Ask Doctor Chris: Child arthritis and infertility

Average rating:

Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about child arthritis and infertility.

The problem: 'She's got arthritis'

My 12-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with arthritis. What can I do to halt its progress?

The solution

Juvenile arthritis affects only one in 1,000 children in the UK. Ensure your daughter's under the care of a specialist rheumatologist, and that she takes all medication prescribed, even steroids. These will stop inflammation, minimise joint damage and ease pain. She may need physio, occupational therapy and splints. It can clear up within a few years, but may leave deformed joints.

The problem: 'Am I infertile?'

My partner and I have been trying for a baby for six months without success. I'm now worried that I may be infertile - I had chlamydia a few years ago.

The solution

Chlamydia can certainly cause infertility by causing inflammation in the pelvis. This can lead to blockage of the Fallopian tubes and scarred pelvic tissue. If your periods are regular, then you're ovulating, so it seems that sperm isn't reaching your ovaries, possibly due to your chlamydia. You need to be referred to an infertility specialist.