Why can't I get pregnant?

About Infertility

Infertility is defined as a couple not conceiving after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

It affects about 15% of Australian couples of reproductive age, and is caused by a range of genetic, medical, and surgical or trauma related issues.

Infertility affects men and women

Infertility is caused by both male and female factors. In our experience, about 30% of cases are male related, 35% are female related and 35% are deemed unexplained infertility. In many cases both couples are contributing to their infertility.

Age is a key factor

A woman’s age is the single most important factor affecting a couple’s chances of conceiving. That’s why we strongly recommend you seek help if you are over 35 and have been trying for a baby for 6 months or more.

We also encourage all couples over the age of 30 to be proactive and see a specialist quickly if they are experiencing difficulties falling pregnant. It’s important to remember that thanks to advances in reproductive technology, IVF treatment and other forms of assisted conception now offer a much higher chance of success.

Investigating causes of infertility

When you see a Queensland Fertility Group specialist, investigations into possible causes of infertility begin straight away. Your specialists will check four key areas:

Ovulation
Sperm quality
Egg and sperm union
Implantation

Tests include hormone profiles, semen analysis, and chromosome, DNA and genetic screening.

Some of the possible causes of infertility in women include:

Ovulation disorders such as Amenorrhoea, Oligomenorrhoea, Anovulation with ‘normal’ cycles, Luteal phase deficiency, and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS)
Blocked fallopian tubes
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis

Some of the possible causes of infertility that we will look for in men include: