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The fear of being infertile is something that plagues every parent to be but it is important to understand the semantics of it. We at LUMIROUS are here to explain what this can mean for you and your partner. If you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year and failing, it is possible that either you or your partner are infertile. So what does this mean for you two? Let’s find out together. There are many misconceptions in society about infertility predominately affecting women, this diagnosis actually affects both men and women on an equal amount. |
In a study done by Women’s Health, approximately one-third of all infertility cases are tied to female infertility while male infertility links to the other third. As for the remaining thirds of the cases, there has yet to be a reason. This proves how common infertility is, and how often at times there may not even be a clear reason for its occurrence. Therefore, we should be kinder to ourselves and our spouses if a diagnosis should come up. |
Male Infertility
There are a number of causes that can be linked back to infertility in men. Typically, these are the main causes that affect fertility and virility in men, which can be made known after taking a semen analysis. The causes of male infertility are often due to a lack of production of sperm, lesser sperm count, or a lack of movement of the sperm. These issues are common and can be tied back to several telltale signs.
Signs of Male Infertility
Infertility in men can be detected early on if you pay attention to the signs. Here are some common signs of infertility in men. |
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Reduced Sexual Desire |
Erectile Dysfunction |
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The most common sign of infertility can be directly linked to a man’s sexual desire. If there has been a sudden drop in his sexual attitude, both with a partner or during solo play, infertility could be a reason for it. This is because fertility is related to hormones in the human body, which would mean that sexual desire correlates to hormonal issues. |
A misconception is that erectile dysfunction only affects men in the later stages of life when it actually affects men of all ages. According to the Cleaveland Clinic (2019), erectile dysfunction has been estimated to affect at least 1 in 10 men in a lifetime. While erectile dysfunction used to be less common in younger men, the numbers are increasing due to lifestyle changes. In fact, there is an expectation of erectile dysfunction to affect 322 million men by 2025 (International Journal of Impotence Research, 2000). Therefore, there is no shame in having this diagnosis — but it could be a huge telltale sign of infertility. |
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Inability to Ejaculate |
Swelling or Pain in Testicles |
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Similar to erectile dysfunction, the issues with ejaculation can be traced back to hormonal problems. There could also be deeper issues at play, such as ejaculatory ducts being blocked. In this case, it is strongly recommended to seek medical attention to avoid serious complications. |
As the testes hold sperm, it is important for them to beg healthy in order to be fully functioning. If you or your partner has voiced concerns over any swelling or pain in their testicles, we would also recommend seeking medical attention as soon as possible. The cause of the condition can be linked to many different contributions to infertility, which is why the advice of a medical practitioner is ideal for identifying which issue affects you or your partner. |
Female Infertility
| Infertility in women can be described in a number of ways: being unable to conceive, having miscarriages, or having stillbirths. Much like the statistics for men, 1 in 10 women also experience trouble while conceiving, which may allude to the women possibly being infertile. |
| There are two different types of infertility that affect women: primary and secondary. Primary infertility is a category for women who were never pregnant yet are incapable of conceiving after 1 year. Meanwhile, secondary infertility is a category for women who are unable to conceive again after one successful pregnancy cycle. |
What Causes Female Infertility? |
The causes of female infertility are a lot more complex, as there are a number of issues that can be connected to it. One example could be ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, hormonal imbalance of the thyroid gland, or poor egg quality. |
| Another possible cause of infertility in women would be issues affecting the uterus or fallopian tubes, which may prevent the egg from traveling toward to womb. A common reason for this happening is endometriosis, which is a condition where cells that typically form within the lining of the uterus end up forming elsewhere in the body. |
Signs of Female Infertility
There are common signs and symptoms of infertility in women that show early on. In order to prevent infertility from happening, it is important to note when the following signs begin to show. |
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Getting Irregular Periods |
Perhaps one of the biggest signs of infertility in women, irregular periods affect more women than one would imagine. That being said, a varying period cycle is normal if it lasts within the usual 33-day cycle. Women who experience period cycles that are so different or seemingly random (where they cannot even predict when the periods begin or end) may be getting irregular periods. This is also a very common symptom of PCOS, which can contribute to infertility. |
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A common misconception is that periods are supposed to hurt. While cramps do cause general discomfort and sometimes pain, the cramps are not supposed to debilitate a person to the point of being unable to function. Women who experience extremely painful periods may be suffering from endometriosis, which can lead to infertility. |
Extremely Painful Periods |
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Not Getting Your Period |
Women can experience a missing period in a month or so, as periods are easily affected by factors such as stress from everyday life and even intense workouts. That being said, periods that are missing for more than a few months or even years require medical attention as it affects fertility. |
What To Do After An Infertility Diagnosis?
If you or your spouse experience any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing infertility. However, worry not! Couples with an infertility diagnosis are still able to conceive, thanks to the technological advancement of the medical industry.
To learn more about what to do after receiving an infertility diagnosis, visit our website. We have fertility resources available for you.
