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Planning a family can be an exciting time, but fertility can also bring many questions. You may be thinking about starting a family, wondering whether your health could affect conception, or feeling concerned because pregnancy has not happened as quickly as expected. Having a conversation with your GP can help you understand your reproductive health and decide what steps may be appropriate for you.
Fertility is influenced by several factors, including age, reproductive health, general health, lifestyle and certain medical conditions. Some people may conceive without difficulty, while others may need medical assessment or additional support.
At Aspley Family Medical Practice (AFMDP), fertility support is part of our women's health services. Our GPs provide confidential, personalised care covering fertility concerns, pregnancy planning, reproductive health and hormonal health.
What Does Fertility Support Mean?
Fertility support involves more than fertility testing or treatment.
A GP can provide an initial assessment, discuss your health and pregnancy plans, identify factors that may affect conception and help you understand when further investigation may be appropriate.
Fertility support may include:
You do not have to wait until you have been trying to conceive for a long time before discussing your concerns with a GP. Some people may benefit from earlier advice because of their medical history or known reproductive health conditions.
When Should You Talk to a GP About Fertility?
You can discuss fertility with your GP whenever you have questions or concerns.
If you are planning a pregnancy, Australian health guidance recommends seeing your doctor around 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive. This gives you time to review your health, medications, vaccinations and lifestyle before pregnancy.
You may want to arrange a fertility consultation if you:
A GP can help determine whether you need reassurance, routine preconception care, investigations or referral.
Understanding the Factors That Can Affect Fertility
Fertility is not determined by one factor. Several aspects of health and reproductive function can influence the chances of becoming pregnant.
Age
Age is an important factor in fertility. Female fertility generally decreases with age, particularly after 35. Male fertility can also change with age.
This does not mean that pregnancy cannot occur at an older age. It simply means that age can be an important consideration when discussing pregnancy planning and when to seek medical advice.
If you are concerned about age and fertility, a GP can discuss your individual circumstances and advise whether an earlier assessment may be appropriate.
Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation
A regular menstrual cycle can provide useful information about reproductive health. Irregular or absent periods may sometimes indicate problems with ovulation or hormonal conditions.
Conditions such as PCOS can affect ovulation and may make conception more difficult for some women. Endometriosis can also affect fertility.
If your periods are consistently irregular, very painful or significantly different from your usual pattern, it is worth discussing this with your GP.
Existing Health Conditions
Some medical conditions can affect fertility or pregnancy.
For example, PCOS, endometriosis and diabetes may influence reproductive health or pregnancy planning. Managing existing health conditions before conception can therefore be an important part of preconception care.
If you have a chronic condition, your GP can help you understand how it may relate to pregnancy and whether any changes to your treatment or monitoring are needed.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors can also influence fertility and general reproductive health.
Smoking, excessive alcohol use, recreational drugs, significant weight changes and poor overall health may affect fertility. A healthy lifestyle can support your general health while you are preparing for pregnancy.
Your GP can provide practical advice based on your individual circumstances rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all approach.
Fertility Support Before Pregnancy
You do not need to wait until you are trying to conceive to start preparing for pregnancy.
A preconception health check can help identify areas that may need attention before pregnancy.
Your GP may discuss:
Healthdirect recommends seeing your doctor approximately 3 to 6 months before trying to become pregnant.
This can be particularly useful if you have an existing health condition or take regular medication.
Folic Acid and Pregnancy Planning
Folic acid is an important part of preparing for pregnancy.
Australian guidance recommends that most people take a daily folic acid supplement before pregnancy and during early pregnancy. Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida.
The standard recommendation is generally at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, although some people may require a higher dose depending on individual risk factors.
Factors that may mean you need a higher dose can include certain medical conditions, some medicines, diabetes, a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect or other risk factors.
It is important to discuss supplements with your GP rather than assuming that the same dose is suitable for everyone.
What If You Are Having Difficulty Conceiving?
Not becoming pregnant immediately does not necessarily mean there is a fertility problem.
Many healthy couples take time to conceive. However, Australian health guidance recommends seeking medical advice if pregnancy has not occurred after:
You may need to seek advice earlier if you already have a condition that could affect fertility, such as endometriosis or PCOS, or if you have other concerns about your reproductive health.
Your GP can discuss your medical history and symptoms and determine whether fertility investigations or specialist referral may be appropriate.
What Happens During a Fertility Consultation?
A fertility consultation starts with a conversation.
Your GP may ask about:
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may recommend investigations or refer you to a fertility specialist.
Fertility difficulties can involve factors affecting either partner, so assessment may sometimes involve both partners. Fertility testing can include different types of investigations depending on the individual situation.
Can PCOS Affect Fertility?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormonal condition that can affect ovulation.
Some women with PCOS may have irregular periods or difficulty ovulating regularly. However, having PCOS does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. Many people with PCOS can become pregnant, although it may take longer for some.
If you have PCOS and are planning a pregnancy, speaking with your GP before trying to conceive can help you understand your reproductive health and manage other factors that may affect pregnancy.
Can Endometriosis Affect Fertility?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause symptoms such as painful periods and pelvic pain and may affect fertility in some people.
