5 warning signs of infertility in men and women

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 40% of infertility cases are caused by the wife, equivalent to the husband. 10% of cases are caused by both sides and in 10% the cause is unknown. There are many conditions that can cause infertility in men and women with different symptoms.

In women

Irregular menstruation

The average woman’s menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but a few days more or less is still considered normal. For example, a woman may have a cycle that is 33 days, 31 days or 35 days long.

Factors such as stress or too much exercise can cause your period to temporarily disappear for a month. However, if the cycle changes so much that it is impossible to estimate when your period will be, it is considered irregular menstruation. This means not ovulating regularly.

The cause comes from many problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, underweight and thyroid problems. Women who have not had a period for many months should see a doctor for a fertility test.

Severe abdominal pain during menstruation

Most women experience lower abdominal pain during menstruation. However, heavy menstrual bleeding and abdominal pain that is severe enough to affect daily life can be symptoms of endometriosis. This is a condition in which tissue normally found in the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. Endometriosis tumors can swell and bleed, leading to bleeding inside the pelvis and menstrual cramps.

If cervical endometriosis continues to grow, it can cause a series of problems such as blockage of fallopian tubes, cysts, scar tissue formation and adhesions, causing pelvic pain and difficulty conceiving.

Menstrual blood is dark or light in color

If menstrual blood is often lighter in color than usual, it may be cause for concern. Menstrual blood is usually bright red at the beginning of the period and can become darker in the following days. Stale, dark bleeding at the start of your period can also be a sign of endometriosis. If a person experiences other symptoms, they may want to talk to a doctor.

Pain during sex

Pain during sex can be a sign of an underlying health problem that affects a woman’s fertility. Examples of health problems include infections, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

Symptoms of hormonal changes

Signs of hormone changes may not be specific, making it difficult to notice or know the underlying cause. Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause unexplained weight gain, severe acne, cold feet and hands, decreased or lost sex drive, nipple discharge, facial hair growth, and thinning hair.

In the south

Hormone imbalance

Testosterone is an important hormone for male fertility. Therefore, abnormalities in the testicles that hinder the production of this hormone can lead to infertility. Two hormones that signal the testicles to produce sperm and testosterone are luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The pituitary gland produces these hormones, so any problems with this gland can affect fertility.

Testicular pain or swelling

Some conditions can lead to pain or swelling in the testicles, leading to infertility such as epididymitis, orchitis due to sexually transmitted diseases, inguinal hernia, varicocele…

Erectile dysfunction

Hormonal changes, psychological factors or physical problems can make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. This frequent occurrence can affect sexual intercourse or be a sign of an underlying problem.

Ejaculation problems

Having difficulty ejaculating or noticing changes in ejaculation, such as decreased semen volume, can also be a potential sign related to fertility.

Testicles are small and hard

The testicles are where sperm are stored, so they are very important for fertility. Small or hard testicles that feel tight can be another sign of a hormone problem.

People who have signs of potential infertility or have been trying to have a baby for more than a year (or 6 months if over 35 years old) should see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis of the cause. Mild cases can be improved by lifestyle modifications, while other underlying causes require treatment with medication, surgery and assisted reproductive techniques.