Infertility is the inability to conceive or cause a pregnancy. This relatively common problem can be the result of many factors, from genetic predisposition to hormonal imbalance. For both men and women, signs of infertility can be vague and difficult to identify. If signs of infertility occur, medical experts advise seeking the help of doctors, as there are many treatments for infertility that have a high success rate.
One of the biggest signs of infertility is when regular sex during fertile periods fails to produce a pregnancy. There is no absolute time limit on how it should take a pregnancy to occur, but some doctors suggest seeking help if pregnancy does not occur within six months of active attempts. It is important to remember that infertility can occur in men or women, or be caused by factors present in both partners.
Signs of infertility in women can sometimes be detected by examining menstrual history. Some women who experience infertility have rare or irregular periods. These can be caused by hormonal imbalances or problems with the ovulation processes, and may be signs of infertility. Certain medical conditions such as endometriosis, thyroid malfunction, or pelvic inflammatory disease may also be signs of infertility, though this is not always the case.
In men, symptoms of infertility may be more difficult to gauge. Those with a history of prostate or testicular problems may have some issues with infertility. Signs of infertility in men are often discovered by microscopic examination of sperm. A low sperm count or malformed sperm may make conception more difficult. Erectile dysfunction and impotence can sometimes be signs of infertility, but often have other causes.
Even with definite symptoms of infertility, the cause of the problem may take careful diagnosis. Both partners may have to undergo a series of tests and diagnostic procedures in order to determine the exact reasons behind the problem. Some medical experts also recommend that a couple having difficulty with infertility undergo therapeutic counseling throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment for infertility, as this can help keep the relationship stable and supportive.
There are many options available to couples who show signs of infertility. In the case of hormone imbalance, drug therapies are often successful at increasing chances of pregnancy. Some couples who are unable to conceive through normal intercourse can use alternative methods of impregnation, such as in vitro fertilization, intrafallopian transfer, or surrogacy. For those physically unable to conceive, there is also the possibility of adoption in many cases.
