Signs of Infertility in Women & Men

Infertility is a lot more common than you might think, affecting millions of couples across the world. 

It may feel scary and daunting to navigate, but there are actionable paths forward that you can take. Having a good understanding of potential causes and symptoms of infertility is key in identifying when it may be time to seek support if you are struggling to conceive.

In this article, we’ll be unpacking infertility, the signs to look out for, common causes, and some tips on how you and your partner can both support and stay on top of each of your fertility health, helping you along in your journey.

What Is Infertility?

So, what is infertility?

Your fertility is a complex thing. It can be influenced by various factors, which may differ between men and women. It can also sometimes be treatable, meaning that it’s not always a black and white, permanent diagnosis.

To better understand your infertility, it's helpful to start with the fertility definition provided by medical bodies. The World Health Organisation’s infertility definition defines it as not being able to get pregnant after a year or more of having unprotected sex on a regular basis.

Infertility can be surprisingly common, affecting roughly 1 in 6 people across the world at some point during their reproductive life, including 13.4% of menstruating women in the US.

It’s also important to note the difference between infertility and sterilization. Whereas infertility is usually caused by an underlying health condition or lifestyle choice, sterilization is a medical procedure that deliberately makes the individual incapable of conceiving a child. It can be performed on men and women, and is rarely reversible, particularly with female sterilization.

Early Signs of Infertility in Women

When you're trying to conceive (TTC), understanding your body’s signals and the warning signs to look out for can be a big help. While many women become pregnant with minimal issues, some may face unexpected challenges that can make the journey more difficult. 

Recognizing potential early signs of infertility can help you seek support and intervention sooner. Below are some common things to look out for, but keep in mind: only a qualified medical professional can accurately diagnose the true cause.

Cycle and Period Changes

Your menstrual cycle can offer a great insight into your fertility and reproductive health. Some warning signs to be aware of include:

Irregular cycles

Unpredictable cycles or cycles that widely vary in length can be due to hormonal imbalances or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Absent or skipped periods

Missing periods regularly (without pregnancy or another known reason) may also point to PCOS or other underlying hormonal issues.

Painful or heavy periods

While some period discomfort is common, severe cramps or excessively heavy bleeding could be linked to endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or uterine abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps.

Hormonal Imbalance Clues

Hormones play a vital role in your fertility, and sometimes, these hormones can become imbalanced, interfering with ovulation and the regular workings of your cycle. Common signs of hormonal imbalance include:

• Sudden, persistent acne - particularly along the jawline and lower face area

• Unwanted hair growth - especially in areas such as the chin, chest, or abdomen

• Thinning scalp hair

• Breast discharge - particularly if you’re not pregnant or currently breastfeeding

Many of these symptoms are associated with PCOS, a common but often underdiagnosed condition affecting women, impacting their hormone levels and ovulation.

Pain or Discomfort

Pain in the pelvic region, especially if it disrupts daily life, should never be ignored. Your pelvic pain may be an indicator of potential infertility if you experience:

• Pain during sex: this may be a symptom of endometriosis or PID

• Chronic pelvic pain: pain that lingers throughout your menstrual cycle

• Severe mid-cycle pain: otherwise known as mittelschmerz, can be normal to an extent, but intense or frequent pain may be a sign of something more.

“Is there a reason for not getting pregnant when everything is normal?”

There’s a common misconception that infertility is mostly a female problem. In reality, men are almost as likely to experience fertility problems as women, but their symptoms can be harder to identify. 

If everything seems ‘normal’ for you, but you’re still struggling to conceive, your partner’s fertility could be a potential factor. Let's discuss. 

Early Signs of Infertility in Men

Although infertility is often perceived as a woman’s issue, men are just as likely to have fertility issues as women. However, male infertility can be trickier to identify, as it often comes with no obvious signs. Sperm testing is therefore essential if you’ve been trying to conceive without success for some time.

