If you and your partner have tried to conceive but have not succeeded, or you have had multiple miscarriages, it is possible that one of you or your partner is infertile. This thought is very sad indeed, so it is important that you know as much information as possible about this before seeing a doctor. Scroll from Step 1 to learn about risk factors that can affect both male and female fertility.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Determining Female Infertility
Step 1. Consider your age
Your chances of getting pregnant generally decrease as you get older. This is because the number and quality of eggs produced decreases over time. In addition, various underlying medical disorders that accompany aging can further affect your chances of having a baby.
In general, after the age of 30 a woman's chance of conceiving decreases by 3-5% annually, with the decline being greatest after the age of 40
Step 2. Monitor for any menstrual problems
Abnormal menstrual periods can potentially be a sign of infertility. Consider the amount of blood you pass each period, how long it lasts, your normal cycle, and the symptoms that accompany your period. A regular menstrual period is one that occurs on the day you expect it to last, and lasts for three to seven days. Other signs of irregular periods include heavy, too little or variable bleeding that occurs when you don't have your period. Experiencing menstrual cramps when you don't normally have very strong cramps should also be considered an abnormality.
Step 3. Watch for weight and skin changes that occur at any one time
If you have been experiencing unexplained weight gain, you may also have one of the health problems, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or hypothyroidism (which is a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland). Women with polycystic ovaries and type 2 diabetes mellitus also experience certain skin changes.
- The addition of facial hair, acne, oily skin, and pimples. Infertile women may also develop acanthosis nigricans, or dark brown or black raised patches on the face, neck, armpits, under the breasts, and back.
- Obesity or a BMI above 30 can significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
Step 4. Consider any medical disorders you have
Several medical disorders can affect your chances of getting pregnant. It's also possible that your body produces antisperm antibodies that can damage sperm and prevent you from getting pregnant. Some conditions that are known to cause infertility include:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, tuberculosis, pituitary tumors, anemia or iron and folic acid deficiency, cancer, and a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery that may affect the fallopian tubes, including appendectomy
Step 5. Know that infection can cause infertility
Some infections can cause infertility. The infection can block the fallopian tubes, affect egg production, and prevent sperm from fertilizing your eggs. Vaginal yeast or bacterial infections that occur repeatedly can change the consistency of cervical mucus, which can also cause infertility. Other infections that can reduce your chances of getting pregnant include:
Pelvic inflammatory disease, infection of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, or mycobacterial tuberculosis
Step 6. Understand that there are several habits and lifestyle choices that can affect infertility
Smoking can cause hormonal imbalances in women and can affect fertility. Smoking can also cause miscarriage, birth defects in the fetus, and premature birth. If you are a smoker, you should consider quitting because smoking can be a cause of infertility.
- A wrong diet that is low in nutrients and iron can also affect reproductive ability, and also causes various underlying diseases such as anemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome, and obesity, which further increase the risk factors for infertility.
- Exposure to excessive stress and unhealthy sleep patterns can also affect your reproductive health.
Step 7. Consider any anatomical abnormalities you may have
Certain anatomical deficiencies in the uterus also cause infertility. Most of these deficiencies are present at birth and are called congenital anomalies; but almost all of them are asymptomatic. These abnormalities include:
A wall that separates the uterus into two chambers, a double uterus, adhesions to the uterine wall, adhesions and injuries to the fallopian tubes, twisted fallopian tubes, and abnormal positioning of the uterus
Step 8. Visit a doctor for a test
The doctor will run several tests to determine the cause of infertility. Tests run include thyroid function tests, postprandial blood sugar tests, prolactin levels, and anemia checks. The doctor may also perform an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound to determine anatomical abnormalities.
Method 2 of 2: Determining Male Infertility
Step 1. Recognize that ejaculation and an abnormal sperm count can be a sign of infertility
Abnormal ejaculation can mean ejaculation with a lower sperm count or no sperm at all. Abnormal ejaculation and unhealthy sperm can cause infertility. This is usually due to problems that arise in the seminal vesicles resulting in hormonal and sperm imbalance.
- Varicoceles or enlarged testicular veins cause abnormal sperm development, and account for 40% of infertility cases.
- Abnormal ejaculation such as backward ejaculation or ejaculation into the bladder and premature ejaculation due to physical or hormonal causes also cause male infertility.
Step 2. Monitor your erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is also called impotence. This problem affects nearly 20 million American men. This can be caused by psychological factors or hereditary medical disorders. Nearly 90% of erectile dysfunction is caused by medical problems.
- Performance worries, guilt, and stress are common psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hormonal imbalance, heart disease, and pelvic surgery or trauma also cause erectile dysfunction and the infertility problems that follow.
Step 3. Consider any medical conditions you have
Various medical conditions can affect androgen or male hormone levels. The condition also affects sperm count and increases the chance of infertility. These conditions include:
Anemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, pituitary disorders, hyperprolactinemia, hypothyroidism, testicular torsion, hydrocele, and obesity
Step 4. Know that certain types of infection can play a role in infertility
Various types of infections such as tuberculosis, mumps, brucellosis, and influenza can affect infertility. Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis cause low sperm count and sperm motility. Some types of sexually transmitted diseases also cause blockage of the epididymis which transports sperm to the seminal fluid, resulting in infertility.
Step 5. Realize that lifestyle can affect fertility
There are several lifestyle choices and habits that can cause a decrease in sperm count. These lifestyles include:
- Unhealthy eating habits, such as a diet lacking in zinc, vitamin C and iron can affect sperm count.
- Wearing tight underwear can also reduce sperm count, due to increased scrotal temperature.
- Long-term use of steroids also causes infertility due to shrinkage of the testicles. Extreme exercise routines can also cause infertility in men.
- Smoking and excessive or chronic alcohol consumption lead to hormonal imbalance, low sperm count and infertility.
- Dealing with excessive stress at home or at work can affect sperm count and hormone balance.
Step 6. Visit a doctor for a test
Your doctor will run tests to determine your sperm count. Your doctor may also run blood tests to check for androgens, postpradial blood sugar, and thyroid function. Further tests may be performed if the tests are inconclusive.
