Signs of Infertility

When you are trying to get pregnant, the arrival of your period is a sad and disappointing time. And when it happens month after month, the fears build and build, triggering emotional responses as you cope with the possibility that having a baby is not meant to be. Tension between you and your partner can boil over as you continue trying by cramming as much intercourse as possible into the days you are ovulating.

If that sounds like you, you’re already experiencing signs of infertility. But hold on, doctors define infertility as 12 months of trying to become pregnant without success. So it you haven’t been trying for a full year, you are probably just impatient. And asking the gynecologist for help before the year is up will only get you pamphlets and counseling on how to identify your best days using a temperature chart or ovulation kit.

Age

However, depending on your age, you may need to be more proactive or insistent about getting medical involvement. If you are over 35, you should enlist your gynecologist’s help after six months of trying, simply because women’s chances to become pregnant decline with age. For example, at age 30 you have a 20% chance to conceive each month. But at age 40, the conception rate drops to 5%. So you don’t want to wait too long.

Irregular Cycles

Irregular menstrual cycles are another risk factor. Short cycles, long cycles, or worse – skipping periods unpredictably – can seriously limit your ability to become pregnant. It’s best to ask your gynecologist to check out cycle problems before beginning to really try becoming pregnant. You can more effectively deal with the underlying causes or make take measures to more closely monitor your ovulation days.

Weight

Your weight can also be a sign of risk for infertility. Obesity can cause a lack of ovulation, so if you’re not having periods or periods are missed occasionally, obesity may be the reason. A recent study related body mass index (BMI) to fertility and found a four percent drop in pregnancy for every BMI point over 29 (the highest BMI index classified as overweight but not obese). For example, a woman 5’5” tall weighing 174 would have a BMI of 29. Another woman of the same height weighing 204 (BMI 34) would be 20% less likely to conceive and a third woman of the same height weighing 234 (BMI 39) would be 40% less likely to conceive than the woman who weighted 174.

Chronic Illness

If you or your partner have been afflicted by any long-term serious illness, that condition could be a sign of infertility. Some illnesses – such as diabetes and hypothyroidism — can cause hormone imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles. And cancer treatments, especially those involving radiation, can severely affect the ability to conceive. Some medications can also cause infertility, so be sure to review the potential side effects of prescription drugs you and your partner are taking.

STDs

Any instance of STDs – in you or your partner – could affect your ability to have a baby, so be sure to discuss any STD you have ever had with your doctor.

Men’s Signs

Men’s signs or symptoms of infertility will normally appear first in a semen analysis. Doctor’s examining a male for signs of infertility will always require a semen sample to evaluate both quantity and quality of the sperm, which is needed for fertilization. The doctor may also notice enlarged veins in the scrotum which could be a sign of infertility caused by variocele, a condition that could affect sperm count and quality. About 40% of men who have fertility problems have variocele which can be successfully treated with micro-surgery.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Heavy use of alcohol or tobacco is also a sign of infertility risk. Women who smoke often have difficulty conceiving. Both you and your partner could risk infertility by engaging in heavy use of alcohol.