Have you been trying to get pregnant yet not seeing results? Are you getting stressed that time is running out and you haven't yet conceived? Trust us, you are not alone. Many people yearning to be parents are going through what you are struggling with. So, take a breath and hit the pause button. For now, stop googling infertility signs and avoid coming to conclusions of your own.
Allow us to guide you with expert advice on infertility from our doctors. In today's blog, we shall go through what infertility is, the common signs and symptoms, and some factors that may help you cross this difficult phase. Always remember that with proper medical guidance and support, you can understand what is happening and be better prepared to handle the situation.
Infertility is generally used to describe a condition wherein you have been trying to conceive for 6–12 months yet have not seen any positive results. It can affect both men and women, and there is no single cause. The 6-12 month period is not fixed and can depend on many physical and physiological factors. Suppose you have been trying to have a baby for over a year without success. In that case, we recommend that it may be time to visit your gynaecologist and check if you or your partner has any medical condition that must be addressed.
Understanding the symptoms of infertility is crucial in the early diagnosis of the condition. Again, only if the disorder is diagnosed early enough can the proper treatment be conducted timely. Let's look at some of the main symptoms that are seen in such cases:
Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days are a clear indication that you need to see a doctor. It could easily mean that there is some issue with normal ovulation. Heavy bleeding, clot formation, etc., are also signs to look out for.
Persisting pain in the lower abdomen may be due to endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). These can lead to fertility issues and need to be corrected as soon as possible.
Discomfort or unbearable pain during intercourse is also another indicative sign that there may be fertility issues. If you experience severe discomfort, seeking your doctor's guidance is always advisable.
If you note symptoms like unexplained weight gain, severe acne, or excessive facial hair, look out for possible hormonal imbalances. Such symptoms can be a sign that ovulation is not taking place as it should.
Missed periods for a longer interval without being pregnant is yet another symptom to look out for. Consult your doctor to find out what is happening. You may have to take ultrasound scans to determine why you haven't gotten your period.
Recurrent pregnancy loss is an unfortunate situation. If you are facing this stage, then this needs to be addressed immediately. It could be a clear sign that there is an underlying fertility issue.
You have to know that there are different types of infertility with various courses of treatment. This is becoming more common among couples, and today, medical advancements allow several solutions to such issues. Some commonly seen types include:
The inability to get pregnant even after one year of trying without using any form of contraception. It would be their first attempt to get pregnant. The main causes include ovulation disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, etc., structural issues like blocked fallopian tubes, and other uterine abnormalities.
Sometimes, after the first baby, a couple may start trying for the next one. However, even after a year, they may not be able to conceive. Such cases are classified as secondary infertility ones. Age-related fertility decline, changes in health conditions, complications from the first pregnancy, etc, contribute to this condition.
Certain infertility cases cannot be explained even after standard diagnostic testing. It leads to high frustration among couples and also medical teams. The causes may be immunological or hormonal imbalances, embryo implantation problems, and so much more.
The issue lies primarily with the male partner. It may be due to low sperm count, poor sperm motility, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors, etc.
In such cases, the female partner may have certain reproductive issues that prevent her from conceiving. Female infertility causes like ovulation disorders, uterine abnormalities, endometriosis, and so many other causes may be responsible for this condition.
Immunological infertility occurs when a man's or woman's immune system interferes with the fertility process and attacks the reproductive cells. The presence of anti-sperm antibodies, autoimmune disorders that affect the quality of eggs or sperm, etc. are some of the major causes.
As the age of the partners, male or female, increases, the egg quality and semen quality may falter. Reduced egg reserve, the decline in sperm motility, etc., also affect fertility.
In this condition, both partners may have contributing factors. The male may have a low sperm count, while the female may have ovulation problems. An experienced doctor can guide you through this situation and suggest the required treatment. A case of infertility should never be misunderstood as being sterile. With proper medication, most people can be treated for infertility, and the chances of them having kids are also promising.
Fertility issues do not affect just the physical body. It affects the minds of the people involved as well. The inability to conceive can lead to feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and grief. Though both men and women suffer the consequences, women are more likely to experience heightened stress levels, anxiety, and depression during their fertility journey. Try to talk to your medical practitioner as often as possible. Create a support group where you can vent out your feelings and make sure you stay strong together. Be patient and wait for your miracle baby to arrive.
Fertility issues pave the way for sadness, frustration, and a sense of loss. You may feel inadequate and incapable of experiencing any joy in life. However, you must remain patient and remember that a miracle awaits you at the end of this journey.
Irregular menstruation can be the start of the symptoms. However, when you fail to conceive for a year after consistent efforts, it is time to consult a doctor.
The main sign would be when she fails to get pregnant even after trying for over a year without any contraceptive precautions. She may experience hormonal imbalances, may undergo sudden weight gain, have sleep disorders, and have other symptoms as well.
There are several reasons why you have trouble conceiving. It may be just a hormonal issue, or it may have an underlying fertility issue. The best option is to consult your gynaecologist and determine the cause.
