Be on the lookout for these symptoms of infertility
It’s tough when you guys have been trying for a baby for all this time and nothing seems to be happening. Before you guys get too stressed it’s a good idea to explore some of the symptoms of infertility so that you can make a decision whether to get some help.
It isn’t difficult to see that the symptoms of infertility are not the same for men and women. Who would have thought, huh? Ladies first.
Symptoms of Infertility in Women
You could have trouble having a baby even if your periods are regular and you do all the appropriate things at all the right times, but despite this there are some warning signs you can keep an eye out for. Be on the lookout for any of the following symptoms of infertility and discuss them with your doctor. There are quite a few symptoms of infertility, but those listed here are the ones you’d be most likely to notice.
- Irregular Periods – You might be infertile if you aren’t menstruating, if the time between your periods is quite long (that means like months between periods) or if you bleed only a little bit. (All of this wouldn’t be so bad if you weren’t attempting to have a baby.) Then again, a cycle of less than 24 days, very heavy bleeding, erratic periods and acute cramps can also be warning signs. Don’t get too tense if you’ve just come off the pill or some other hormonal contraceptive and you aren’t having your period, it may take up to 6 months for your cycle to get working again.
- Painful Intercourse – Painful intercourse can be a symptom of endometriosis, which is when cells that are normally only found inside the uterus grow outside as well and this can also affect your fertility negatively. Here are a few reasons for this. You won’t be too keen to do the baby dance if it’s painful, so you’re not as likely to get pregnant. If you are uptight because you are aiming to get to the big ‘O’ and don’t, that can be unhelpful Either way, if you experience discomfort during sex you ought to have it assessed, not only to help you get pregnant, but for the sake of your relationship as well. If you experience any pain in your pelvic area even when you’re not having sex you might need medical help, you don’t want to take any chances!
- Coarse Hair – Are you inclined to grow coarse body hair in all the wrong spots? You might have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – where there are many little cysts in the ovaries) if you have chronic skin problems (non-stress related), excessive facial hair, skin tags, and greasy skin. PCOS also manifests itself as infertility. If that’s not horrible enough, a lady with PCOS will also struggle to lose weight and will be more likely to be more bulky around her middle instead of on the hips. Best you get that sorted out!
- Weight – Speaking of weight, if you are excessively thin or overweight you may also have difficulties getting pregnant. You could appreciate your trim physique, but if you are too thin, your body understands you could not be able to feed you and your growing baby. High levels of estrogen can influence your ovulation, and excess fatty tissue will bring about excess estrogen. Excessive exercise to get rid of any excess fat isn’t a good idea either as this can also cause infertility. Living a wholesome lifestyle by eating properly and exercising will not only help you to conceive, but you’ll live longer too!
- That Biological Clock – If you haven’t paid attention to the tick-tock of your biological clock too long, or Mr. Right has been dragging his feet and you’re over 35 years of age you might also have difficulties. Timing is of the essence so you ought to see a doctor if you and your partner have been trying for 6 months.
- Infections – Urinary tract infections and yeast infections that you can’t seem to shake off are also bad news for fertility as they can be symptoms of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).
Symptoms of Infertility in Men
If you are a man, there are several easily noticeable things that can be symptoms of infertility, but you’d usually need some medical investigation to pick up problems with sperm count and motility.
Below is a list of symptoms of male infertility:
- No ejaculation
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Undescended testes
- Other physical abnormalities
You need everything to be in excellent working order to produce and deliver sperm effectively.
Own up – are you overweight? Your hormones can get very messed up if you’re overweight because an excess of fat cells will cause your body to produce too much estrogen – not good for the men! Maybe this is just the kick up the butt you need to get a move on that fitness program you keep saying you’ll start!
My oh my! That sounds like a rather long list of the symptoms of infertility, but don’t get your knickers in a knot, it’s not as awful as it seems. You can do something about most of the issues mentioned here – whether it be by eating properly or through the use of medication or by surgery. You could need to make a few diet modifications here and there, and bust a few bad habits; then add a dash of medical assistance and you’ll be on the road to a healthy pregnancy in no time.
Here is more information on Signs of Infertility. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Infertility.