Most young Australians want to have at least one baby at some stage. But sometimes it’s not easy. That’s the focus of this year’s Fertility Week. There are many factors that can affect your chance of having a baby, including your age and weight.
Some people also have medical conditions that can make it harder to conceive or carry a pregnancy. If you’re part of the LGBTIQA+ communities, or you want to become a ‘solo mum by choice’, you may need to investigate fertility preservation or donor eggs or sperm to conceive.
From 6 - 12 December, we're telling eight personal stories that highlight some of the challenges people face in their quest for a baby. So, if you want a child in future, learn more about ways to protect and maximise your fertility, so you can become a parent when you want to.
Get involved in #FertilityWeek
Fertility Week is a national public education campaign to help people improve their chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy baby. Fertility Week promotes conversations and awareness about factors that affect fertility. We encourage individuals and health professionals to help spread the word.
Join the conversation on social media. Follow Your Fertility on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram and share and re-tweet our messages using #fertilityweek
Stay tuned for more news on activities during Fertility Week by signing up to Your Fertility Monthly below.
Alice's PCOS story
Alice started trying for a baby when she was 27. After six months of disappointment, she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Read more.
Jon's infertility story
Jon always presumed he would become a father one day. But when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer aged 33, he thought it might become impossible. Read more.
Jenna's diabetes story
Jenna was in her 20s when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She carefully managed her condition during several pregnancies with the help of medical specialists. Read more.
Cody's fertility preservation story
As a child, Cody always wanted to become a parent. So when he transitioned from female to male, he froze his eggs to preserve his fertility. Read more.
Stephanie's same sex story
Being in a same sex relationship creates fertility challenges. Stephanie and her partner overcame many difficulties to create their own special family. Read more.
Kendra's solo parent story
Kendra was 35 when she decided to become a parent on her own and not wait around for a partner. Read more.
Victoria's PCOS story
Victoria was diagnosed with PCOS at 18 but its impact on fertility was not front of mind. A decade later, she found it very hard to have a baby. Read more.
Martha's infertility story
When Martha started trying for a baby in her late 20s she never imagined it could be so difficult. Read more.
More information
Fertility Week 2021 - Sometimes having a baby isn't easy
Do you want to become a parent one day? Sometimes having a baby isn’t easy.
As part of Fertility Week (6-12 December), we will be sharing 8 personal stories from people who have faced challenges in their quest for a baby. Tune in to learn how you can protect your fertility and improve your chance of a child in the future.
Healthy you, healthy baby - Expert advice for men and women
Professor Sarah Robertson, from Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide explains how men's and women's health before conceiving can affect the chance of pregnancy and the health of the baby.
Age and fertility
Australian netball star Liz Ellis, discusses what she wished she knew in her early 30's about the impact age has on fertility and shares her powerful story.
