Fertility struggles are more common than most people think. In fact, around 1 in 6 couples in the UK experience fertility problems at some point in their lives. Most people and couples are quietly facing this stress to conceive.
If you’re struggling with fertility, wondering what’s normal, when to seek help or what IVF really involves; you’re not alone. At Future Forums, we’re dedicated to finding solutions for your health and well being.
Whether you’re just starting to think about growing your family or have been trying for a while without success, it helps to understand what might be going on and what you can do about it. In this article we’ll be exploring fertility issues and the steps you can take with IVF.
Fertility Struggles – What’s Causing It?
Fertility issues aren’t a one-size-fits-all. Some couples conceive in a few months. Others try for a year or more and realise something’s not quite working.
Infertility can be caused due to many reasons. Factors like age, lifestyle habits, diet, genetics – all play a role in conception. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 12 months or more, there might be something causing it and should consider getting checked with your GP.
Fertility is not just a “female issue”, in fact male fertility problems among couples account for around 30 to 50%.
Common Causes in Women
- Hormonal issues like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Age-related decline in egg quality (especially after 35)
Common Causes in Men
- Low sperm count or poor sperm movement
- Varicoceles (enlarged veins in the testicles)
- Hormone imbalances
- Previous infections or injuries
And sometimes, there’s no clear cause for it. Idiopathic infertility accounts for about 1 in 4 cases. That doesn’t mean there’s no issue, it just means there’s no clear medical reason yet. Lifestyle can also make a difference: things like smoking, stress, heavy drinking, or being over or underweight can all affect fertility.
The IVF Process – How Does It Work?
You’ve probably heard of IVF, but aren’t exactly sure what the process involves. IVF or In Vitro Fertilisation basically means fertilising the egg outside the body, then placing the embryo in the fallopian tubes.
Here’s how a typical IVF cycle works:
- Ovarian stimulation: You take medication to encourage your ovaries to produce more eggs than usual.
- Egg Collection: Eggs are collected in a short procedure, usually under sedation.
- Fertilisation: Sperm is added into each egg or ICSI.
- Embryo Culture: Fertilised embryos are cultured and monitored in the lab for a few days.
- Embryo Transfer: One or two embryos are transferred into the womb.
- The Wait: After two weeks, a pregnancy test confirms if the cycle was successful.
Not every cycle results in a pregnancy. Sometimes it takes a few tries. According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, success rates vary by age; from around 32% per embryo transfer for women under 35, to just 5% for women over 43.
Where to Start and What You Can Do Right Now?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by fertility issues, especially when you don’t know where to begin. But you don’t have to make big leaps, just focus on small, helpful steps.
1. Track your cycle
Understanding when you’re ovulating gives you the best chance of conceiving naturally. There are plenty of apps that make this easy.
2. Look at your lifestyle
Cutting down alcohol, quitting smoking, eating well and staying active can improve fertility for both partners.
3. Get some basic tests
Talk to your GP. You can request things like:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
- Semen analysis for male fertility
- Ultrasound scans to check for any physical issues
These are usually covered by the NHS and are a good starting point.
4. Explore reliable resources
If you want more detail about fertility treatments, start with:
- NHS Infertility Overview
- HFEA IVF Guide
- Fertility Network UK – for free support groups, webinars, and peer advice
The Treatment Path – NHS IVF vs Private IVF in the UK
Both the NHS and Private IVF clinics provide fertility treatments, the wait time varies with each option. You can select an option based on your criteria and timeline.
NHS IVF
The NHS does offer IVF treatment, but who qualifies depends on where you live. Some areas fund more than others, and you’ll usually need to meet criteria around age, BMI, and whether you already have children.
The NHS usually offers 1 to 3 cycles if you’re eligible and they cover the main costs.
Private IVF
If the NHS isn’t an option for you or you’d prefer not to wait, private clinics are more flexible. But they can be pricey.
- A single IVF cycle in the UK typically costs between £4,000 – £6,000
- ICSI, embryo freezing, donor eggs/ sperm and medication can be extra
Many couples also explore options like egg and/ or sperm freezing and donor IVF depending on their needs. For those ready to explore personalised fertility support, Hull & East Riding Fertility is offering IVF, testing and compassionate guidance tailored to your individual journey.
Final Thoughts
Every fertility journey is different. There’s no one “right way” to build a family. But there are plenty of ways to find support, answers and calm in the middle of the unknown.
Fertility challenges affect millions, yet every step you take, from tracking your cycle to asking for help, will help you move forward. Whether you’re considering IVF, starting investigations or simply learning more, the path is yours.
And you don’t have to walk it alone.
