What is infertility?

Infertility by definition is the inability to conceive, but it’s complicated. Primary infertility is when a couple have been trying to conceive for a year without falling pregnant. Secondary infertility refers to a couple who has had been able to get pregnant once before, but find they cannot achieve a second pregnancy. Subfertility is when one or both partners have had children previously, but are struggling to conceive together.

Factors affecting fertility can include egg or sperm production, environmental factors, hormonal imbalances and anatomical problems. Fertility investigations can help decipher the reasons for infertility, but up to 20% of all IVF cases can fall into the category of “unexplained infertility”, where there is no explanation found for their infertility.

Assisted reproduction

Many people who have been trying to conceive for a long time turn to reproductive health services, but they’re not alone. Other obstacles in trying to conceive may not include an infertility diagnosis. You may be on this journey on your own for single parenthood, or with a same sex partner and may require donor services or surrogacy. If you’re looking to start an IVF treatment, you should be prepared for investigations, hormone stimulations, medical procedures and a lot of waiting in between.

The stress of trying to conceive

Not being able to conceive can evoke strong emotions such as anger, depression, resentment and guilt. When the desire to have children is met by the inability to reproduce and not being able to grow your family the way you planned, you may feel discouraged and disheartened. You may have experienced a social pressure, financial pressure or work related pressure if you’ve had to make decisions around your professional career. Often, all of these struggles are hidden from those close to us and the feeling of isolation can be overwhelming.

How I can help

I want to get to know you and your journey to date to fully understand the challenges you’ve been facing. Whether you’re embarking on this journey on your own or with a partner, we’ll put together a coaching plan tailored to you, giving you the tools you need to feel supported. Together we’ll work through any emotions or anxieties that could be negatively affecting your life and fertility, restoring balance and increasing your wellbeing. Whatever stage you’re in, I want to make you feel prepared and supported.