10 Signs and Symptoms of Infertility in Women and Men

The primary sign of infertility is no pregnancy occurring after trying to conceive for a year (or for six months if the female partner is 35 or older). Infertility can occur due to factors in either partner, but the signs and symptoms differ between females and males.

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Signs of Infertility in Women

1. Irregular Periods

Menstrual cycles vary in length, but the average cycle length is 28 days. Variations of a few days are normal for most people. However, if your menstrual cycle is so irregular that you cannot predict when you will get your period, you may have an underlying health condition that affects your fertility. 

Health conditions that affect a person’s hormone levels, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cause irregular menstrual cycles and can cause infertility. 

2. Absent Periods

People who do not get their menstrual period most months may be at risk of infertility. Possible causes of absent periods include stress, significant weight changes, PCOS, and intense exercise. These factors can affect a person’s ability to become pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have stopped getting your period and are not pregnant. 

3. Painful Periods

People who experience very heavy or painful periods may experience infertility due to endometriosis. In this condition, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. People with endometriosis may experience infertility, as well as painful periods, heavy bleeding, and pain with sex.

4. Painful Sex

It is never normal to experience pain with sex (dyspareunia). If sex is painful or uncomfortable for you, see your healthcare provider. 

Painful sex may be a sign of a serious health condition that affects fertility. Conditions that may cause sex to feel painful include endometriosis, uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus), and certain infections. 

5. Hormonal Changes

A person’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout the month and can impact their fertility. Possible signs of hormonal changes include:

• Skin changes
• Hair changes 
• Weight changes 
• Changes to your sex drive

6. Obesity

Obesity may raise the risk of infertility. Research has shown that a person’s weight may impact their ability to conceive. Obesity may also increase the risk of pregnancy complications. 

Signs of Infertility in Men

1. Hormonal Changes

An adequate level of the hormone testosterone is needed to produce sperm capable of fertilizing an egg. Any health conditions that affect a male’s testosterone levels may impact their fertility. Changes to your sexual desire or libido may indicate a drop in hormone levels. 

2. Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction occurs when a person has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Possible causes of erectile dysfunction include hormonal fluctuations, stress, and chronic health conditions. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about erectile dysfunction. 

3. Ejaculation Problems

Having difficulty ejaculating during sex may cause male infertility. If you notice changes to your ability to ejaculate, see your healthcare provider. 

4. Testicle Changes

The testicles produce and secrete testosterone and sperm. Any health problems that affect the testicles could raise the risk of infertility. Signs of a problem with the testicles, such as an infection, include pain and swelling. Other symptoms may include testicles that feel small, firm, or tight. See your healthcare provider if you have recently experienced a change in testicular health.

5. Obesity 

Weight can affect male fertility. Research shows that obesity raises the risk of infertility in both men and women. This may be because fat tissue in the body affects hormone levels. Obesity may also raise the risk of problems with sperm and ejaculation.

Causes of Infertility

Factors in the female partner cause about one-third of all infertility cases, and factors in the male partner cause another third. The final third is likely due to a combination of the two.

About 10% of women in the United States experience infertility. If you have been trying to conceive for one year (or for six months if you are 35 or older), talk with your healthcare provider about infertility. 

A healthcare provider can perform diagnostic tests to determine which factor is contributing to your infertility.

Possible causes of female infertility include:

Possible causes of male infertility include:

Risk Factors for Infertility

Infertility is a complex medical condition, and several factors can contribute to a person’s ability to conceive. Infertility risk factors that affect all genders include:

• History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Older age 
• Being under or overweight 
• Using alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana 
• Chronic stress
• A diet lacking healthy nutrients 
• History of cancer treatments 
• Other toxin exposure (dietary or environmental, such as pesticides)

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

See your healthcare provider if you have been trying to conceive for at least one year. If you are a female over age 35, see your provider after trying for six months. Many cases of infertility are treatable. Your healthcare provider will run tests to determine the underlying cause and recommend certain lifestyle or medical treatments.

Key Takeaways

• The primary sign of infertility is no pregnancy occurring after 1 year of attempting to conceive (or six months if the female partner is 35 or older).
• Other signs of infertility in women are irregular, absent, heavy, or painful periods, pain with sex, hormonal changes, and obesity.
• Other signs of infertility in men are hormonal changes, obesity, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and testicular pain or swelling.