Professor Roger Hart, a specialist in reproductive medicine, discusses the challenges facing women who struggle to conceive or to sustain a pregnancy.

He focuses on two groups in particular:

• Women in their mid-40s who are trying to conceive. Their cycles may be irregular and their risk of miscarriage is higher.
• Younger women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) who may be heading towards early menopause.

For women in their mid-40s, several rounds of IVF may be needed and some will ultimately turn to egg donation. Although it can be emotionally difficult, egg donation is a highly successful treatment.

For younger women with POI, a diagnosis of infertility alongside early menopause can be devastating. Seeking early assessment and treatment from a fertility specialist can improve their chances of conceiving.