If you are struggling to become pregnant, you probably have fears about being infertile. It is common for couples to take over a year to conceive, but if you are noticing other symptoms it is time to test your fertility.
Many of the underlying causes of infertility may not manifest themselves in physical symptoms, but there are several signals that may indicate a medical difficulty. Some of these infertility symptoms may indicate a serious complication affecting the female reproductive system, but others my only mildly affect the chances of becoming pregnant. A physical examination by a health professional can easily determine the effects.
Some things to look out for may include:
Menstrual problems
Some changes or unusual symptoms associated with reproductive functioning include problems relating to menstruation and ovulation problems. Some more common menstrual symptoms are:
Anovulation - where a woman still menstruates but an egg is not released
Amenorrhea - the absence of menstruation
Excessive bleeding
These problems can indicate a diagnosis such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), uterine/vaginal birth defects, endometriosis, fibroid tumour, or uterine damage caused by IUDs
Hormonal problems
Fertility can also be affected by a hormone imbalance. An increase in male hormones (androgens) in women can indicate Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Some associated symptoms to watch out for include:
Chronic acne or oily skin
Excessive hair growth
Irregular body temperature
Pain in reproductive areas
Pain associated with the reproduction organs such as severe menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, pelvic pain, or a bulge in the lower abdomen may indicate endometriosis or fibroid tumours.
Infections
Infections, especially ones that recur or are left untreated, may affect fertility. Some of these infections that may either be a cause of infertility or an infertility symptom include the following:
Urinary tract infections, particularly recurring conditions. This can indicate pelvic inflammatory disease or immunological problems.
Yeast infections may be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease or immunological problems
Sexually transmitted infections, for example Chlamydia, that cause permanent scarring may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease
Talk to a health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms that may be a sign of infertility.