Many times couples do not suspect that one or both the partners may be infertile until they start trying to get pregnant. When a couple has been trying to conceive for a year without using any birth control and hasn’t been successful, they should consult a doctor as there could be some problem. Infertility occurs due to underlying problems and can be identified with these signs and symptoms –
For women
1. Irregular periods
Normally, women experience a 28 to 30-day menstrual cycle, but if the cycle varies every month up to a level where the next period date cannot be estimated, then you may be experiencing irregular periods. There may be many reasons behind this such as PCOS or other hormonal problems. This can lead to infertility in women. Keep in mind that suppose you experience a 30-day cycle this month and a 35-day cycle next month, this would still be considered as a normal cycle.
2. No periods
If you haven’t had your periods for months, before passing menopausal age, you may be having infertility issues. It may happen that you don’t get your period at all for a month or two, due to heavy workouts or stress, but if it is a no-show for a long time, you should consult your doctor.
3. Shifts in the level of hormones
You may notice certain changes, that may occur due to fluctuations in the level of hormones. These changes could be –
– sudden weight gain
– hair growth on the face
– thin hair and hair loss
– low sex drive
– issues with your skin, such as increased acne
If you experience any of these symptoms, you might have infertility and it is best to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
4. Painful periods
It is normal to experience back pain and cramps while you are on your period, but if you have severe back pain, cramps or pelvic pain, it could be an indication of an underlying problem such as endometriosis and in turn, cause infertility.
5. Pain while sexual intercourse
Conditions such as endometriosis, hormonal problems or other underlying problems could make having sexual intercourse painful for women. This could also be a sign of infertility in women.
For men
1. Swelling or pain in testicles
If a male has an underlying condition, it could cause swelling or pain in the testicles and infertility as well.
2. Ejaculation problems
Inability to ejaculate could be one of the biggest concerns indicating infertility in a man. You should immediately consult a doctor if you are experiencing trouble ejaculating.
3. Change in libido
Hormonal changes in a man’s body can cause him to experience a low sex drive and be a sign of infertility as well.
4. Not able to maintain an erection
Changes in the level of hormones can cause a man to not be able to maintain his erection and cause problems in conceiving as well.
5. Low sperm count
If your sperm count is less than 39 million per ejaculate, you may have infertility.
There can be many factors contributing to infertility in men and women, but there are many ways in which couples can conceive, thus you should get in touch with your doctor and make a decision.
