Information Leaflets
Trying to Get Pregnant
Essential information for those trying to get pregnant. What is infertility? What are the common causes of infertility in women and men? When should we seek help? Is there funding available if we need treatment?
Understanding Your Cycle
A run-down on what women who are trying to conceive need to know: menstruation, the ovaries and egg production, hormone production and ovulation.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The leaflet explains PCOS, and its distinction from PCO, and gives self-help tips.
Premature Ovarian Failure
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is usually defined as menopause under the age of 40 and occurs in about 1% of women. Before periods totally cease there is often a length of time when periods are irregular or when the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is raised to around 15 to 20 IU.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a significant cause of infertility, because the woman partner is diagnosed with mild endometriosis in 10% of couples that have difficulty conceiving. This leaflet outlines endometriosis and its impact on fertility.
Male Infertility
Male factor infertility is present in 30-50% of couples who experience infertility. The leaflet contains information about causes, chances of pregnancy and treatment options.
Secondary Infertility
People experiencing secondary infertility already have one or more children. Difficulty in conceiving a second child may come as a shock, particularly if no problems were experienced before. Learn possible causes and coping mechanisms.
The Drugs used in Fertility Treatment
This leaflet outlines the drugs you may be prescribed by your fertility clinic, and what their function is. It also describes Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) which is the most serious side effect of fertility drugs.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
This leaflet explains the suitability of IVF and the process involved. It also outlines the emotions you may experience and suggests coping mechanisms.
Assisted Fertilisation in IVF (ICSI)
In New Zealand, over 50% of in vitro fertilisation cycles involve Assisted Fertilisation. This leaflet covers medical circumstances suited to ICSI, different ICSI techniques and considerations for those deciding whether to undergo IVF with ICSI.
Freezing Embryos
Why are embryos frozen? When and how does this occur? How are embryos thawed and replaced? The leaflet also address chances of pregnancy success through frozen embryos, and issues to be considered when deciding whether to freeze embryos.
The Emotional Impact of Infertility
Infertility is not only a physical matter. It brings with it profound emotional stress. The responses to infertility are often complex and so strong that they can sometimes feel overwhelming. Enlist coping techniques to gain control and minimise the negative impact of infertility.
The role of the Infertility Counsellor
An infertility counsellor understands both the treatment technology and the range of emotions you may be experiencing. There are many areas where they may be able to assist, and people considering seeing an infertility counsellor should also know the roles that are outside their scope.
Infertility - Helping Others Understand
This leaflet gives some understanding of the medical and emotional issues inherent to infertility. It also suggests some ways in which you may be able to help a relative or friend who is experiencing infertility.
Managing relationships through fertility challenges
The demands of an infertility journey - particularly during treatment cycles – can often be all-consuming and put a strain on relationships.
Natural Fertility
Natural fertility treatments offer a fresh approach to issues affecting fertility by gently encouraging the body towards normal healthy functioning without the use of conventional medical intervention.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. The leaflet includes risk factors for ectopic pregnancy, clinical presentation and diagnosis, modern management of ectopic pregnancies, and future fertility implications.
Miscarriage after Fertility Treatment
The loss of your baby early in pregnancy can have a profound effect on you and your partner. Miscarriages are a reality in any fertility programme, although the use of assisted reproductive technology only slightly increases the chance of miscarriage. The leaflet gives coping techniques for dealin…
Donor Sperm
The donation of sperm is a generous gift to women who may only achieve a pregnancy by using a donation. Who requires donor sperm and who are the donors? The leaflet outlines the New Zealand legal situation as well as considerations for those thinking about being a donor and using donor sperm.
Donor Eggs
The donation of eggs is a generous gift to people who may only achieve a pregnancy by using eggs from another woman. Who requires donor eggs and who are the donors? The leaflet outlines the NZ legal situation as well as considerations for those thinking about being a donor and using donor eggs.
Adoption
Considering shifting focus from fertility treatment to adoption as a way of building a family is a significant decision. This leaflet gives guidance for people considering adoption.
Planning Ahead for Christmas
Christmas and events such as Mother's Day can be particularly difficult for people experiencing infertility. Download our new Coping with Christmas & Special Celebrations leaflet for practical tips on dealing with the festive season.
LGBTQI+
Deciding to try for a family can feel somewhat overwhelming. Navigating physiological, financial, legal, ethical and social issues combined with the search for a donor and/or surrogate can sometimes be all-consuming. Children born to LGBTQI+ parents are much wanted – and recipient whānau are gratef…
Fertility Preservation
Fertility preservation refers to obtaining and freezing eggs, sperm, embryos, testicular tissue or ovarian tissue which can then be used to try to have children at a later point in time. The material is stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, which suspends any biological activity, and theoretically co…
If you experience trouble viewing the information leaflets, or would like a hard copy posted to you, email support@fertilitynz.org.nz