Female Infertility

1 medicine

Female infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sex, with ovulation disorders among the most common and treatable causes. It is often treated with ovulation-stimulating medicine.

Serophene

Clomifene

25/50/100mg

Serophene is a womens health medication containing Clomifene, available as 25/50/100mg tablets.

from $0.39 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Female infertility means an inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sex, or 6 months for women over 35. It affects roughly one in six couples worldwide.
  • Irregular or absent ovulation is the most common underlying cause, often driven by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalance, hyperprolactinaemia, or age-related decline in egg quality.
  • Structural factors, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or scarring from prior infections, also play a role, as does unexplained infertility.
  • First-line treatment for ovulatory causes is clomifene, which prompts the body to release an egg. Women with a family history of PCOS or thyroid conditions should seek assessment early.

Why ovulation disorders sit at the centre

Many cases of female infertility trace back to irregular or absent ovulation rather than structural problems. PCOS is the single most common driver. Other causes include hyperprolactinaemia, thyroid imbalance, premature ovarian insufficiency, and age-related decline in egg quality.

Structural factors such as blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or adhesions from prior infections also play a role, as can unexplained infertility where no clear cause is found.

Stimulating ovulation with medicine

When ovulation is irregular or absent, first-line treatment often involves medicines that stimulate the ovaries to release an egg. Clomifene is the most established option: it blocks oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, prompting the body to produce more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and triggering ovulation. It is used widely across women's health for both PCOS-related anovulation and unexplained infertility.

Treatment is always guided by a specialist and typically combined with cycle monitoring to time intercourse or assisted reproduction procedures accurately.

When to see a doctor

Women with a family history of PCOS or thyroid conditions, or who have not conceived after the relevant timeframe, should seek assessment rather than waiting.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.