How do you check for signs of infertility?
Factors that can influence our ability to get pregnant
An issues that arises when you struggle to get pregnant - despite several attempts to conceive over a period of months - is the possibility of infertility. But how do you know if you are sterile?
It usually takes at least a year of unprotected sexual intercourse to suspect infertility in a couple. However, it's essential to understand that each person is unique, and various factors can influence our ability to get pregnant, causing this timeframe to vary.
It usually takes at least a year of unprotected sexual intercourse to suspect infertility in a couple. However, it's essential to understand that each person is unique, and various factors can influence our ability to get pregnant, causing this timeframe to vary.
Do you think you might have fertility issues? We'll explain how you can determine if you're sterile and, if so, how a team of professional healthcare providers can help you find solutions.
Warning signs: Could it be infertility?
The uncertainty of "how to know if you're infertile" can be overwhelming when you fail to get pregnant. However, there are certain symptoms and warning signs you can look out for, ranging from irregularities in the menstrual cycle to previous experiences of illnesses or medical treatments.
In the case of women, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Irregular periods
- Absence of periods
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Weight gain
- Changes in libido and sexual desire
- Skin changes, including increased acne
- Dark hair growth on lips, chest, and chin
- Hair loss or thinning
- Conditions like milky nipple discharge unrelated to breastfeeding
- Pain during sexual intercourse
However, the reasons why a woman may not get pregnant are diverse. So it's essential to analyze each case individually, as the cause may be related to hormonal issues. In this regard, the most common cause of infertility in women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which leads to anovulation, meaning the ovaries do not release an egg.
However, other factors can also affect fertility, such as problems related to the fallopian tubes which allow eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Sometimes, the tubes may become obstructed due to scar tissue from a condition called endometriosis.
Additionally, infertility can result from previous diseases such as hypothalamic and pituitary disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or celiac disease. Tobacco and alcohol use can also lead to fertility problems.
How to know if you're infertile: Fertility tests and diagnostic tools
Knowing with certainty how to tell if you're infertile is a medical condition that can cause physical, psychological, and spiritual harm to the patient, as well as to their partner, if not properly addressed.
To address potential infertility, a preliminary examination of the couple's history should be conducted. This includes understanding the frequency of sexual intercourse, the date contraception was discontinued, the presence of past or current treatments, age, surgical history, premenstrual bleeding, and lifestyle.
In addition to the preliminary questionnaire, the following tests should be conducted:
- Pelvic exam. To detect signs of potential diseases or structural damage.
- Blood analysis. Helps verify hormone levels to identify hormonal imbalances.
- Hysteroscopy. Involves inserting a thin, illuminated tube (hysteroscope) into the vagina to examine the vaginal cavity.
- Saline-infused sonohysterography (SIS). A transvaginal ultrasound where the uterus is filled with sterile saline (sterilized saltwater).
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG). The fallopian tubes are filled with saline and air bubbles during an SIS procedure to detect tubal obstructions.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound. Involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the vaginal cavity to search for issues within the reproductive system.
Available treatment options por infertility
Various fertility treatments are available that can make a significant difference on the to conception. The main treatments include:
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This assisted reproductive treatment involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the woman's body (in the laboratory) to obtain fertilized embryos that are then transferred to the uterus.
- Artificial Insemination (AI). Another popular treatment where egg fertilization occurs directly in the uterus rather than in vitro. A sample of sperm is introduced into the uterus, improving the chances of fertilization.
- Egg Donation. Many women have eggs that are not conducive to pregnancy. Egg donation is an assisted reproduction alternative where IVF is performed using eggs from a donor and sperm from the male partner or a sperm bank, depending on the patient's circumstances.
Clinics and gynecologists in Cancun, specialized in assisted reproduction, such as FertilyMed, a clinic with world-renowned experts, are highly recognized for their quality and care, as well as for having the most advanced treatments.
Consultation with specialized gynecologists in Cancun
The unsuccessful quest for motherhood and the quest to know if I am infertile with certainty can lead to feelings of frustration, distress, and depression. It is crucial to consult with specialists in this field and avoid further psychological consequences.
To illustrate this point, a recent study published in the scientific journal Women and online by MDPI emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health specialists into the fertility treatment team. Addressing infertility requires a comprehensive approach, not limited solely to medical treatment, but also considering other factors such as emotional well-being, proper nutrition, stress management, and the adoption of self-care practices.
At FertilyMed, we understand the significance of adopting an integrated approach to provide emotional support and to address underlying psychological issues like distress and anxiety. We have a highly qualified medical team equipped with the latest technology to help you fulfill your desire to become a parent and overcome infertility.
