You may have believed that starting to try for a baby would automatically lead to pregnancy. For many women, that expectation sits quietly in the background until months pass and nothing changes. Then questions begin to surface. Is this normal? Is everything alright, or is there a cause for concern?
Learning about female infertility isn’t about assuming something is wrong. It’s about understanding what may be influencing your fertility, recognising signs that deserve attention, and knowing when it’s time to ask for support. At CHILD Fertility, we meet people at exactly this moment – thoughtful, hopeful, and looking for clarity rather than pressure.
Female infertility is a term used when pregnancy has not occurred after a period of regular, unprotected sex, and factors within the female reproductive system may be contributing.
This definition is consistent with how infertility is described by global health authorities such as the World Health Organization, which recognises infertility as a medical condition affecting millions of people worldwide and often requiring careful assessment.
Fertility depends on a finely balanced system involving hormones, ovulation, the uterus, fallopian tubes, and overall health. When one part of that system is not working as expected, conception can take longer or need additional support.
Fertility challenges are rarely caused by a single factor. More often, several influences overlap. Knowing the common reasons behind female infertility can help you understand what might be affecting your chances of conceiving and guide you toward the right support.
Infertility is often linked to problems with ovulation, which is the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries. Some conditions prevent ovulation altogether, while others disrupt it in certain cycles but not others.
This can be caused by conditions such as:
These conditions are common and, once identified, can typically be managed with the right medical guidance.
The uterus, or womb, plays a central role in implantation and early pregnancy. Certain conditions can interfere with this process.
These include:
Some women experience noticeable symptoms, while others do not realise these conditions are present until fertility is investigated.
For natural conception to occur, sperm and egg need a clear path to meet. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent this, even when ovulation is regular.
These issues can sometimes result from previous infections, inflammation, or surgery.
A low ovarian reserve means you have fewer egg follicles in your ovaries than expected for your age, affecting egg production. Whilst age is the primary factor, genetics, smoking, surgery, chemotherapy, endometriosis or autoimmune issues also contribute.
A lower reserve doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible, as many women with a low ovarian reserve have successful pregnancies with the right treatment plan.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, or recurrent miscarriage, is the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies. There are many reasons for pregnancy loss, including genetic factors, blood clotting disorders, uterus issues and hormonal imbalances.
Specialist assessments seek to identify the cause and establish the right treatment plan for you.
You can read more about how these conditions are approached on our Female Fertility page.
Fertility challenges can feel especially confusing when symptoms aren’t obvious, but certain signs are still worth paying attention to, including:
Having one or more of these doesn’t automatically mean there is a serious problem. But patterns matter, and noticing them early can make conversations with specialists far more helpful.
Deciding the right moment to get help might not always be simple. Many people worry about acting too soon or waiting too long. Being aware of some general timelines can offer reassurance.
Fertility consultations are often recommended:
The idea of a fertility consultation can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. In reality, the first appointment is about listening to you.
You can expect:
There is no pressure to commit to treatment. The goal is clarity so you can make informed decisions that feel right for you.
Fertility challenges don’t just affect the body. They can impact confidence, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Feeling supported and understood makes a real difference.
If you’re at the stage where questions are starting to outweigh reassurance, you don’t have to carry that alone. When you are ready, you’re welcome to reach out to us for a confidential conversation and thoughtful guidance on what your next step could be.