How Do You Know If It's Infertility? Signs, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Trying to start a family but nothing’s happening? You might be wondering: How do you know if it's infertility? It’s a question many couples ask after months of negative pregnancy tests. The truth is, infertility is more common than most people realise — and the sooner you recognise the signs, the better your chances of getting help.
What Is Infertility?
Infertility is the inability to get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex (or six months if you're over 35). It can affect women, men, or both — and it doesn’t always mean you can’t have kids, just that it might take longer or require help.
Early Signs of Infertility in Women
- Irregular periods (too long, too short, or unpredictable)
- No periods at all (amenorrhea)
- Heavy or painful periods
- Hormonal symptoms like acne, hair thinning, or facial hair
- History of miscarriages
- Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
Early Signs of Infertility in Men
- Low sex drive or trouble maintaining an erection
- Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicle area
- Low sperm count or issues with sperm motility (movement)
- Hormonal symptoms like reduced facial/body hair
Common Causes of Infertility
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Thyroid disorders
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Age (fertility drops after 35)
- Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
- Obesity, smoking, alcohol, or drug use
- Stress and excessive exercise
Learn more about how IVF compares with tubal reversal or explore our post on how PCOS affects your sex life.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- You're under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying
- You’re over 35 and haven’t conceived after 6 months
- You have irregular or absent periods
- You or your partner have known reproductive health issues
How Is Infertility Diagnosed?
Your doctor may recommend:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
- Ultrasound to examine ovaries and uterus
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): X-ray to check fallopian tubes
- Semen analysis to evaluate sperm count and quality
- Ovulation tracking using at-home kits or clinical monitoring
Treatment Options for Infertility
- Fertility drugs: Clomid, Letrozole to stimulate ovulation
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Sperm is inserted directly into the uterus
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF): Eggs are fertilised in a lab and transferred to uterus
- Surgery: To treat blockages, fibroids, or endometriosis
- Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol
Real-Life Examples
- 🍼 A 32-year-old woman with PCOS got pregnant after taking fertility meds and tracking ovulation for three months.
- 🍼 A couple in their late 30s underwent IVF after two years of trying and welcomed a healthy baby after their second round.
FAQs
Q: Can stress cause infertility?Chronic stress can affect hormone levels and ovulation, but it's rarely the sole cause.
Q: Can you be infertile even if you have regular periods?Yes. Ovulation might still be absent or irregular even with a monthly cycle.
Q: Is infertility permanent?Not always. Many people with infertility go on to have children with the right treatment.
Q: Does age affect male fertility too?Yes. While men stay fertile longer, sperm quality declines after age 40–45.
Q: Is IVF the only solution?No. Many cases can be treated with medication, IUI, or surgery before IVF is considered.
Explore related topics like meditation’s role in reducing fertility stress or our guide on how to plan your pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
So, how do you know if it's infertility? Pay attention to your body, your cycles, and how long you’ve been trying. If things aren’t progressing, don’t wait — early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference. You’re not alone, and there are many paths to parenthood.
Keyword: How do you know if it's infertility