What are the treatment options for female infertility?

Female infertility can relate to ovulation, ovarian reserve, fallopian tubes, the uterus, endometriosis, age or several factors together. Evaluation commonly includes a menstrual and medical history, assessment of ovulation, an AMH test when relevant, and a tubal dye test to examine whether the tubes are open.

The treatment pathway is individual. Ovulation induction uses medicine to encourage egg release. IUI places prepared sperm inside the uterus around ovulation. IVF involves fertilising eggs outside the body and transferring an embryo to the uterus. Your clinician may also address a uterine or tubal problem before fertility treatment.

Bring details of cycle timing, previous pregnancies, pelvic surgery, medical conditions and medicines to a fertility consultation. Ask whether both partners should be assessed, because sperm factors can change the recommended pathway.

Discuss the time involved, monitoring, medicines, risks, emotional support and what happens if the first approach does not lead to pregnancy. Treatment selection should reflect your health, priorities and plans for future children.

Arrange a fertility review if pregnancy has not occurred after a period of regular attempts, or sooner when periods are absent or very irregular, there is known endometriosis, prior pelvic surgery, recurrent pregnancy loss or concern about ovarian reserve. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fever or fainting during fertility treatment.

What may be affecting fertility in my case? Which tests are useful now? Should we begin with ovulation induction, IUI or IVF? How will treatment be monitored, and when will we review the plan?