Reproductive health
Medicines for Female infertility
Difficulty becoming pregnant due to factors affecting a woman's fertility — with many treatable causes, assessed and managed by fertility services.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Female infertility?
Infertility is usually defined as not becoming pregnant after a year of regular unprotected sex (or sooner if there are known reasons or the woman is older). Female-factor infertility refers to difficulties related to a woman's reproductive system, though in many couples the cause involves both partners or is unexplained.
- How it is treated: Assessment aims to identify any treatable causes and guide the best options, and includes a history, examination, blood tests (including checking ovulation and hormones), and tests such as ultrasound and checks of the fallopian tubes, along with assessment of the male partner.
- Self-care: Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, taking folic acid when trying to conceive, and managing conditions such as PCOS or thyroid problems all support fertility.
- When to seek help: See a GP if you have not conceived after a year of regular unprotected sex — or sooner (after about 6 months) if the woman is over 36, or if there are known fertility issues or irregular or absent periods.
What it is
Infertility is usually defined as not becoming pregnant after a year of regular unprotected sex (or sooner if there are known reasons or the woman is older). Female-factor infertility refers to difficulties related to a woman's reproductive system, though in many couples the cause involves both partners or is unexplained. Common female causes include problems with ovulation (releasing an egg) — such as polycystic ovary syndrome or hormonal issues — blocked or damaged fallopian tubes (for example after infection), conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, and age-related decline in egg quantity and quality, which is a significant factor as women get older. Because both partners contribute to fertility, assessment usually involves both. It can be a stressful and emotional experience, and support is an important part of care.
How it is treated
Assessment aims to identify any treatable causes and guide the best options, and includes a history, examination, blood tests (including checking ovulation and hormones), and tests such as ultrasound and checks of the fallopian tubes, along with assessment of the male partner. Treatment depends on the cause: ovulation problems may be helped by medicines or by treating the underlying issue (such as weight or thyroid problems); blocked tubes or conditions like endometriosis may be treated surgically; and assisted conception techniques, including IVF, are options for many causes. Lifestyle factors — a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and taking folic acid — support fertility and pregnancy. Access to treatment varies, and emotional support and counselling are valuable throughout. Care is guided by a fertility service.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Female infertility
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, taking folic acid when trying to conceive, and managing conditions such as PCOS or thyroid problems all support fertility. Seeking timely assessment matters, especially with increasing age.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if you have not conceived after a year of regular unprotected sex — or sooner (after about 6 months) if the woman is over 36, or if there are known fertility issues or irregular or absent periods.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Female infertility: frequently asked questions
When should we seek help for not getting pregnant?
Usually after a year of regular unprotected sex, but sooner (around 6 months) if the woman is over 36, or if there are known issues such as irregular periods or a relevant medical history. Both partners are usually assessed.
What are common causes of female infertility?
Problems with ovulation (such as PCOS), blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis or fibroids, and age-related decline in egg quality. Many cases involve both partners or are unexplained.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CG156 — Fertility problems
- NHS — Infertility
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