Infertility, the inability to get pregnant, has become a taboo topic in our society. Men and women hide their struggle from friends and families because they feel ashamed or discouraged, Both male and female partners can be infertile or show symptoms of infertility. Understanding and recognizing the symptoms of infertility can help couples recognize when it is time to examine other outlets to conceive and when it is time to see a doctor for medical assistance.
According to WebMD, the most obvious symptoms are:
Infertility symptoms in women
In women there are two specific health aspects that can affect fertility- changes in the menstrual cycle and hormonal problems.
Problematic signs to look for in your menstrual cycle include:
Unpredictable periods- are you bleeding lighter or heavier than normal?
Your period stops completely or never has occurred in your lifetime.
Extremely painful periods- your back, pelvis and lower abdominals ache from severe cramping.
Irregular periods- number of days between each cycle is constantly varying.
Hormonal symptoms to pay attention to:
A sudden change in sex drive and desire
Noticeable thinning or loss of hair throughout all areas of your body
Sudden or unexplainable weight gain
Sudden increase in acne all over your body
Skin changes- different texture, moisture or appearance
Dark hair begins to grow on your chin, chest and lips
Infertility symptoms in men
Noticeable changes in hair growth on your entire body
A sudden change in sex drive and desire
A low sperm count
Undergone a previous scrotal or inguinal surgery
Received a cancer treatment prior to trying to conceive
Unexplainable erection and ejaculation problems
Small and firm testicles
Increased pain or swelling in the testicles
When is it time to see the doctor?
Physicians and doctors agree, if you are under 35 and have tried to get pregnant for over a year without success, the best thing to do is see your physician for help.
Doctors can run blood, urine and body image tests to pinpoint the problem for why you can’t get pregnant. Also, doctors can run a sperm analysis that can check on a male’s sperm count and the overall sustainability and health of his sperm.
If your doctor cannot provide you with sound and beneficial results, they may refer you to an endocrinologist, who are people that treat individuals that suffer from hormonal imbalances, for more help and information.