HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Fertility
Fertility is the ability to have a tamaiti (child) and is very important to many people’s lives. It depends on the health of both male and female partners.
There are ways of controlling fertility. For example, using contraception to prevent becoming pregnant.
A person usually becomes fertile when they reach puberty. Girls are born with eggs in their ovaries and as they age, the number of fertile eggs gradually reduces. Women usually start to be less fertile from their mid-30’s.
Boys are not born with sperm. It is produced daily. Men are usually fertile for longer and can continue having tamariki (children) until they are much older.
Some people choose to make lifestyle and other changes before trying to get pregnant to ensure their chances are as good as possible. This is called pre-conception planning. Your general practice team can help you with more information.
Fertility New Zealand's FAQ page includes information on what affects your fertility. For example, your age and weight, alcohol and smoking, and when you have sex. You cannot change your age. But you may be able to make some lifestyle changes to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa's page on Fertility awareness explains how women can identify the fertile time of their menstrual cycle.
If you are concerned about fertility, see your general practice team.
If you need a specialist fertility assessment, this may be publicly funded if you meet certain criteria. You will need to be referred by your general practice team.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may choose to pay privately for an assessment.
Infertility
Both men and women can have medical problems that reduce their fertility or make them infertile (unable to have a tamaiti).
Infertility is usually defined as not becoming pregnant (conceiving) after 1 year of trying.
Fertility problems are common. More than a quarter of New Zealand couples (26%) have problems getting pregnant at some point in their lives.
If you have been trying to get pregnant but have not been able to, it is important to discuss this with your general practice team. There are things you can you and things medical professionals can do that may help.
See the next page for more information about infertility.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Fertility New Zealand
Fertility New Zealand provides information and support for people with infertility challenges.
On the next page: Infertility
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created January 2025.
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Review key: HIFER-16204
