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Signs of Infertility You Must Know
Having children is a couple’s ultimate desire, but experiencing trouble while trying to conceive a baby is a frustrating time in anybody’s life. It may be one of the signs of infertility. Inability to conceive can be any number of reasons and it is not necessary that the sole reason behind it is infertility. Therefore, the distinction between infertility and other medical conditions can be made if a couple is unable to conceive, even after having unprotected sex for a year or more.
It is possible that the signs of infertility are present in one of the partners or even both resulting in the inability to become pregnant . Today, the situation is not hopeless for those experiencing signs of infertility. Modern-day science has developed safe and results-oriented methods of helping such couples so that they can conceive a child successfully.
In cases of infertility reported to clinics, it is usually the male partner that is having difficulty with their role in getting their partner pregnant, or it could be the result of the inabilities of the reproductive system of the woman which makes it impossible for the viability of a pregnancy.
Statistics
An analysis of the data shows that out of all the women belonging to the age bracket from 15 years to 44 years, 10% have reported that they are finding it difficult to conceive. They have also reported the inability to keep a pregnancy full term. Data reported from all over the world shows that 8-15% of couples experience signs of infertility when they are trying to have a baby which is indicative of problems related to fertility. Studies have also shown that in most cases of infertility, the factors causing it are related to the male partner.
Risk Factors
Some factors increase the risk for an individual or couples to conceive a child, these risk factors are as follows:
- Alcohol consumption and smoking – any volume of alcohol and smoking seriously reduces the chance to get pregnant.
- Unhealthy eating habits – these habits can result in a rapid loss of weight or obesity, either of which can cause signs of infertility.
- Working-out – expending too little or too much energy in your routine can leave your body unfit to get pregnant.
- Toxins – toxic metals and chemicals such as insecticides are a cause of infertility in both and women.
5 Signs of Infertility in Women
Although infertility in women can only be pinpointed by a gynecologist or saliva hormone testing at times, some telltale signs of infertility in women include the following:
1. Periods are Heavy and Painful
Cramps are experienced by a majority of women during menstrual periods. But if the pain is too much to bear then it might be a sign of endometriosis of the uterus that is causing the unusual pain and may also cause infertility.
2. Irregular Periods
Menstrual cycles last for 28 days on average and menstrual periods are expected after that. Menstrual periods can be late by a few days but that is normal. The problem of irregular periods starts when a woman is unable to keep track of her next menstrual period. Irregularity of periods can be triggered by hormonal imbalance or other complex disorders of the female reproductive system i.e., polycystic ovarian syndrome.
3. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones help the body in regulating various functions. Their imbalance can be one of the major signs of infertility in women as it can cause a plethora of fertility-related issues. Some signs of hormonal imbalance are decreased libido, loss of hair volume, skin problems, excessive facial hair, and an increase in weight.
4. Absence of Periods
It is very common for a woman to miss a period every now and then. There are certain times when the body is going through mental and physical stress and it may cause disruption in the normal period cycle. A temporary break in the normal cycle of menstrual periods is fine, but it is their absence over a period of a few months that is a clear sign of infertility.
5. Painful Sex
It is a misconception among women that they have been experiencing pain during sex for a long time therefore it is normal. But in reality, it is not normal to have painful sex and it is a sign of infertility in women. Painful sex can be attributed to an issue related to hormones or any other problem that could be related to endometriosis of the uterus which is a leading cause of infertility in women.
5 Signs of Infertility in Men
It is not that easy to pinpoint the signs of infertility in men. But if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms then it may translate into fertility problems:
1. Painful Swelling in Testicles
There are a few medical conditions of men which can cause painful swelling of the testicles. Not the swelling itself but the conditions causing it can also cause infertility in men.
2. Inability to Ejaculate
Ejaculation sets the course of healthy semen to fertilize an egg. But if there is a problem with ejaculation then it can be one of the major signs of infertility in men. In the absence of proper ejaculation, there is nothing much that semen can do.
3. Change in Shape and Firmness of Testicles
Sperms are produced in the testicles. Therefore, the health of the testicles is of utmost importance. If, due to any medical condition, the size of testicles is reduced and they become firm then it may indicate signs of male infertility.
4. Reduced Libido
Libido is controlled by a delicate balance of sex hormones. A drop in male sex drives often means that the balance of these hormones has been disturbed which may be a cause of male infertility.
5. Erection is short-lived
Male sex hormones also govern the ability of a man to get an erection and then maintain it for a considerable time if all the things are in balance. The imbalance of sexual hormones makes it difficult for a man to keep an erection for a decent amount of time and therefore it may become a hurdle when a couple is trying to conceive.
What Is Advised?
The solution advised by your doctor depends upon multiple factors, such as the duration since onset of infertility, age of a person, and other indicators related to the overall health of that person.
Generally, experts advise couples to have intercourse more often around the time of ovulation which tremendously increases the chances of successfully conceiving.
For men, there are different solutions that can be used to address ED. Supplementation examples might be to increase circulation through the use of nitric oxide boosters. L-arginine in cream – Arginine Circulation Cream or Arginine Cream or a dietary supplement such as Virility Complex may help as natural alternatives. Other options could be to remove any obstruction in the scrotum and the ejaculatory duct to clear the path for semen. Sperm can also be taken up from the testicles and then used to fertilize an egg in-vitro.
For women, most of the medication is aimed to encourage ovulation. This includes hormone replacement to promote ovulation in conditions such as PCOS. For later-stage pregnancy retention, drugs are administered to reduce the production of prolactin, which might otherwise cause premature labor.