Infertility is the most prevalent problem these days, in both men and women. In many infertile couples, both partners have infertility problems. Also, unexplained infertility exists in some other couples, where the cause of infertility is not identified.\nThe main symptom of infertility is known to be the inability to conceive. Besides this, a set of symptoms can be noticed in men and women. \nIn women, irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation may be a symptom related to infertility. The signs and symptoms differ significantly from person to person.\nSymptoms in women include:\n• Irregular cycles\n• Painful periods\n• No periods\n• Symptoms of hormone fluctuations\n• Decreased libido\n• Thinning hair\n• Weight gain\nFactors that cause infertility in women\n• Blockage of fallopian tubes, which facilitates the passage of eggs from the ovary to the uterus. Usually, this is due to the scarring of tissues, from an infection, or from a condition called endometriosis.\n• Smoking and alcohol consumption can lead to fertility problems in women.\n• Gaining body weight due to a sedentary lifestyle.\n• Cervical mucus can damage sperm or slow their progress.\nIn men, the symptoms of infertility can be very vague. Such symptoms may remain unnoticed until a man tries to have a baby.\nSymptoms of infertility in men can include:\n• Changes in hair growth\n• Reduced libido\n• Pain or swelling in the testicles\n• Issues in maintaining erections\n• Excessive weight gain\n• Poor lifestyle habits (tobacco and alcohol consumption, substance abuse, etc.)\nWhat Causes Fertility Problems in Men?\n• Low sperm count (presence of few or no sperm in semen)\n•  Lack of normal sperm movement (low sperm motility)\n• Abnormal formation of sperms\n• Blockage of sperm ducts\nOne more common issue is the temporary drop in the production of sperms. This might happen in some cases when the testicles are injured or too hot for a longer duration and may also be due to chemical exposure. Undoubtedly, another factor is aging. Men above 40 years of age usually have lower fertility rates.\nCommon risk factors for both women and men:\n• \nTobacco use:\n Smoking tends to reduce the chances of pregnancy. Abortions are more often seen in women who smoke, and men are also significantly affected due to smoking.\n• \nAlcohol:\n Alcohol consumption highly decreases the fertility quotient in both men and men,\n• \nObesity:\n An inactive lifestyle and increased weight gain may drastically contribute to infertility.\n• \nMental Health:\n Anxiety, stress, and depression can affect the balance of reproductive hormones and lead to infertility.\nThe Takeaway\nInfertility is a common battle of today’s world. There’s absolutely no need to worry as the medical industry is forever booming to help people overcome such issues. Don’t hesitate to meet your doctor because the good news is that you may still be able to conceive even if you are diagnosed with infertility!\n

An Overview of Infertility: Symptoms and Causes