Can my medical condition impact my fertility and chances of conceiving?

Some women (and men) may have medical conditions that can affect their fertility. Some conditions may be known before trying to get pregnant, some may not be. Whereas some conditions, such as vitamin D deficiency or thyroid disease, are more general and may not impact your chances of conceiving. However, some may play a bigger role, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis; conditions which directly affect a woman’s reproductive system.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and are planning on starting your trying to conceive journey, talk to your doctor who will be able to advise you on the impact your condition might have on your fertility. Regardless of your medical status, a visit to your GP as soon as you start planning to get pregnant will help you get a clear picture of your and your partner’s health, along with any advice that may make your journey easier.

Some conditions that can affect your fertility are listed below:

Untreated Chlamydia

Cystic Fibrosis

Previous Ectopic Pregnancy

Fibroids

Asherman’s Syndrome

Endometriosis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHS)

Secondary Infertility

Male Factor Fertility Issues

Ovulation Defects

Further reading:

https://www.gyniime.co.uk/learn/what-should-you-know-about-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/

https://www.ashermans.org/home/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/causes/#:~:text=Cervical%20mucus%20problems,make%20it%20harder%20to%20conceive.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/