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Understanding Infertility: Symptoms

Infertility is when you cannot get pregnant after having unprotected and regular intercourse for six months to one year, depending on your age.

The main symptom of infertility is the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy. You may not have or notice any other symptoms.

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Your symptoms can also depend on what is causing the infertility. Many different health conditions can make getting pregnant difficult. Sometimes, no cause is found.

In general, infertility can be caused by a hormone problem or a problem with the structure or function of the male or female reproductive tract. Men and women will have different symptoms.

Infertility Symptoms in Women

In women, changes in the menstrual cycle and ovulation may be a symptom of a disease related to infertility. Symptoms include:

Abnormal periods. Bleeding is heavier or lighter than usual.
Irregular periods. The number of days in between each period varies each month.
No periods. You have never had a period, or periods suddenly stop.
Abnormal ovulation. If your ovaries do not release eggs, you cannot get pregnant.
Painful periods. Significant pelvic pain. Back pain and cramping may also occur.

Sometimes, female infertility is related to a hormonal imbalance. In this case, symptoms can also include:

Skin changes, including more frequent acne
Changes in sex drive and desire
Dark hair growth in man-like places (hirsutism), such as on the lips, chest , and chin
Loss of hair or thinning hair
Weight gain

Other symptoms that may result from disorders linked to infertility include:

Insulin resistance
Milky white discharge from nipples unrelated to breastfeeding
Pain during sexual intercourse
Structural problem in the reproductive organs. It is found during a pelvic exam or imaging test.

Many other conditions can lead to infertility in women. Symptoms vary, depending on the disorder and where it affects the reproductive tract. Your doctor can run tests to see how well your ovaries and fallopian tubes work.

Infertility Symptoms in Men

Infertility symptoms in men can be vague. They may go unnoticed until pregnancy is attempted.

Symptoms depend on what is causing the infertility. They may include:

Changes in hair growth
Changes in sexual desire
Low sperm count
Pain, lump, or swelling in the testicles
Problems with sexual function (erection and ejaculation)
Small, firm testes

When to See the Doctor

If you have been trying to get pregnant without success for a year, see your health care provider. Women ages 35 and older should see their doctor after six months of trying.

Blood, urine, and imaging tests can be done to discover why you are having trouble getting pregnant. A sperm analysis can be done to check a man's sperm count and the overall health of the sperm.

Your doctor may refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist. That's a doctor who specializes in infertility. You will be asked questions about your infertility symptoms and medical history.

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