Dr Erin Fuller, a fertility specialist at Genea Newcastle, joined the Newcastle Hunter Mummas podcast to discuss secondary infertility and the various options available for mothers struggling to expand their families.
With 80,000 interactions from the Newcastle Hunter Mummas community online, it's clear that many mothers face real struggles when trying to conceive again. Erin addresses this heartbreaking and frustrating experience, providing comprehensive insights into fertility challenges and treatment options.
Erin explains that secondary infertility refers to the struggle to conceive a second or subsequent child after having had a previous pregnancy. Age is a significant factor, as a woman's egg quality and quantity decline over time. She discusses egg freezing as an option for women wanting to preserve their fertility, though emphasises it's not a guarantee of future pregnancy.
The conversation covers multiple factors affecting fertility beyond age. Stress and extreme exercise can impact fertility, while weight plays a crucial role, both being underweight and overweight can reduce pregnancy chances. Importantly, Erin advises patients "to not stress about being stressed," acknowledging the emotional complexity of fertility challenges.
Erin shares encouraging statistics: about 50 per cent of patients who seek help from a fertility specialist are able to achieve pregnancy without undergoing IVF, highlighting the importance of diagnosing and addressing underlying causes of infertility first.
The discussion also addresses endometriosis, a prevalent condition affecting many women and their fertility. Erin explains that diagnosis is challenging and often requires laparoscopy, with treatment options including surgery and medical management to suppress the menstrual cycle. She notes that lifestyle changes and home remedies have limited evidence of effectiveness.
Throughout the episode, Erin emphasises the crucial importance of emotional and psychological support for couples struggling with infertility. Her compassionate approach and comprehensive knowledge provide valuable guidance for the Newcastle Hunter Mummas community navigating these challenging fertility journeys, while raising awareness about the need for continued research and funding for conditions like endometriosis.
Dr Erin Fuller
Dr Erin Fuller is a Fertility Specialist based in Newcastle, with degrees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and a Master of Reproductive Medicine from the University of New South Wales. Dr Fuller completed a fellowship in advanced reproductive laparoscopic surgery and specialises in a wide range of gynecological conditions and offers comprehensive treatment options for infertility.
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