Fertility is a fundamental part of women’s health, yet for many, the path to conception isn’t always smooth. While some women conceive with ease, others face delays or unexpected obstacles that can be both frustrating and overwhelming. Fertility problems are more common than you might think, affecting millions of women worldwide. If you're struggling with conception or suspect something might be off with your reproductive health, recognising the signs early can make all the difference. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the key indicators of fertility issues and explain when it’s time to consult a gynaecologist—arming you with the knowledge to take control of your reproductive health.

What are fertility problems?

Fertility problems can stem from various factors that make conceiving challenging. These may include:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Disruptions in hormones can affect ovulation and fertility.

• Ovulation Issues: Conditions like PCOS can prevent regular ovulation.

• Reproductive Organ Problems: Blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, or endometriosis can hinder conception.

• Age-Related Decline: Fertility naturally decreases with age.

• Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, stress, and smoking can negatively impact fertility.

Top 6 Signs of Fertility Problems

Fertility issues may go unnoticed until challenges arise when trying to conceive. Recognising early signs is key to seeking timely medical help. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a gynaecologist for proper diagnosis and care:

1. Irregular or Absent Periods: A woman’s menstrual cycle is a key indicator of fertility, with a normal cycle lasting between 21 to 35 days. 

• If your periods are consistently irregular or absent, it may signal an underlying fertility issue. 

• Disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, or hormonal imbalances can disrupt the cycle and affect ovulation.

• If you experience irregular or absent periods, consult a gynaecologist. They can evaluate the cause and recommend treatment options to regulate your cycle and improve fertility.

2. Painful Periods or Ovulation: Occasional cramping or discomfort during menstruation is normal, but severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or sharp pain during ovulation may indicate a more serious issue. 

• Conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or fibroids can cause these symptoms and affect fertility.

• If these symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, seek medical advice. 

• A gynaecologist can perform an assessment and may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound, to identify the cause of the pain.

3. Difficulty Getting Pregnant After One Year of Trying: While many couples conceive within the first year of trying, some may face difficulties even after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. 

• If you've been trying for over a year without success, it's advisable to consult a fertility specialist.

• Fertility issues can affect both men and women, and the cause may be hard to pinpoint without professional help. For women over 35, it's recommended to seek advice after six months of trying. 

• Early intervention can enhance the chances of successful conception as fertility naturally declines with age.

4. Unexplained Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight: Hormonal imbalances can significantly affect fertility. 

Women who experience unexplained weight gain or struggle to lose weight may have an underlying issue impacting their reproductive health, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can cause weight fluctuations and disrupt the menstrual cycle.

If you notice unexplained weight changes or difficulty losing weight despite a healthy lifestyle, see a gynaecologist. They can test for hormonal imbalances and recommend treatment to improve fertility.

5. Pain During Intercourse: Pain during sex, especially deep pelvic pain, can signal reproductive health issues like fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease, which may also affect fertility.

• If this pain is frequent or severe, consult a gynaecologist. 

• They will perform exams, ultrasounds, or other tests to diagnose underlying conditions and recommend treatment options to relieve symptoms and improve fertility.

6. Hormonal Imbalances or Unexplained Hair Growth: Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back, along with acne or thinning hair, may indicate hormonal imbalances, often linked to conditions like PCOS. 

• Women with PCOS produce higher levels of androgens, which can cause irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, and fertility issues.

• If you notice changes in your hair or skin or suspect hormonal imbalances, consult a gynaecologist. 

• They can test your hormone levels and recommend a treatment plan, including lifestyle changes or medications, to help restore balance and improve fertility.

When should you see a gynaecologist for fertility problems?

If you're struggling with fertility issues, it's important to consult a gynaecologist to identify any underlying problems and explore treatment options. 

If you've been trying to conceive for over a year without success or if there are specific health concerns, a gynaecologist can help. 

Treatments like Inj Humog 150 containing Menotrophin and Gonal F injection containing Follitropin Alfa may be part of your fertility journey. Here are key reasons to see a gynaecologist for fertility problems:

• Difficulty conceiving: If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success (6 months if over 35).

• Irregular menstrual cycles: If you have irregular periods or no periods at all, it could signal hormonal imbalances.

• Age-related concerns: Women over 35 should consider seeing a gynaecologist after 6 months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive.

• Pelvic pain or painful intercourse: Conditions like endometriosis or fibroids can impact fertility and may require medical attention.

• History of miscarriages: Recurrent miscarriages may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.

• Known reproductive disorders: If you have conditions like PCOS, ovarian cysts, or blocked fallopian tubes, it’s important to seek specialised care.

• Ovarian reserve concerns: If you suspect low ovarian reserve, treatments might be prescribed to stimulate ovulation.

• Male infertility issues: If male infertility is suspected, a referral to a fertility specialist may be necessary.

Consulting a gynaecologist early can help identify potential fertility issues and explore appropriate treatments to increase your chances of conception.

Wrapping up

Navigating fertility issues can be overwhelming, but seeking early help from a gynaecologist can make a big difference. From hormonal treatments to advanced reproductive options, there are various solutions for fertility struggles. 

Reproductive awareness and early intervention in gynaecology are key to managing your reproductive health. If you notice any signs, consult a gynaecologist to explore your options and take control of your fertility.