Can anything prevent premature ovarian failure?

Can anything prevent premature ovarian failure?

Did you know that women are born with all the eggs we will ever make in their lifetime?

Women are born with approximately one to two million eggs or oocytes in their ovaries. It seems like a lot, doesn’t it? Unfortunately with human nature, most of your eggs will be lost before you reach puberty, leaving you will approximately 300,000 to 400,000 eggs and it is estimated that women sometimes lose as many as 1000 a month over their fertile years.

Sometimes women lose more or begin to see the decline in egg number earlier than normal. Approximately 1 in 1000 will experience premature ovarian failure before the age of 30 and around 1 in 100 will experience this before they turn 40.

It is a distressing and difficult situation many women find themselves facing, but what causes this and is there anything you can do to stop the decline?

The actual causes of premature ovarian failure are generally unknown; however, research has suggested that toxins used in chemotherapy, chromosomal defects and certain autoimmune diseases can result in a rapid decline of eggs. In some instances, there is a genetic component to premature ovarian failure and in other times, the cause is simply unknown, which can be extremely frustrating.

Some of the symptoms that women experience is generally similar to menopause, which can range from hot flushes at night, difficulty getting pregnant and irregular periods. The diagnosis of premature ovarian failure often results in a long term physical and psychological impact, so it is essential to reach out and ensure there is appropriate support available.

Is there anything that can “fix” this?

Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to slow or reverse the process at the moment, however this does not mean you cannot get pregnant, it just means the journey may feel a little more complex.

It’s important to know that when it comes to fertility treatment, we focus on the quality of your eggs and not the quantity, which is why at Fertility First we are very much focused on your health and wellbeing. Helping to improve your egg quality is a way you can take back control and it generally comes down to adjusting your lifestyle.

Eating a diet that is rich in antioxidants to help reduce your body’s levels of oxidative stress, ensuring you’re getting an adequate amount of exercise and reducing exposure to pollutants and chemicals has been shown to boost egg quality and improve your chances of conceiving.

Facing the prospect of having to undergo fertility treatment sooner than you expected can place a large amount of pressure on relationships, your mental health and add to the frustration you may also be experiencing.

Fertility First offers a range of treatment options that can help make your journey easier and help alleviate the stress you may be experiencing due to this difficult situation.

Some women experiencing premature ovarian failure may look to the option of using donor eggs to help create their family. This may be a difficult decision to make and adds further to the stress they may be feeling. Most women will find that donor eggs are difficult to access and, in some cases, they will be required to travel overseas or join a long waiting list.

At Fertility First, we offer a premium donor egg program designed to help all women gain access to quality eggs at an affordable cost, without the need to travel overseas or join an extensive waiting list. We find that women suffering from premature ovarian failure are already experiencing a substantial amount of stress, we aim to make the process as easy as possible.

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FAQ

How does Fertility First keep fertility treatment and IVF costs down?

As a Doctor-owned Medical Practice, our fertility and IVF treatment costs do not need to cover overheads and/or shareholder dividends, all of which have to come out of the income derived from patients’ treatment cycle fees at other fertility clinics in Sydney.

What is the NSW fertility treatment rebates?

From the 1st October 2022, the NSW Government announced a rebate of $2,000 in OOP expenses for all eligible patients. Fertility First is pleased to support the NSW Government’s fertility rebate at our Sydney fertility clinic.

What makes Fertility First different to other Sydney fertility clinics?

Fertility First is privately owned, which means we can place more focus on our patients. We offer a holistic approach to fertility and believe that it’s important to minimise the invasiveness of the fertility testing process and only carry out the necessary investigations, maximising your chance of a successful outcome. We offer extensive preliminary fertility testing, including Halosperm Assay.

We were one of the first Sydney fertility clinics to offer a donor sperm and donor egg program, thanks to our partnership with Central IVF.

How do I choose the best fertilty clinic for me?

Choosing the right fertility clinic in Sydney is a very important decision. You should consider factors like success rates, clinic location and appointment times, fertility treatment costs, repor with the Fertility Specialist and what treatment options are available.

Does Fertility First offer preliminary fertility testing?

Yes. We offer a range of fertility testing for both males and females. We aim to have fertility test results back within 2 to 3 weeks, which means, unless any assessment of the fallopian tubes is required, fertility treatment options can then be considered.

Does Fertility First offer treatment for same sex couples and singles?

Yes. Fertility First offers a range of fertility treatments that are suitable for same sex couples and singles, including our donor sperm program. See our fertility treatment page for a full guide.

Does Fertility First offer Medicare rebates?

Yes. In order to assist you with a Medicare rebate for your fertility treatment, you will need a current referral to Fertility First.

Note: GP referrals are valid for 12 months, and specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.

Does Fertility First offer IVF treatment?

Yes. IVF treatment is offered to suitable patients after preliminary testing.