screening and assess any medications that you are currently on.

 

They may screen for infectious diseases such as rubella, chicken pox, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV. 

 

Sexually transmitted diseases can affect male and female fertility, so it is important to test both you and your partner before you start trying to conceive.

​

Your GP can also recommend any lifestyle changes that may increase your chances of falling pregnant, such as quitting smoking, diet, fitness, and reducing alcohol intake. 

 

There are also steps that you can take to reduce the risk of your baby developing an illness such as taking folate and iodine.  A healthy lifestyle is important for both partners.

​

GETTING PREGNANT

When it comes to getting pregnant, timing is everything. Your GP can help identify the best time for you to have sexual intercourse every month to maximise your chances of conceiving.

 

If your period is quite regular, count back 14 days from your cycles usual first day to calculate your ovulation day.

 

You and your partner should aim to have unprotected sex every second day during your fertile window, focusing on the two days prior to ovulation. 
 

WHY CAN’T I GET PREGNANT?

For both men and women there are many causes of infertility. We are born with some and others are acquired over time. In 40% of cases the cause of infertility is caused by a sperm factor, in another 40% the cause is the female reproductive system. A third will have a combination of both male a female factors. The first step to helping you conceive is finding out what the problem is.

​

Some common fertility issues for women and men include:

 

Women:

  • Age

  • Irregular periods that may be related to ovulation disorders

  • Gynaecological conditions - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis

  • Fibroids

  • Blocked fallopian tubes

  • Sexually transmitted infections

  • Weight and general health

 

Men:

  • Abnormal sperm production

  • Blocked/absent vas deferens (tubes)

  • The presence of sperm antibodies

  • Genetic diseases

 

FERTILITY TESTS

If you have been trying to conceive for some time your GP will look for any signs of the health issues above, and may request some additional tests such as:

 

Women:

​

  • Ovulation test

  • Egg count (AMH) test

  • Full blood count to determine blood group

 

Men:

  • A semen analysis which measures the number of sperm in a sample.

 

WHEN TO SEE YOUR LOCAL RURAL GP

Your GP is ready for any fertility concerns you may have. There is no time too early to be examined in your fertility journey.

​

It is particularly important to consult your GP if you are under 35 years old and haven’t fallen pregnant after 12 months of trying, over 35 years old and haven’t fallen pregnant after 6 months of trying or have a history of conditions which may affect fertility such endometriosis or pelvic infection.

​

CONTACT

277 Rusden Street

WEST ARMIDALE

​​

Phone: (02) 6772 2933

​​

ABN: 29 097 201 020

This contact form is not our preferred means of communication with patients. There is a risk that important clinical information sent to this address may be missed or not picked up, particularly time critical information. In addition we urge all patients to carefully consider the issue of security before sending medical information via unencrypted email.  We encourage patients to phone the practice or make an appointment to discuss clinical issues."

Thanks for messaging us! We will be in touch as soon as possible.

Untitled design(65)_edited.png

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past, present and emerging.

Important information you must read
The information contained on this site is designed to assist rural and remote people to improve their understanding and management of their health and access to health services. The Rural and Remote Doctor Portal is for information purposes only and is NOT a substitute for talking to a qualified local GP, doctor or health practitioner about your needs.  By using this service you agree to these terms.  Any links provided to other web sites on the Portal should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the Foundation or any of the services of doctors or staff that work at the Foundation. Users should always consult with their local GP, doctor or health service if they feel unwell and to clarify their condition and needs.  In the case of an emergency, users should call 000.
bottom of page