Fertility is something that many of us don’t think about until we’re actively trying to start a family or after we’ve had trouble conceiving. Many of us are unaware that couples between the ages of 29 and 33 who have normal reproductive systems have a 20-25 percent chance of conceiving in any given month. When any infertility factors are added, those chances can drop significantly.
Before knowing the signs of infertility, you must be aware that infertility affects both men and women. According to the Office on Women’s Health, women account for about a third of infertility issues, while men account for another third. The final third could result from a mix of both, other factors, or unknown causes.
If you think you might want to start a family in the future, below are 16 signs of infertility that you shouldn’t ignore!
Table of Content
Signs of Female Infertility
Signs and symptoms of infertility in females include:
Irregular periods
A woman’s cycle lasts 28 days on average. However, as long as the cycles are consistent, anything within a few days can be considered normal. A woman with a 33-day cycle one month, a 31-day cycle the next, and a 35-day cycle the following month is likely to have “normal” periods.
However, a woman with irregular periods has cycles that vary so much that she can’t even guess when her period will arrive. This could be due to hormonal imbalances or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Both of these factors can lead to infertility.
Painful Periods
Painful periods do not mean ordinary cramps but severe pain that can halt you in your tracks and even cause nausea or vomiting. This may not be a sign of infertility on its own. Still, when combined with other symptoms such as pain during intercourse, blood in the urine or bowel movements, or irregular periods, it could be a sign of endometriosis, which accounts for 20-40% of female infertility cases.
No periods
It’s not uncommon for a female to have a bad month now and then. Stress or strenuous exercise can cause your period to vanish for a short time. It’s time to get your fertility checked if you haven’t had a period in months.
Sudden, Severe Acne
Sudden skin changes, such as severe acne breakouts as an adult, can signify that your hormones are fluctuating. It can also be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), making it difficult to conceive.
Significant Hair Growth or Hair Loss
As a result of polycystic ovarian syndrome, small cysts form outside the ovaries, and the body produces an excess of male hormones. This could be a warning sign if you notice hair growing in unusual places like your face, arms, chest, or back. On the other hand, hair loss or thinning could indicate other infertility-related issues such as thyroid problems, anemia, or autoimmune disorders.
Sudden Unexplained Weight Gain
Another symptom of PCOS is sudden, unexplained weight gain despite no changes in your diet or activity level. Keep in mind that even when a condition like PCOS isn’t present, weight plays a significant role in fertility. Both being overweight and underweight can make it difficult to conceive.
Pain During Sex
Some women have spent their entire lives having painful sex and have convinced themselves that it is normal. However, this is not the case. It could be caused by hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, or other underlying conditions that contribute to infertility.
Signs of Male Infertility
Signs of infertility in men include:
Pain or Swelling on the Testicles
Testicular torsion, infection, or even a hernia are all common causes of testicular swelling. While pain or swelling in this area does not always indicate infertility, it is always best to consult a doctor.
Changes in Sex Drive
Extreme changes in sexual desire can be a sign of hormonal issues. Male factor infertility is frequently caused by problems with a man’s hypothalamus or pituitary glands. Abuse of anabolic steroids or other supplements has also been linked to hormonal disruption, a change in sex drive, and a reduction in fertility.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, linked to hormonal imbalances, is found in nearly a quarter of infertile couples. An injury, a medical condition, the use of prescription or recreational drugs, or even psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, or stress can all contribute to this.
Issues With Ejaculation
The inability of a man to efficiently ejaculate semen from the penis during sexual climax is known as ejaculatory dysfunction. Ejaculatory dysfunction is the most common male sexual dysfunction and a leading cause of infertility in men.
Small, Firm Testicles
Because the testes are where a man’s sperm is stored, testicle health is critical to male fertility. Small or firm testicles may indicate a problem that should be investigated by a medical professional.
Infertility Signs for Both
Past cancers or chronic illnesses, a history of a sexually transmitted disease or condition, poor lifestyle habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, and workplace exposure to toxic chemicals are all warning signs that can affect both genders.
It’s not unusual for people to show signs of infertility. This can be stressful because many people don’t show any signs of infertility until they try to conceive. You’re not alone if you’ve been diagnosed with infertility or think you might have trouble conceiving in the future. In this field, the medical industry is constantly progressing. Book an appointment with a gynecologist and discuss your concerns before it’s too late.
FAQs
1- Are small breasts a sign of infertility?
Both large and small-breasted women can become pregnant, so breast size has no bearing on fertility.
2- How does it feel to be infertile?
Infertility is, without a doubt, a very painful struggle.
3- What are the signs of being an infertile woman?
Irregular mensuration, sudden, severe acne, significant hair growth, sudden unexplained weight gain, and pain during sex are the signs of infertility in women.
4- What food causes infertility?
Food with increased sugar levels is thought to increase the risk of infertility.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top gynecologists in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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