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Some people fall pregnant easily when trying to have a baby, but for others it can take longer.

Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant despite having regular unprotected sex.

Most couples where the woman is aged under 40 will conceive naturally within one year, however many couples experience difficulties with trying to have a child.

Causes of infertility

There are many possible causes of infertility, and fertility problems can affect either partner. For one in four couples, a cause cannot be identified.

Some more common causes include:

  • lack of regular ovulation (the monthly release of an egg)
  • poor quality semen
  • blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
  • endometriosis – a condition where tissue, similar to the lining of the womb (the endometrium), grows in other places outside the womb

Other factors can also affect fertility, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, stress levels, weight, and age.

Accessing fertility services

Both you and your partner should visit a GP if you haven’t conceived after a year of trying, as either one of you could be affected by fertility problems.

Women aged 36 and over, and anyone who is already aware of or living with a condition which may cause fertility problems, should see their GP sooner.

Your GP will ask you and your partner about your general health and lifestyle, and order tests like blood tests, sperm analysis or scans where necessary. They may refer you to a specialist infertility team at your local NHS hospital or fertility clinic for further tests if you need it.

Types of treatments

There are treatments available that can support people with getting pregnant, some of which are paid for by the NHS.

If you have fertility problems, the treatment you’re offered will depend on what’s causing the problem. There are three main types of fertility treatment:

  • medicines to help you ovulate
  • surgical procedures to treat endometriosis, repair the fallopian tubes, or remove scarring (adhesions) within the womb or abdomen
  • assisted conception – including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

You can learn more on the NHS website. As your local Integrated Care Board, we are responsible for funding fertility services across south east London. Read about what type of treatments we fund and who is eligible for support in our fertility policy.

Pre-pregnancy health

Pre-pregnancy planning is important for both men and women. There are several things you can do to help increase the chances of pregnancy and make a difference to your child’s future health:

Get personalised information and support with Tommy’s free pregnancy planning tool. The charity also offer helplines for Black and Black Mixed-Heritage women and birthing people, including pre-conception advice.

Advice on taking weight loss medications

Weight-loss jabs may make the contraceptive pill less likely to work and can lead to unintended pregnancies. Women using Mounjaro and taking an oral contraceptive should also use a condom for four weeks after starting the drug, or switch to another method such as the coil or implant.

It’s recommended that women should use contraception while taking GLP-1 medicines (for treating type 2 diabetes) and for a certain period afterwards before trying to become pregnant – two months for Wegovy and Ozempic, and one month for Mounjaro.

Local services

  • A range of services across south east London can help you make positive changes to prepare for pregnancy, covering five areas vital for long-term health and wellbeing. This includes healthy blood pressure, stopping smoking, safe drinking; healthy weight, and healthy mind.
  • Residents in Bexley, Greenwich and Lambeth can access pre-pregnancy advice via our Women’s and Girls’ Health Hubs.
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