Understanding Infertility - Symptoms and Causes

  • Jun 24, 2022
Understanding Infertility - Symptoms and Causes

Infertility happens when a couple has been trying to conceive for more than 12 months without using any birth control methods. It could be that one couple cannot maintain a pregnancy for nine months, or the other cannot contribute to conception.

Most of the 60 million couples diagnosed with infertility are from developing countries. Obesity, poor diet, excessive stress, late marriage, frequent abortion, drinking, and smoking are all factors that contribute to secondary infertility and poor reproductive outcomes.

 

Signs and Symptoms for Infertility in Men and Women

 

Not being able to get pregnant is the main sign of infertility. There might not be any other evident signs. Infertile women can experience irregular or nonexistent menstrual cycles. Infertile men occasionally show symptoms of hormone imbalances, such as changes in hair growth or sex patterns.

 

Women's Signs of Potential Infertility

 

Changes in the menstrual cycle and ovulation in women may be signs of an illness connected to infertility. These signs include:

Hormonal issues can occasionally bring on infertility in women. In this situation, other symptoms could be:

The symptoms of different conditions connected to women's infertility are numerous and varied.

 

Men's Signs of Potential Infertility

 

Men's symptoms of infertility can be hazy. Until a man tries to get pregnant, they might go unnoticed.

The cause of infertility will affect the symptoms. They may consist of:

With or without therapy, most couples will eventually become pregnant.

 

Causes of Infertility

 

Here are some of the causes that might lead a male or female towards infertility.

 

Female Infertility Causes

 

Male Fertility Causes

 

 

Most Common Causes of Infertility in Both Men and Women

 

Women have difficulty conceiving, and men are also affected by male fertility issues. Many of these risk factors for infertility concerns have been identified in men and women. They are as follows:

1. Overweight/Underweight

An inactive lifestyle (being overweight, having eating disorders, or following calorie-restrictive diets) makes it more difficult to conceive. Indulging in overweight activities affects sperm counts in men, resulting in male fertility concerns.

 

2. Age
Women produce low-quality eggs after age 37, making it more difficult to conceive, while men become less fertile after age 40.

 

3. Use of Tobacco and Alcohol
Tobacco diminishes the likelihood of conception in women, while alcohol directly leads to infertility diagnosis in women.

 

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

 

Consult your doctor if you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year without success. After six months of trying, women over 35 should visit their doctor.

You can get tested for blood, urine, and imaging conditions to figure out why you're having problems getting pregnant. To determine a man's sperm count and the sperm's general health, a sperm analysis can be performed.

Your doctor may recommend a reproductive endocrinologist. That medical professional focuses on infertility. Your symptoms and your medical background will be questioned about infertility.

Note down the following details before your next meeting with a doctor and bring them with you:

 

Be aware of your body. Any time you notice a symptom, let your doctor know. Your chances of becoming pregnant may increase if an infertility issue is detected early.