Any interval medical condition may impact on fertility. Natural ageing reduces fertility in both sexes, particularly for women over 35 years. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, some medications and occupational exposures may compound the negative effects on fertility. Anatomical disorders such as fibroids and polyps in the uterus become more common with advancing age and impact on fertility. Miscarriages and genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome also become more common, lessening the chances of a successful outcome. Assisted reproductive technologies may overcome many of the causes of secondary infertility. Ovulation induction and timed intrauterine insemination may be successful with minor abnormalities in either men or women or unexplained infertility. IVF technologies are more likely to be required if significant issues in either sex are diagnosed. This is the only way oocyte quality and fertilisation processes may be assessed. Success rates are as high as 45% per attempt in some circumstances, however reduce where advancing age and significant underlying disorders are present. In general couples under 35 years of age who have tried for 12 months, or over 35 years after six months, or in any case where there may be a suspicion of a medical problem, deserve an expert review and appropriate work-up to guide future management. pm Women’s Hea lth Dr Gary Swift is a specialist Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Pindara Private Hospital with a Master’s Degree and extensive experience in Reproductive Medicine, Surgery and IVF technologies. He works as a senior specialist at Queensland Fertility Group and has access to the very latest technologies and research to give every couple the best chance of success. Q U E E N S L A N D U L T R A S O U N D F O R W O M E N Caring for the women on the Gold Coast & surrounding areas. Q U E E N S L A N D U L T R A S O U N D F O R W O M E N
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Four
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