SIgns Of Infertility – Know What To Look For

Are you infertile? Doctors use “infertility” to classify the condition of failure to conceive after 12 consecutive months of trying to become pregnant. By trying, they mean intercourse at least once daily during your days of ovulation and two to three days before ovulation.

Ovulation and Fertility 

So not knowing when ovulation occurs could be one of the first signs of infertility.  For women on normal 29 day menstrual cycles, ovulation occurs during days 14 through 17 of their cycle (counting the first day of the previous period as day number 1). For example, if July 11 is the first day of your period, you would normally ovulate on July 24 – 27.But your most fertilite time begins a few days before ovulation, so your fertile days would be July 21 – 27, seven full days when frequent intercourse is most likely to be productive.

If you have regular periods but they are always shorter or longer than 29 days, see your doctor for more precise ovulation timing advice.. You can also use ovulation detection kits, such as Clearblue or Accu-clear, sold in drug stores to help you track your ovulations and best the days to conceive. 

Irregular Periods

Irregular periods, missing periods, or irregular bleeding are symptoms of infertility in 30% to 40% of cases. Discussing these conditions with your doctor may lead to diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition which could help you avoid the disappointment of several months of trying to become pregnant without success.

Age

Age is a very important factor in many cases of infertility, because ovulation declines over the years. Statistically, age distinctly relates to infertility, beginning after age 30. In their early to mid 20s, 85% of women become pregnant within a year if they are really trying.. At 30 that number is 75%; at 35 it is 66%; and at 40 it declines to 44%.

While you cannot turn back the clock on aging of your reproductive capacity, you can respond more proactively when you have difficulty becoming pregnant. If you are over 35, don’t wait 12 months before seeing the doctor for diagnostic tests and treatment. And you can encourage your partner to be checked out sooner rather than later to be sure he is contributing high-quality sperm in sufficient quantities.    

Other Women’s Issues

Beyond irregular periods and age, there are other conditions that may affect your fertility, including cysts on the ovaries (PCOS), endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes (PID), and hormones that are out of balance. All of these reasons for infertility can be diagnosed by your gynecologist analyzing blood tests and using common procedures such as ultrasound examinations. 

Male Infertility

Your partner may resist, but he should be encouraged to get the male infertility test if you are having difficulty getting pregnant. Inadequate or low quality sperm is the reason for 30% to 40% of all infertility cases. For men, sperm analysis is of primary importance, so your partner may be able to get it done without a physical examination. Sperm in his lab-collected semen sample will be tested for quantity and quality. If any abnormalities are found, follow-up treatment by a urologist will be needed.

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Whatever issues are reasons for infertility for you and your partner, remember infertility does not equate to being sterile. Almost all infertility conditions can be successfully treated.