We talk with fertility specialist Dr. Anne Poliness about what infertility means, when to seek help, and how early testing can replace months of uncertainty with a clear plan. We break down AMH, age-related egg quality, and the practical first steps that support you whether you are trying now or still planning.
• infertility definitions and why the 12-month rule does not fit everyone
• reasons to seek fertility advice early including painful periods and irregular cycles
• preconception health checks with your GP including rubella and chickenpox immunity
• folic acid, vitamin D, and iron as part of basic fertility wellness planning
• AMH explained as ovarian reserve and why it does not measure egg quality
• how age impacts egg quality even with regular ovulation
• common causes including endometriosis, PMOS/PCOS, ovulation disorders, and male factor
• first-line testing including pelvic ultrasound, hormone profile, and semen analysis
• when to consider further investigations such as tubal testing
• treatment pathways including ovulation induction, laparoscopy for endometriosis, IUI, IVF, and ICSI
If you'd like to learn more about City Fertility and the services that they offer, please visit cityfertility.com.au.

Trying to conceive can turn into a calendar-counting spiral fast and one of the hardest questions is also the simplest: when should we ask for help? Liz Walton sits down with fertility specialist Dr. Ann Poliness to make that moment feel clearer, calmer, and far less lonely, with practical guidance you can use whether you’re just starting to plan or already deep into the trying phase.

We talk through how infertility is defined (and why the “12 months under 35” or “6 months over 35” rule is not one-size-fits-all). Dr. Poliness explains why symptoms like painful periods or irregular cycles are a reason to seek fertility advice earlier, not later. We also dig into what a smart preconception health check can look like with your GP: immunity to rubella and chickenpox, checking vitamin D and iron, and starting folic acid to reduce the risk of spina bifida.

Then we tackle the testing buzzwords people hear online. AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) can help estimate ovarian reserve and predict response to IVF or egg freezing stimulation, but it does not measure egg quality. Age, however, does affect egg quality over time, even when you’re ovulating regularly. From there, we map the most common causes of infertility, including endometriosis, PMOS/PCOS (formerly PCOS), ovulation issues, and male factor infertility, plus the first investigations many clinics start with: pelvic ultrasound, hormone testing, and semen analysis.

We end with treatment options that match the cause and the person, from ovulation induction and considering laparoscopy for endometriosis to IUI, IVF, and ICSI, with a consistent message running underneath it all: you deserve clear information early and a real voice in the decisions. If this helps, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find support sooner.

City Fertility website - City Fertility

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