Being aware of the signs of infertility in both men and women is vital to know when to visit an Assisted Reproduction specialist for an infertility test and advice based on the results.
Main signs of infertility
The main criterion to be taken into account to suspect a case of infertility is the time spent having sex without contraceptive methods and without having achieved pregnancy; if a couple has been trying for a year, it is advisable to attend an assisted reproduction clinic to study the case.
It should be noted that this time may vary depending on the conditions of the couple, since, for example, a woman over 40 years of age should not wait more than six months to visit the clinic, while a young couple can wait up to a year and a half. Although this is the main sign of infertility, there are also other symptoms that may raise suspicions.
Signs of infertility in men
In the case of males, there are several symptoms, pathologies and conditions closely related to infertility:
- Lumps in the testicles: whether painful or not, they may signify a problem with sperm production.
- Failure of the testicles to descend into the scrotal sac.
- Infections and trauma to the testicle, which can leave lesions that make gestation difficult.
- Mumps contracted during puberty: can cause lesions in the testicles and make pregnancy difficult.
- Working in places of high heat, long sitting or with environmental toxins, such as ink or glue.
- Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatments.
Signs of infertility in women
As for women, the main factors of suspected infertility are:
- Irregular periods: these may signify the existence of ovulatory problems.
- Abdominal surgeries: they are a risk factor for lesions and adhesions in the fallopian tubes.
- Tubal and ovarian infection.
- Endometriosis.
- Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatments: injure the ovaries.