There are signs of infertility that we must look for if we are trying to conceive a baby. Infertility these days doesn’t mean the same it did 20 or even 10 years ago, so if you’re ready to have a baby, don’t give up at the first of the signs of infertility we will discuss. Most people get with child after trying for at least half a year. Some take a little longer, but after a year of attempting, it may be time to look at signs of infertility.
Signs of Infertility in Women
For a woman, one of the signs of infertility can be irregular menstrual periods. Hormonal problems can also materialize in physical symptoms that include weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, depression, low sexual drive, fatigue, memory lapses, fibroids, endometriosis, dryness in the genital area, and increased hair growth. A doctor should be consulted for signs of infertility when experiencing one or more of these symptoms regularly and when attempting for over a year.
Other factors such as age, where 34 or older, is an age in which to consult, history of irregular menstrual cycles, the existence of a condition such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, painful intercourse or menstruation, or a history of miscarrying can be signs of infertility in women.
Signs of Infertility in Men
Signs of infertility in men include the inability to get or hold an erection, problems during ejaculation, problems with the tract ducts in the penis, low sperm count, and problems replenishing and/or creating sperm. Issues with sperm can be easily identified with a sperm test. The most common causes of issues with sperm are varicose veins, infection, exposure to extreme temperatures or chemicals, specific medication, a hormonal imbalance, or genetic problems which present themselves as possible signs of infertility.
Options After Showing Signs of Infertility
As I mentioned in the beginning of the article, positively identifying signs of infertility doesn’t mean that it’s end game for you. There are options, when one or both partners prove to be infertile. One of the treatments tried, when a woman shows signs of infertility, is to stimulate ovulation with the use of hormonal drugs. These drugs do increase the chance of multiple births and may increase the size of a woman’s ovaries. Surgery may be another option. A doctor may remove tissue formed as part of the endometriosis or adhesions in the pelvic area. If a woman’s had her tubes tied, surgery can reverse this as well. If fluid blocks or fills the fallopian tubes, this can be removed surgically. In vitro fertilization can also be an option. This is when a woman’s eggs are fertilized in a lab with a man’s sperm and then are transferred into a woman’s uterus after 3 to 5 days.
For men, signs of infertility can be treated through surgery when there is a blockage. Infection can be treated through the use of antibiotic, though if infection is severe, this does not always return the man to his previous fertility potential. Treatment can also be given for conditions in which a male experiences erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. These can include drugs, such as the popular Viagra. Males can also have hormonal treatment, though it obviously varies from that of a woman. A man can also use Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), where sperm is surgically taken from the male who is unable to ejaculate it through normal means and is used to fertilize an egg in vitro.
If none of the above treatments are effective, couples have other options. These include sperm donations, surrogate assistance, and adoption. Don’t lose hope. A parent is more than the one who creates. Watch for these signs of infertility and partner with your doctor.
Read about natural cures—> Signs of Infertility