You've probably never considered you could have fertility problems, but it's more common than many women realise. It can take some time to conceive, but the general rule of thumb is that if you've been trying for over a year, you should speak to your doctor. Your doctor can work with you to establish whether or not you have an underlying condition that's preventing you from conceiving, and they will carry out a number of tests to determine the health of your reproductive system. Read on to learn about two common health problems that can affect fertility.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis can develop at any age and is characterised by the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue. This tissue should only be found in the uterine lining, but in those with endometriosis, it can be found growing on the bladder, fallopian tubes and surrounding tissues. Endometriosis causes inflammation and scar tissue to develop, which can prevent egg fertilisation. Common symptoms of this condition include pelvic discomfort, heavy bleeding during menstruation and pain during sex. If endometriosis is impacting your fertility, you can have surgery to clear scar tissue that's interfering with your ability to conceive.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Hormone imbalances can cause you to develop polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a condition that prevents follicles in your ovaries from fully developing. This means eggs are not released during ovulation, but your menstrual cycle tends not to be affected. Common symptoms associated with PCOS include acne, hair growth on your face, weight gain and thinning hair. If you have PCOS and you'd like to conceive, you can try medication to stimulate egg development. If this is unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend surgery to reduce male hormones and improve ovulation. The procedure is referred to as ovarian drilling and is carried out laparoscopically. An electrical current is used to drill a few holes in each ovary with the aim of destroying the tissue responsible for the production of male hormones. Ovarian drilling is carried out under general anaesthetic, and you can usually go home right after the procedure.

If you're struggling to conceive, have a chat with your doctor. You may have a treatable condition that you're unaware of, or you may be diagnosed with unexplained infertility. This means your doctor is unable to identify a reason why you're struggling to conceive, but it doesn't mean nothing can be done to help you. Your doctor can discuss appropriate fertility treatments with you, such as IVF, and help you decide what steps you want to take next.

For more women's healthcare tips, reach out to a local clinic.