Infertility is a major issue that has affected many men and women in recent times. While there are many fertility treatment options for infertility, most men and women don’t even realize they are infertile and should see a fertility doctor.
Infertility can become a serious issue if it is not treated for a longer period. This article discusses some symptoms and signs that indicate a person is infertile.
People with these signs can consult a fertility specialist and treat their infertility issue and increase their chances of successful pregnancy.
When Should I See a Fertility Specialist?
Planning for a pregnancy can be challenging and doesn’t always end up successful. Sometimes, you might have trouble getting pregnant even after trying for so long.
This may be due to infertility issues. Here are some instances when you should visit a fertility doctor.
You have a known reproductive issue
Reproductive issues can occur in both men and women. These issues can affect their fertility and their ability to get pregnant. Some male and female reproductive issues that can lead to infertility are:
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome),
- Endometriosis,
- Uterine fibroids,
- Azoospermia (low or no sperm count), etc.
You’re above 35 years old
As is an important factor of infertility, especially for women. As a woman ages, the quality and the number of eggs produced also decrease. This is why most doctors suggest undergoing fertility treatment when they are relatively younger.
You have had multiple miscarriages
Miscarriage is when a woman loses her baby within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Here are some reasons for miscarriages:
- The egg and/or sperm quality is low
- The embryo doesn’t implant firmly in the uterine wall
- The egg, sperm, or embryo has chromosomal issues
- The embryo has structural defects
If a woman has recurrent miscarriages, it is better to visit a fertility specialist and understand the causes of miscarriage. The couple can then take the necessary measures and undergo fertility treatments to overcome the issue.
You have been diagnosed with cancer
Cancer alone doesn’t cause infertility. But the chemotherapy and radiation involved with the treatment procedures can affect the reproductive system and cause infertility.
Women and men diagnosed with cancer can opt for cryopreservation techniques to store their eggs, sperm, and embryos for later use.
You’ve been trying for more than a year
Normally, a couple would have to try for four or five months to become pregnant. But, if the couple could not become pregnant even after trying for a year, it might be due to some infertility issues.
For couples over the age of 40, they should visit a fertility doctor if they can’t get pregnant after 6 months of trying.
You Have a chronic medical condition
Men and women with the below chronic illnesses should seek the help pf a fertility doctor to become pregnant.
- Thyroid diseases
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney diseases
- Genetic conditions
You suffer from no periods, irregular periods, or heavy period
These symptoms are tell-tale signs of infertility issues. They can be caused due PCOS or hormonal imbalances in the body.
Issues related to menstruation indicate that women have problems with ovulation. Women might need to consult their gynecologist or fertility specialist to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
As we have discussed earlier, infertility can be caused due to a number of reasons. It is always better to seek a fertility doctor if you have any of the above issues.
A fertility doctor can help you understand these issues and provide you with the best solution to counter them. They can also help you find the best fertility treatment with the highest chances of success.
FAQ's
Not being able to get pregnant is the main sign of infertility. Infertile women may also experience irregular or no menstrual cycles. Infertile men occasionally show symptoms of hormone imbalances, such as changes in hair growth or sex patterns.
Women can take certain tests to confirm if they have any fertility issues.
- Blood tests. Blood tests can be done to check progesterone levels in the body.
- Chlamydia test. Chlamydia is an STI that can cause inefrtility. Women with this issue can have fertility issues.
- Ultrasound scans and X-Rays.
- Laparoscopy. Laparoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat infertility.
Among the things a gynecologist examines are:
- Check your progesterone levels to see if you’ve ovulated.
- Your thyroid’s performance.
- Any signs that the hormone prolactin is present in excessive amounts.
- Your egg supply or ovarian reserve.
Your gynecologist can also examine fertility problems like fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease using imaging methods like an ultrasound and other scans.
Women’s should know how to do fertility testing and frequently includes discussing their medical history, particularly to look for ovulation or menstrual cycle problems. Hormone levels and ovarian reserve are assessed through blood testing. Pelvic examinations are also done to assess a woman’s fertility.