Recognising the Early Signs of Infertility in Women

Preparing for pregnancy can be thrilling, but it requires a lot of planning. It is essential to keep in mind your fertility levels and if you have any signs of infertility. Simply put, if you’ve been attempting to conceive (through regular, unprotected intercourse) for over a year without success, it’s essential to look into these matters.

What signs and symptoms should we look for regarding infertility in women, and how do we approach treatment?

Signs of female infertility

If you’re having difficulty conceiving, you’re far from alone. Globally, approximately 17% of couples face infertility issues. It may be hard to recognise infertility symptoms alone; however, some potential indicators may hint towards fertility-related issues.

1. Irregular menstrual cycle

The average menstrual cycle for a woman is usually 28 days in length. Nevertheless, if the cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, it is still considered average as long as it is consistent. With irregular periods, it can be so unpredictable that it is impossible to predict when the next one will arrive.

Hormonal imbalances such as thyroid problems, high prolactin levels, and PCOS can cause infertility in women. Each of these conditions can interfere with a person’s ability to conceive. Hormonal imbalance is a significant cause of infertility in females. 

2. Heavy, long, or painful periods

A few women may only have a short duration of light menstrual bleeding, while others might deal with prolonged, heavy periods and unbearable cramps. These symptoms may indicate endometriosis, a disorder where the tissues usually found in the womb are located in other body parts. Endometriosis may interfere with the ability to conceive and carry a baby to term.

Endometriosis can cause more than just menstrual cramps; symptoms include persistent pelvic pain, discomfort during intercourse, backache, exhaustion, nausea, irregular menstrual cycles and occasional spotting, as well as difficulties with bowel movements.

3. Dark or pale menstrual blood

If you notice your menstrual blood is a lighter colour than usual, this could be a warning sign. Typically, a person’s period will start with a vivid red hue and then gradually become darker as the days go on.

If a person has extended menstrual flow accompanied by dark, aged blood at the commencement of their period, it could indicate endometriosis. If additional symptoms present, it is advisable to seek the counsel of a physician.

4. Pain during sex

Sex-related pain (dyspareunia) could indicate an underlying health concern causing infertility in women. Examples of those health issues include infections, endometriosis and fibroids.

5. Hormone changes

Hormones can cause shifts in the body that may go unnoticed. But, a medical professional can detect a hormonal imbalance in women and pinpoint their source through testing.

Changes in hormone levels may lead to various physical and emotional manifestations, such as weight gain without explanation, intense acne, coldness in extremities, lack of libido, discharge from the nipples, and even excess facial hair in women and thinning of the hair on the head. Observing signs of hormonal imbalance in women is essential to act early. 

6. Underlying medical conditions

Additional elements that could influence female infertility are:

• Injury of the fallopian tubes or ovaries
• Women experiencing menopause earlier than anticipated
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Endometriosis
• Malignancies or therapies related to cancer.

7. Obesity

Studies have concluded that being overweight can detrimentally affect fertility. Women with obesity are less likely to become pregnant and are more prone to pregnancy-related complications when compared to those not battling weight issues.

8. Not getting pregnant

It is possible to be diagnosed with infertility if conception has not occurred after a set period. Generally, a woman under 35 may receive an infertility diagnosis if she hasn’t become pregnant after a year of attempting. 

However, a woman over 35 may be considered infertile if she hasn’t become pregnant after six months. In short, the primary indication of infertility could be an inability to conceive after a certain amount of time.

9. Additional contributing factors to infertility

In addition to medical issues, lifestyle choices can play a role in fertility for both genders; these include age, smoking, alcohol consumption, past sexually transmitted infections (STIs), anxiety, and inadequate nutrition.

10. Unexplained infertility in women

Sometimes, medical professionals cannot locate the source of infertility in women, even with the necessary fertility tests. Unexplained infertility is a reality for approximately 10 per cent of couples globally. That could be attributed to the egg not being discharged in the correct period, the egg’s incapability to reach the fallopian tube, or the sperm’s incapability to reach the egg.

11. When to consult a medical professional

Suppose you’ve been attempting to become pregnant for at least a year (or six months if you’re over 35) and are starting to notice signs of infertility. In that case, setting up an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist for a comprehensive assessment might be beneficial.

In some cases, minor lifestyle changes may be enough to enhance fertility; however, medical intervention may be necessary for more complex issues. Even with a diagnosis of infertility, there are still options to explore with a physician that may lead to a successful pregnancy.

Takeaway Message

If you’re struggling to get pregnant, you’re certainly not alone. Infertility in women can have many causes, such as imbalanced ovulation, uterine fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. Some common signs of infertility include irregular, too-heavy, non-existent periods, sudden weight gain, painful intercourse, and vaginal infections.

If you are experiencing any indicators of infertility, it is essential to consult a doctor who can assess the situation and offer the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatments that may help. Additionally, there are several valuable tips to help prepare for conceiving.

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Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer 

The information given in this article is accurate to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before taking any medication or dietary supplements mentioned in this article.

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3717046 
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/ 
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/age-and-fertility