Conditions
PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, blocked tubes, thyroid problems and pregnancy loss: what each means for fertility and how it is assessed.
New to the terms? Start with the glossary.
Guides about Conditions
Recurrent pregnancy loss: understanding tests and support
Losing more than one pregnancy is painful, and it is natural to want answers. Guidelines now suggest looking into it after two losses. Some tests are recommended and others are not, and many people go on to have a pregnancy that continues.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20264 min read
Thyroid, prolactin and fertility
Thyroid problems and high prolactin can both disturb periods and ovulation. They are checked with simple blood tests, and both are usually treatable. Medicines should only be started, changed or stopped with a doctor.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20264 min read
Blocked fallopian tubes: causes, tests and options
The fallopian tubes carry the egg towards the uterus, and are where sperm usually meet it. Tubes can be blocked or damaged by infection, surgery or endometriosis. Tests can check them, and there are options even when both tubes are blocked.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20264 min read
Fibroids, polyps and the uterus: which ones matter for fertility
Fibroids and polyps are common, non-cancerous growths in the uterus. Many have no effect on fertility. Whether one matters depends mostly on where it is, especially whether it bulges into the cavity where an embryo implants.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20264 min read
PCOS and fertility: what's known, and what isn't
PCOS often makes ovulation irregular, which is the main reason it can affect fertility. Many people with PCOS conceive, some without treatment and others with simple first steps. Both partners should still be checked.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20265 min read
Unexplained infertility: when the tests are normal
Unexplained infertility means the standard tests for both partners are normal but a pregnancy hasn't happened yet. It is common and frustrating. Options range from continuing to try to IUI or IVF, and the choice depends mostly on your age and how long you have been trying.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20264 min read
Endometriosis and fertility: what it means for trying to conceive
Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the pelvis. It can make conceiving harder for some people, but many with endometriosis conceive. Treatment is decided case by case, and pain deserves care in its own right.
Reviewed 16 Oct 20264 min read
Medically reviewed
Every guide is reviewed by Dr Shesha Sinha and shows its review date.
Sourced
Numbered references to guidelines and published research, at the end of every guide.
General information
Guides explain; they can't account for your history. Medical disclaimer