Additional factors that impact fertility

Overview
- Introduction
Additional factors
that impact fertility

Overview

Introduction

There are many other aspects that can impact fertility or a woman’s health once pregnant. Some of these can be improved with health support. Encourage your consumers to visit their GP to get the best individualised advice.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – A hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods and difficulties getting pregnant.

Age – Despite advances in assisted reproductive technology (such as IVF), the chance of conception decreases with maternal age.

Environmental factors – Chemicals in the environment can reduce pregnancy success.

Mental Health – The idea of pregnancy can cause mixed emotions in individuals and couples.

Additional factors
that impact fertility

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age, impacting approximately 1 in 7 women. It is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances rather than a disease of the ovaries.

PCOS can present with a range of symptoms, including:

Irregular menstrual cycles
Skin and hair changes
Difficulty conceiving for some women

The exact causes of PCOS are not fully understood, but genetics, prenatal hormone exposure, and health behaviours all contribute.

While there is no cure for PCOS, managing hormone levels through health behaviour interventions – such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity – can improve ovarian function and increase the chances of conception.

Encourage women who have symptoms suggestive of PCOS to visit their GP for assessment. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, with ultrasound imaging used when required to assess ovarian morphology. Early identification and management can help optimise fertility and preconception health.

Further resources

Access these resources to support conversations
- Share a PCOS fact sheet for more detailed information about treatment options
- AskPCOS is an app created by Monash University dedicated to providing evidence-based information about PCOS. It provides information for people with or without a diagnosis about the condition, has a symptom tracker and provides information on how to manage PCOS.
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a not-for-profit Australian health promotion organisation that provides
  evidence-based PCOS information.
- The Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation website provides a comprehensive range of information for women with PCOS and for health professionals.
- The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association of Australia Inc (POSAA) was formed in 1998, by a group of Australian women who found each other on an American-based PCOS website. POSAA is a ‘self-help’ association for women with PCOS and those who suspect they have it. The Association brings together women, their families and friends, and medical professionals interested in supporting the group and PCOS patients.

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About PCOS

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Age

Despite advances in assisted reproductive technology (such as IVF), the chance of conception decreases with maternal age.

People who have struggled to fall pregnant may seek health professional support to determine why. A GP is the best health professional to support couples; however, there are resources available to support your own knowledge and learning.

Encourage women and men who may want children, to engage in preconception health discussions with their GP to enable early and effective opportunities to improve or maximise fertility.

Encourage open conversations about age and fertility:

01

Discuss realistic expectations and timelines

02

Highlight options for fertility preservation if needed

03

Provide accurate information rather than fear-based messaging

Further resources

Access these resources to support conversations
- Having a Baby After 35: How aging affects Fertility and Pregnancy
- Ovulation Calculator
Resources for health professionals to extend learning
- RACGP Preconception Health

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Thinking about having a baby

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Mental health

The idea of falling pregnant can be exciting, however it can also cause stress for individuals or couples.

To support consumers’ mental health, utilise Lifeline’s Support Toolkit, which includes access to a wide range of apps, 24/7 callback or crisis support lines, and counselling support. Share resources such as, Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) – Preparing for Pregnancy

Further resources

Access these resources to support conversations
- Support Toolkit | Lifeline
- Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) – Preparing for Pregnancy

Environmental toxins

Environmental toxins are chemicals and heavy metals, pesticides and air pollution. Preconception exposure to environmental toxins can adversely impact fertility, pregnancy and foetal development, which may have impacts on a baby once born.

Prior to trying for a baby, minimising exposure for both parents to specific environmental toxins, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and air pollutants, is recommended. Engaging with a GP can support this.