If you have endometriosis and are considering pregnancy, it can be useful to discuss your plans with your GP early. Australian pregnancy guidance recommends seeking medical advice before trying to conceive if you have endometriosis or another condition that may affect fertility.
Your GP can discuss your symptoms and help determine whether further assessment or specialist care is appropriate.
Fertility Support Is Not Just About Women's Health
Although fertility discussions are often associated with women's reproductive health, fertility can be influenced by factors affecting either partner.
For couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, it is important not to assume that the issue is caused by one person.
Depending on the circumstances, fertility assessment may involve both partners. This can help healthcare professionals understand the possible contributing factors and determine the most appropriate next steps.
Healthy Habits When Preparing for Pregnancy
Looking after your overall health before pregnancy can support both your wellbeing and pregnancy planning.
Helpful steps may include:
Eat a Balanced Diet
A varied and balanced diet can help provide the nutrients your body needs before pregnancy.
Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity supports general health and can help with maintaining a healthy weight.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can negatively affect fertility and pregnancy. If you smoke, your GP can provide support to help you quit.
Avoid Alcohol When Trying to Conceive
Australian pregnancy guidance recommends avoiding alcohol when trying to become pregnant.
Review Your Medicines
Do not stop prescription medicines without medical advice. Instead, talk to your GP about whether your medicines are suitable when planning a pregnancy.
Look After Your Mental Health
Fertility concerns can be emotionally challenging. Anxiety, stress and uncertainty can affect wellbeing, so mental health should also be part of your overall care.
When Might You Need a Fertility Specialist?
Your GP may recommend seeing a fertility specialist if you have been trying to conceive for the recommended period without success or if there is a known or suspected fertility-related condition.
Specialist assessment may involve fertility testing and, depending on the cause, different treatment options. These can include treatments aimed at ovulation or assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF.
A referral does not necessarily mean that you will need fertility treatment. It simply allows you to receive more specialised assessment and understand your options.
Fertility Support at AFMDP
At Aspley Family Medical & Dental Practice, fertility support forms part of our comprehensive women's health services.
Our experienced GPs provide confidential and personalised consultations where you can discuss:
The practice's women's health service is designed around prevention, early assessment and personalised care. AFMDP provides a comfortable and confidential environment where women can discuss sensitive health concerns openly with their GP.
Where further investigation or specialist care is appropriate, your GP can help coordinate the next stage of your healthcare.
Take the Next Step With Your Fertility Health
Fertility concerns can be difficult to discuss, but you do not have to work through them alone.
Whether you are planning a pregnancy, thinking about starting a family in the future or have been trying to conceive without success, a GP can help you understand your reproductive health and discuss the options available to you.
Early advice can be particularly valuable if you have irregular periods, PCOS, endometriosis, a chronic medical condition or other concerns about fertility.
AFMDP provides confidential fertility support and women's health care in Aspley.
If you have questions about fertility or pregnancy planning, book a women's health consultation with the team at Aspley Family Medical Practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fertility support include?
Fertility support can include discussions about reproductive health, menstrual cycles, pregnancy planning, preconception health, existing medical conditions, medications, lifestyle and concerns about conception. AFMDP lists fertility support and pregnancy planning among its women's health services.
When should I see a GP about fertility?
You can speak with your GP whenever you have concerns. If you are planning pregnancy, Australian guidance recommends seeing your doctor around 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive. If pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of trying at age 35 or younger, or after 6 months if you are 36 or older, medical advice is recommended.
Can PCOS affect fertility?
Yes. PCOS can affect ovulation and may make conception more difficult for some women. However, many people with PCOS can still become pregnant. If you have PCOS and are planning pregnancy, discuss your health and pregnancy plans with your GP.
Can endometriosis affect fertility?
Endometriosis can affect fertility in some people. If you have endometriosis and are considering pregnancy, it is a good idea to discuss your plans with your GP early.
What should I do before trying to get pregnant?
A preconception consultation can help you review your health, medications, vaccinations, lifestyle and nutritional needs. Folic acid is also recommended before and during early pregnancy for most people. Your GP can advise you about the appropriate dose.
How long should I try to conceive before seeking help?
If you are 35 or younger, medical advice is generally recommended after 12 months of trying. If you are 36 or older, seek advice after 6 months. Earlier assessment may be appropriate if you have a known condition that could affect fertility.
Can lifestyle changes improve fertility?
Healthy lifestyle habits can support general health and may improve fertility. These include maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, avoiding smoking and avoiding alcohol when trying to conceive.
Does AFMDP provide fertility support in Aspley?
Yes. AFMDP lists fertility support, pregnancy planning and hormonal imbalance management as part of its women's health services. The practice provides personalised and confidential GP consultations for women's reproductive health.
Where can I discuss fertility concerns in Aspley?
You can discuss fertility and reproductive health with the GPs at Aspley Family Medical Practice, Shop 1, Aspley Arcade 2 Shopping Centre, 1368 Gympie Road, Aspley QLD 4034. The practice can be contacted on (07) 3263 9951.
