Infertility: Symptoms & Signs

Infertility is a medical condition that affects the ability to conceive despite regular, unprotected intercourse. It can result from various hormonal, structural, or medical factors in both men and women. Identifying the symptoms early can help in timely diagnosis and treatment.

Common Symptoms of Infertility in Women

Irregular or Absent Menstrual Cycles – Inconsistent, prolonged, or missing periods could indicate ovulation disorders such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or hormonal imbalances.
Heavy or Painful Periods – Extremely painful periods with excessive bleeding might signal conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, which can impact fertility.
Hormonal Imbalances – Symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, acne, excessive facial hair growth (hirsutism), or hair thinning can indicate underlying endocrine disorders.
Pelvic Pain – Chronic pelvic pain, especially during menstruation or intercourse, could be a sign of endometriosis, infections, or other reproductive disorders.
Repeated Miscarriages – If pregnancy occurs but does not progress to full term, it may be due to uterine abnormalities, hormonal deficiencies, or immune system issues.

Common Symptoms of Infertility in Men

Erectile Dysfunction or Low Libido – Difficulty in maintaining an erection or reduced sexual desire can be linked to hormonal imbalances, stress, or underlying medical conditions.
Abnormal Semen Characteristics – Changes in sperm count, motility, or morphology can affect fertilization, often requiring semen analysis for proper assessment.
Pain or Swelling in the Testicles – Testicular pain, swelling, or lumps may indicate infections, varicocele, or structural issues affecting sperm production.
Hormonal Symptoms – Symptoms such as reduced body or facial hair, unexplained weight gain, or gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement) may indicate testosterone deficiency.
Inability to Ejaculate or Low Ejaculate Volume – Problems related to ejaculation, such as retrograde ejaculation or low semen volume, may contribute to infertility.

When to Seek Medical Help?

If a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if the woman is over 35) without success.
If there are known reproductive health concerns, irregular periods, or a history of miscarriages.
If a man has known risk factors such as testicular issues, prior infections, or difficulty with sexual function.

Next Steps

Consulting an endocrinologist and fertility specialist is crucial to assess hormone levels, perform diagnostic tests, and explore treatment options such as lifestyle changes, medications, assisted reproductive techniques (IVF, IUI), or surgical interventions if necessary.