The journey to parenthood can be an emotional and challenging journey for individuals and couples hoping to start or expand their families. For those facing health conditions that impact the chances of a successful pregnancy, waiting to conceive naturally can be a long and arduous process.
Here are five of the common issues encountered by those struggling with fertility.
1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation. It’s characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, high androgen levels and multiple small cysts on the ovaries. Some of the symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth and difficulty conceiving. While there is no cure, making lifestyle changes, taking medications like ovulation stimulants and enrolling in assisted reproductive treatments can help manage infertility in women with PCOS.
2. Male infertility factor
In Canada, 30% of sole infertility cause is the male factor, and is a contributing issue 20% of the time. Various factors contribute to male infertility, including hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, lifestyle habits and medical conditions. Similar to PCOS, treatments for infertility in males include lifestyle changes, medications and assisted reproductive technologies.
3. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus. These growths, called implants or lesions, can occur in various areas of the body, typically in the pelvic region, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and behind the uterus, and can affect fertility.
Surgical intervention or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF may be recommended for those with more severe disease.
4. Age and fertility
Age plays a significant role in fertility, especially for women. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and as they age, both the number and quality of these eggs decrease.
Fertility starts to decline around age 30, with a sharper drop after 35. By 40, getting pregnant naturally becomes much harder. Men also experience a decline in fertility with age, though it happens more slowly. While medical treatments can help, the chances of success decrease with age, making early awareness and planning important.
5. Blocked fallopian tubes
The fallopian tubes play a crucial role in reproduction as they transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus. If one or both tubes are blocked due to infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, prior surgeries or endometriosis, this can prevent fertilization. Depending on the severity of the blockage, treatment options may include reparative surgery or IVF treatments
B.C.’s publicly funded IVF therapy
For those struggling with infertility, financial barriers often make treatments inaccessible. B.C.’s new publicly funded in vitro fertilization (IVF) program, with applications opening July 2, 2025, aims to ease the burden of the costs associated with IVF.
Designed for eligible B.C. residents, this initiative covers up to $19,000 in expenses for people between the ages of 18 and 41.
In order to qualify, participants must:
- Be enrolled in MSP when applying and during treatment.
- Get a referral from their family doctor or walk in clinic for consultation with an IVF specialist at a participating .
- Complete a consultation with a B.C. fertility specialist.
- Complete any recommended diagnostic testing or mandatory treatments as determined by their B.C. fertility specialist.
- Complete other fertility treatments first, if recommended by their B.C. fertility specialist.
If you’re struggling with infertility, speak with a specialist to explore your options and see if you qualify for this upcoming initiative. For more IVF funding info and clinic support, visit .
