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HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini

Fertility problems

Fertility problems are common – about one in five New Zealand couples have problems getting pregnant (conceiving) at some point in their lives.

If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, make sure you find out all you can about getting pregnant and when is the best time to conceive.

Fertility New Zealand's Be fertility fit section includes information on how your age and weight, alcohol and smoking, and when you have sex can all affect your fertility. You can't change your age, but you may be able to make some lifestyle changes to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa's leaflet on Fertility awareness outlines how women can identify the fertile time of their menstrual cycle. The pamphlet Trying to get pregnant explains how common infertility is, its causes and what treatment and help are available.

See your GP if you have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for one year, or for six months for women who are aged 35 or older. Your GP can do some tests, for example to check the woman is ovulating and the man's sperm are OK.

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 GP, and may have it at Te Nikau, Grey Hospital & Health Centre or be referred to Fertility Associates in Christchurch. If you do not meet these criteria, you may choose to pay privately for an assessment.

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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2019.

See also:

Planning a pregnancy

Page reference: 652292

Review key: HIFER-16204