However, there are some early clues. These include:

• Erectile dysfunction

• Reduced libido

• Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles

• Difficulty with ejaculation

• Hormonal signs, such as thinning hair or reduced muscle mass
  

These signs don’t always mean infertility is present, but they do warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider. Encouraging early testing can offer clarity and options.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women and Men

Female Causes

A variety of reproductive, hormonal, and structural conditions can cause female infertility and trigger the warning signs we discussed earlier. Common causes include:

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS is a common condition that disrupts ovulation and hormone balance, leading to fertility issues. PCOS symptoms can be alleviated with the help of targeted supplements, which you can explore here.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis causes inflammation and unusual growth of uterine lining-like tissue, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and disruption of regular ovulation and cycle patterns.

Uterine fibroids or polyps

These may interfere with implantation (when a fertilized egg latches onto the uterine lining), making conception difficult.

Ovulation disruptors

Disorders such as thyroid disorders and hyperprolactinemia can disrupt ovulation, which is a key part of a woman’s ability to conceive.

Blocked fallopian tubes or pelvic adhesions

Often due to past infections or surgeries, blocked fallopian tubes or pelvic adhesions can make it difficult for the egg and sperm to meet, interfering with the key conditions needed for conception.

Primary ovarian insufficiency

Primary ovarian insufficiency is when your ovaries stop functioning normally before reaching perimenopause age, making conception more difficult to achieve.

Unexplained infertility 

In some cases, there is no identifiable cause of a woman's infertility, despite thorough testing. This can be particularly difficult to process, but try to remember that support and options are always available to you.

Male Causes

Fertility issues in men often relate to sperm health or their ability to successfully fertilize an egg. Key causes of this can include:

Sperm irregularities

Low sperm count or poor motility can mean that a man’s sperm struggles to successfully fertilize an egg, making conception more difficult.

Varicoceles

Varicoceles are swollen veins in the scrotum, which can affect proper sperm production, potentially leading to the sperm irregularities mentioned above.

Hormonal Imbalances

Just like women, hormonal imbalances can have a big impact on a man’s fertility. These irregularities are often linked to testosterone, thyroid or pituitary gland disorders.

Testicular trauma 

Injury or heat exposure to the testicular area can affect regular sperm production, and can be caused by external factors such as frequent hot tubs, tight underwear, or using your laptops on your lap.

Ejaculation issues

Ejaculation issues or blocked ducts can prevent a man’s sperm from successfully reaching and fertilizing the egg, despite potentially healthy sperm.

Understanding these potential causes is the first step toward addressing them. If your partner is looking to get a clearer picture of their fertility health from home, the Mira Male Fertility Kit can provide them helpful insights and expert, guided support along the way.

Key Risk Factors That Increase Infertility Likelihood

Everyday lifestyle choices and environmental factors can sometimes influence infertility. Understanding these risks can be a key step toward infertility prevention and looking after your overall reproductive health.

Shared Risk Factors

• Age: Fertility naturally declines for both sexes with age. This is typically after age 35 for women, and age 40 for men.
  

• Smoking: Can reduce female egg quality and lower sperm count.
  

• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can significantly affect hormone levels.
  

• STIs: Can lead to scarring or blockages if untreated, leading to fertility issues.
  

• Obesity or being underweight: Being at an unhealthy BMI can disrupt your regular hormonal balance, affecting your reproductive system.
  

• Chronic stress: May interfere with hormone regulation and ovulation

Female-Specific

Key risk factors that increase the likelihood of infertility in women include certain health conditions, such as PCOS or endometriosis, or a past pelvic infection, such as PID.

Previous abdominal or uterine surgeries can also make a woman more susceptible to fertility issues, due to potential scarring, which can interfere with natural conception. 

Male-Specific

On the other hand, a man may be more susceptible to fertility issues if he suffers from varicocele, or if his testicular area experiences trauma or is exposed to harmful elements, such as frequent or excessive heat, or even certain chemicals or toxins (e.g., pesticides, lead, solvents).

