How Can a Woman Tell If She's Infertile?
The National Infertility Association reports that one in eight women has difficulty with conception or staying pregnant once conception occurs. Of couples who struggle with infertility, a third of them are attributed to the woman and a third to the man. The last third is attributed to fertility problems with both partners or is unexplained. Nearly 12% of women will receive fertility services within their lifetime.
With infertility a common issue, how can women know if they're infertile?
Getting Pregnant May Take Longer Than You Think
First, it’s important to understand that even if getting pregnant is taking longer than you think, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re infertile. According to Clearblue, 30-44% of couples who conceive successfully report that it took longer than they expected. However, it can take a full year — or 12 menstrual cycles — for a healthy woman under the age of 35 to become pregnant. 75% of healthy women over the age of 38 will get pregnant within three years of having regular unprotected intercourse. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that a couple under the age of 35 seek the help of a fertility specialist after they’ve tried for 12 or more months to conceive and have been unsuccessful, and couples over the age of 35 who have been trying unsuccessfully for six or more months.
Common Causes of Infertility
According to the Mayo Clinic, women with certain health conditions are more likely to have problems with fertility than women without these conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to:
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Cancer treatment
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Eating disorders
- Uterine fibroids
- Inflammation of the fallopian tubes
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
- Turner Syndrome
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Pelvic Adhesions
- Lupus
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes
Symptoms of Possible Infertility
If you have no confirmed diagnosis that is known to contribute to or cause infertility, consider whether or not you have these symptoms that may be associated with the above conditions or infertility as a whole:
- Multiple miscarriages
- Irregular periods
- No periods
- Painful periods
- Unexplained weight gain
- Extreme fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- A history of smoking
- A history of alcohol use
- Urinating frequently or painful urination
- Frequent strenuous exercise
Speak to a Fertility Doctor Today
If you have more than one of the above factors and have had difficulty getting pregnant, it may be time to consult with a fertility specialist who can help. At New York Reproductive Wellness, we specialize in enhancing fertility through treatments like ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), andin vitro fertilization (IVF). We are passionate about helping couples grow their family and will take a detailed health history, perform specific tests to rule out underlying causes of infertility, and counsel you regarding your available options. Call us today for an appointment at (516) 605-2626.
