Your body is talking – listen!
It can take months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive for a couple to realise that there is an issue. What they are not aware is that the symptoms have been there for a while prior, and often subtle, easy to overlook and usually attributed to something unrelated to reproduction.That said, this doesn’t mean stopping your medication on your own; the strategies below work best alongside your doctor’s guidance, not instead of it.
By being able to identify these early symptoms and get medical help early, you can make a huge difference – not only in your ability to conceive, but in your reproductive health as well. We at Ridansh Hospital believe that awareness is the best first step towards the right care. Here are 7 early signs of not being able to conceive that you should never ignore.
Sign 1: Irregular or Absent Periods
A normal woman’s cycle is 21-35 days in length with a fairly consistent pattern. Irregular periods, heavy bleeding or no periods at all for months with no apparent cause can indicate a problem in your body’s hormones or reproductive system. If the cycles are irregular, it means there is an issue with ovulation, and without regular ovulation, natural conception becomes a lot more difficult.
Sign 2: Unusually Heavy or Very Light Periods
If periods are very heavy every time (e.g. soaking through protection in a short time, or taking through a protection in less than 7 days, or they last longer than 7 days), this may be a sign of uterine fibroids or adenomyosis (both are conditions that can affect fertility). Light or infrequent periods can indicate low levels of hormones or an issue with the lining of the uterus. Both extremes are not som ething to be taken lightly or normalised without proper medical evaluation.
Sign 3: Pain During Sex or Severe Period Pain
This normal to have some mild discomfort during the period. Severe pain which interferes with activities of daily living, that keeps you from work or causes you to need to take powerful pain medication regularly, is not. One of the most frequently occurring symptoms of endometriosis is a major cause of infertility in women suffering from infertility. Likewise, any pain during sex indicates possible underlying reproductive issues that can directly impact the ability to conceive and should not be overlooked.
Sign 4: Visible Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
If hormones are out of balance, the body will reveal it. Weight gain, excessive hair growth on the face and body, persistent acne, thinning hair on the scalp or darkened patches of skin around the neck are all indicators of hormonal imbalances which can directly affect fertility. All of these symptoms are associated with PCOS, thyroid function and insulin resistance, which are all treatable diseases if caught early.
Sign 5: History of Repeated Miscarriages
A single miscarriage doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong. If you’ve had two or more miscarriages, it’s definitely a red flag and should be thoroughly investigated. This may be caused by any of the following causes: chromosomal abnormalities, uterine abnormalities, bleeding disorders, or hormonal imbalance. When the cause is known, future pregnancies will have a much better chance of success if the correct treatment is used.
Sign 6: Male Fertility Warning Signs
Infertility is a problem that affects men as well as women. Male factors account for about 50% of cases of infertility. Men should watch for a decreased libido, a problem with getting erections or ejaculating, pain, or swelling around the testicles, or a history of surgery or infection in the groin area. A basic semen analysis will determine if low numbers, motility or shape are a problem, and should form a part of every couple’s initial investigation of their fertility.
Sign 7: Getting No Pregnancy After Age 35 For 6 Months
After a year of waiting, it is usually recommended that women under 35 seek a fertility evaluation. For women over the age of 35, it becomes six months – egg supply and quality drop more quickly with age, and time truly is a factor. Earlier consultation is highly recommended for women over 40 years of age without waiting. The only thing that is irreversible is the ageing process.
Conclusion
Problems with fertility are easier to handle if they are dealt with early. If you’ve identified one or more of these symptoms, the next thing you should do is have a professional assessment, and not wait.
Fertility and gynaecology specialists at Ridansh Hospital, Lucknow, offer comprehensive, caring assessments to both men and women. We pinpoint the most suitable cause and refer you to the most suitable care for you.