9 Non-Obvious Symptoms of Infertility Every Couple Should Know About

If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, it doesn’t necessarily mean fertility or infertility issues. But it is still desirable to know some silent signs of infertility and to consult a doctor in time. Just in case, you know.

Six months of regular and, alas, unsuccessful attempts, this is the period after which doctors recommend that women 35-40 years old continue to consult a specialist. If you’re under 35, doctors give you about a year to try. It is also very important to consult a gynecologist if you have had a miscarriage, pelvic inflammatory disease (including complications from certain sexually transmitted diseases), or if you think you have other symptoms of infertility. Probably nothing to worry about, but best to check.

The average length of the menstrual cycle is known to be 28 days. However, doctors believe that all terms from 21 to 35 days can be considered a variant of the norm, and they do not advise you to worry if the time of onset of menstruation changes by a day or two . But you should definitely see a doctor if your cycle is so irregular and unstable that you can’t predict when your period will start even roughly – this can indicate likely problems with ovulation or eggs (which make up almost 25% of all cases of infertility), as well as polycystic ovary syndrome, which can also prevent conception.

Excessively heavy or prolonged periods (bleeding for more than five to seven days) can also be a sign of fertility problems. Certain thyroid or kidney disorders and certain medications (such as anti-inflammatories) can increase bleeding, but they can also be caused by ovarian dysfunction, uterine fibroids, or certain types of benign tumors. And all these violations, unfortunately, can prevent the onset of pregnancy. So be sure to see a doctor if you “bleed” too much or too long.

Unfortunately, most women have more or less painful periods. But if the pain becomes too intense and travels from the pelvis down the abdomen and even the lower back, it may be a manifestation of endometriosis – a condition when the tissues that line the inner surface of the uterus extend to the ovaries, intestines or other organs of the small pelvis. Endometriosis can lead to scarring that prevents sperm from entering the egg, as well as disrupting the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Unfortunately, between a third and half of all women with endometriosis experience difficulties with pregnancy. Be sure to see your doctor if you notice any symptoms.

The appearance of acne can be associated with prolonged stress, taking certain medications, hormonal fluctuations. And also with polycystic ovary syndrome, during which the female body produces more “male hormone” androgens. Consult a gynecologist-endocrinologist to rule out this disease, as it can seriously affect your ability to get pregnant.

Men are “responsible” for one in three cases of infertility, so it’s important to see a doctor for both partners if you can’t get pregnant within six months. One possible cause is a varicocele, a condition in which the veins that supply the spermatic cords of the testicles become too dilated and prevent the formation of enough sperm. One of the symptoms is the appearance of dilated swollen veins (reminiscent of varicose veins on the legs) and an increase in the size of the scrotum. Fortunately, this disease is easily treated, so it is important to consult a doctor in time.

Another reason why a man can be the culprit of pregnancy difficulties in a couple is the so-called dry orgasms, during which retrograde ejaculation occurs. The semen does not come out, as in normal ejaculation, but, as it were, goes back, entering the bladder. The cause of retrograde ejaculation can be various diseases (including diabetes), injury to the spine, surgery on the bladder, prostate or urethra, and even taking certain medications. It is important not to start the problem and consult a doctor in time.

And both the woman and the man. The fact is that adipose tissue is able to synthesize female sex hormones, estrogen. Too much estrogen in obesity leads to poor quality ovulation in women and impaired sperm production in men. With insufficient weight in the female body, on the contrary, too little estrogen is produced and the menstrual cycle is disturbed, which consequently reduces the chances of getting pregnant.

Stomach pain, flatulence, stool disorders, nausea, weak or increased appetite may indicate the presence of an autoimmune disease – celiac disease. The disease consists of intolerance to cereal protein – gluten. With gluten allergy, inhibition of the reproductive system and hormonal disorders are observed, so if you want to get pregnant, urgently take a blood test and intestinal endoscopy.