Signs of Infertility: What You Can Control, and When to Consider Medical Follow-Up
Overview
Infertility affects men and women. One or both may show signs of infertility before the couple begins its family planning, or it may be that neither the woman nor the man are aware of any fertility problems until they start trying to conceive. Technically speaking, “trying” to conceive means unprotected intercourse about three times a week for one to two years. It is only then that many doctors will officially pronounce that the couple has an infertility problem. This does not mean that a woman should wait for two years before seeing a doctor or making preliminary lifestyle changes if she has been trying to become pregnant and has concerns or shows a sign of infertility. The initial consultation if a woman suspects infertility should be made either her OBGYN or primary care physician. If that physician suspects or diagnoses a fertility problem, he or she may then refer the couple to a specialist.
Nonetheless, a couple should not jump too quickly to the conclusion that they are infertile, because it is possible that they are simply not having intercourse during the appropriate time of a woman’s menstrual cycle. A couple trying to conceive can and should take steps to make sure they are having intercourse when the woman is ovulating. The woman can track her basal body temperature (making sure to use a basal thermometer that measures very small changes in temperature) or use an over-the-counter ovulation kit to see when she is ovulating. If the couple continues to have trouble conceiving, look for the following possible signs of infertility.
Signs of Infertility in Women
Among the many possible signs of infertility, the most common for women is an irregular menstrual cycle. However, an irregular menstrual cycle can indicate a variety of issues and so, although it may be a sign of infertility, it does not necessarily mean that the woman is infertile. Another sign of infertility can be a weight problem on either end of the spectrum. Women who are far too thin, whether from an eating disorder or simply dieting too aggressively, may lack the proper nutrients necessary for conceiving. On the other hand, obese women often experience hormonal problems that affect the reproductive system.
Signs of Infertility in Men
For men, anatomic or physical problems may be signs of infertility. Undescended testicles can be a factor of infertility. Overexposure to heat in the scrotum and gonad area can also cause a man to be unable to produce children. Additionally, very tight underwear or pants can affect a man’s ability to produce viable sperm for conception. As with women, obesity in a man can affect the systems of the body necessary for producing children. Obesity may be a factor leading to the inability of the man to produce the right amount of sperm (a “low sperm count”). Obesity in a man may also affect the body in such a way that the sperm it does produce are not properly formed. Malformed sperm are often unable to penetrate the woman’s eggs, a critical part of conception.
Conclusion
Weight concerns, smoking, excessive drinking or substance abuse, or, in the case of men, wearing inappropriate clothing are all factors that can be controlled and therefore make fertility treatment unnecessary. Even an irregular menstrual cycle, so long as the woman is in fact ovulating, can be overcome by timing intercourse properly. It is a good idea to make the necessary changes in diet and other habits and to begin tracking the ovulation cycle before determining that intervention is needed.
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