If you or your partner work in manufacturing, farming, or similar settings, chemical exposure may be a particularly relevant factor to consider. Understanding these risks is the first step, and with the right care, many couples go on to successfully start a family.

Prevention Tips: Supporting Your Fertility Proactively

In some cases, you can help boost your fertility through implementing the correct lifestyle choices. Here are some simple, practical steps that may help support egg and sperm health for both you and your partner:

Track your cycle 

Try tracking your cycle using mobile apps or a fertility monitor, such as the Mira Hormone Monitor. With the help of our Wands and downloadable App, Mira tracks LH, FSH, and hormone metabolites in urine of estradiol and progesterone in real time, which can help you connect symptoms of infertility to hormonal insights.

Time sex during your fertile window

Timing sex at the right time in your cycle can be key for successful conception. This is typically roughly 5 days prior to ovulation.

Eat a conception-friendly diet

Eating a nutrient-rich diet that focuses on consuming lean protein, healthy fats, and folate can help support your hormone levels and promote healthy reproductive function.

Exercise (with moderation)

Exercise has countless benefits for the body and can help your fertility health too. Opt for moderate, more gentle exercise over extreme excursion, as this may impact your hormone levels.

Minimize heat and toxin exposure: 

Limiting your exposure to excessive heat and certain toxins can help support and protect your fertility. This advice is particularly recommended for men.

Manage stress levels

Try to minimize your stress when trying to conceive, as this can affect your hormonal balance. We suggest prioritizing your sleep and mental wellbeing, or consider counseling if you feel it could benefit you.

Consider Prenatals 

Prenatal supplements can be a great support to your fertility and preconception health when you begin trying to conceive. Find out more about our Mira Prenatals here.

Regular check-ups

Checking in with your health frequently can help monitor hormone levels and overall health, identify potential infertility signs earlier and receive any necessary support sooner.

When to Talk to a Doctor

Reaching out for support can feel daunting, but it can often be the turning point in your fertility journey. Consider scheduling an appointment with your healthcare professional if:

• You’ve been trying to conceive for 12+ months (or 6+ months if over 35)

• You have a history of irregular periods, pelvic pain, or known reproductive conditions

• You or your partner experience any signs we’ve mentioned above

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

The first consultation often includes hormone panels, semen analysis, and a pelvic ultrasound. To help your doctor in their diagnosis, it can be helpful to bring your menstrual cycle data (the Mira App can help you here!), lifestyle information (such as diet, medications etc.), any past test results and diagnoses, and your partner’s health history too.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, services like our Hormone Health Clinic for Fertility can help interpret your symptoms and guide your next steps with trusted, expert advice.

Common Myths About Infertility

Unfortunately, social stigma and widespread misinformation still cloud the topic of infertility for many. Let’s clear a few things up:

Summary: Know the Signs, Take the Next Step with Confidence

Whether you're noticing some unusual changes in your cycle, experiencing discomfort, or simply unsure why pregnancy isn’t happening, learning the early signs of infertility can be a helpful tool to help you navigate potential issues at hand.

For women, we suggest watching out for irregular periods, pain, or unusual hormonal shifts, whereas for men, testing is recommended if there are sexual changes or signs of hormone imbalance. For both sexes, certain lifestyle choices, reaching a certain age, and underlying health conditions can all play a role in your fertility health.

If you believe you may be experiencing fertility issues, don’t wait alone. Connect with your healthcare provider, use hormone monitoring tools, and start building clarity and confidence in your fertility journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do women ovulate?

Most women ovulate around the middle of their cycle, roughly 12 to 16 days before their next period, although this can vary depending on each woman’s cycle.

Can you get pregnant when you're not ovulating?

No. Pregnancy can only occur if sperm fertilizes an egg, which means ovulation needs to have happened. However, sperm can survive in the body for up to five days, meaning having sex before ovulation can still result in pregnancy.

Are painful periods a sign of good fertility?

Not necessarily. While mild discomfort can be normal, severe or chronic period pain may be a sign of conditions like endometriosis, which can lead to fertility issues.