How To Find Out If You Re Infertile

5 Signs of Infertility That Women Should Never Ignore

Wondering how to know if you're infertile? Whether you're actively trying to conceive or thinking most having a baby in the future, it'due south of import to recognize these common infertility symptoms.

"Am I fertile?" It'due south a question many women accept when trying to excogitate. That's because one in 8 couples struggle with infertility, or the disability to get pregnant despite having regular unprotected sex activity. Experts commonly diagnose infertility if a couple unsuccessfully tries to conceive for one yr (or half dozen months if the adult female is over 35 years old).

Infertility is often silent, but sometimes, your body gives signs you can't get significant. If you notice any of the five symptoms listed below, give your md a call. They'll determine whether y'all have a condition that affects fertility, and they'll care for the underlying problem.

RELATED: Common Causes of Infertility in Women and Men

It'due south of import to note that 85 to 90 pct of infertile couples are able to conceive with conventional handling, co-ordinate to the American Guild of Reproductive Medicine. So even if you have these signs of infertility in women, there'south a chance yous'll get meaning 1 day!

An image of a adult female with a pregnancy exam.

i. Not Having a Menstruum

After you lot stop taking birth command, your body needs a couple of months to regulate. Just if you don't get a period after three months, consult a specialist. "No periods suggests that a adult female is not ovulating and has little hazard to conceive without help," says Lorna Marshall, Thou.D., FACOG, a reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility in Seattle. "We like to arbitrate early with medications to stimulate ovulation."

RELATED: Your Ovulation Calendar: When to Schedule Sex activity to Get Pregnant

2. Irregular Periods

If you don't become your period regularly, you may never tell when or if you're going to ovulate. "Cycles that come sporadically are indicative of an underlying disorder related to ovulating, which can make conception very challenging," says Sheeva Talebian, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York. "The reasons are similar to a complete lack of periods: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and hypothalamic amenorrhea," in which the brain's hormone-sending signals are off. Irregular cycles may too be a sign of diminished ovarian reserve acquired by endometriosis or early ovarian failure.

iii. Bleeding Between Periods

Generally, you lot should only bleed when you have your catamenia. "Bleeding in between your cycles or after intercourse can betoken a uterine polyp or fibroid, or a cervical lesion," says Dr. Talebian. Also the event of getting pregnant, a dr. should make sure these symptoms don't bespeak something more serious similar cancer, although this is rarely the example.

RELATED:A Guide to Infertility Treatment Options

four. Very Heavy Periods

If you go through more than one pad or tampon an hr for several hours, pass blood clots larger than the size of a quarter, or drain for more than seven days, your period is unusually heavy. "This can be a sign of uterine fibroids," says Marcy F. Maguire, K.D., FACOG, a reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Bailiwick of jersey. "Heavy periods are also associated with certain bleeding disorders or endocrine abnormalities." Fibroids can be shrunken or removed if they inhibit pregnancy, and blood disorders can exist managed with medication.

5. Pelvic Pain

If you accept bad period cramps, pain throughout your bicycle, or discomfort after sex, yous could be diagnosed with endometriosis. "With endometriosis, the tissue that'south supposed to line the uterine cavity is found exterior the uterus in the pelvis," Dr. Maguire says. "Endometriosis tin can lead to scarring of pelvic structures, reducing fertility and increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy." In addition, Dr. Marshall says, "Endometriosis may diminish a woman'south egg supply, so we may recommend a faster-paced evaluation and handling."

RELATED: How Does Endometriosis Affect Pregnancy and Fertility?

That said, if you lot have pelvic pain with fever and an abnormal discharge, it could be a sign of infection, which may also lead to scarring. "Pelvic infection puts a adult female at significant risk of tubal blockage," Dr. Marshall says. "A examination to see if the tubes are open should exist done soon afterward the couple starts to attempt conception."