According to the American Association of Reproductive Medicine, if a couple has not achieved pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex, they should seek professional help getting pregnant.    More Science...

Fertility declines significantly between 38 and 40 meaning couples should not delay seeking help if they are unable to conceive within 6 months.  More Science...

Age significanly reduces a couple's chances of successful conception and increases the risk of abnormalities in the child.   More Science...

The most common female physical problem preventing pregnancy is when the Fallopian tubes are twisted, scarred or blocked in some way.  In fact, blocked tubes account for about 30% of female infertility.  The fallopian tubes carry the egg from the ovaries to the uterus, where implantation will hopefully occur. More Science...

Your blood group can affect your chances of conceiving. More Science...

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the UK, affecting about 4 million women yearly.  It is a type of bacteria which causes an infection, and if left untreated can lead to infertility. More Science...

Endometriosis is a common condition in which the lining of the uterus or the endometrium spreads to other parts of the body.  It is most commonly found in the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the bladder, the bowl, the intestines, the vagina and the rectum. Endometriosis can interfere with ovulation and conception and can also cause repeated miscarriage.  It is fairly common, affecting mostly women between the ages of 25 and 40. More Science...

Fibroids are benign muscle growths that appear on the wall of the uterus.  Whilst many women develop them later in life, many women are unaware that they exist. More Science...

It is very difficult for a woman to pinpoint her most fertile time when periods are irregular. More Science...

Whilst fertility issues are often throught to reside with the woman, research shows that among couples with fertility problems in the UK, 40% of the cases were down to the man.  Smoking, recreational drugs and excessive alcohol consumption can all affect both the quality and quantity of sperm, making conception more difficult. More Science...

Ovulation means that an egg has been released.  If ovulation does not occur, it is not possible to have a baby.  Women who suffer from ovulation problems may be given a synthetic hormone which is designed to replicate the Follicle Stimulating Hormone, thereby allowing ovulation to occur. More Science...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (or PCOS) is a condition which occurs when the body produces large amounts of the male hormone testosterone and excessive amounts of LH, or luteinizing hormone.

The hormonal imbalance causes the ovaries to become enlarged and develop many tiny cysts on the surface.  The cysts include immature egg follicles which can prevent the egg from growing properly. More Science...

Premature Ovarian Failure is basically an early menopause.  Whilst most women will have their last period at around 50 years old, women suffering from Premature Ovarian Failure will enter the menopause before the age of 45. More Science...