Common infertility signs

Infertility is increasing and there are subtle and overt signs that one might ignore and not take timely advice and intervention. Many women are in search of fertility indicators of their own health . To know ones own fertility pattern there are various indicators that point out that all is well or not.

Here are some that one might look out for and reach for help:

Irregular periods: If the woman is experiencing cycle length of more than 35 days or less than 21 days , bleeding occurring in between the cycles.

Prolonged menstrual flow : menstrual flow lasting for more than seven days.

Heavy menstrual bleeding : associated with passage of clots and need to wake up from sleep at night to change pads.

Intermenstrual Bleeding : Bleeding or spotting in between menstrual cycles could be due to endometrial polyps, that is excessive growth from uterine lining.Large size(more than 1.5cm)endometrial polyps does affect implantation leading to infertility.

Scanty flow: this can occur if there is PCOS or usually seen in patients with PCOS or low ovarian reserve.

Pain during menstruation : excessive pain incapacitating one to carry on routine activities

Vaginal discharge : any discharge that is heavy continuous, yellowish or curdy white associated with itching or foul smell.

Excessive weight gain: increase in weight might indicate thyroid dysfunction and lead to subfertility

Male pattern hair growth in females : excessive hair growth over upper lip,periareolar area,abdomen, back,thighs. This pattern of hair growth is commonly seen in patients with PCOS.

Acne: pimples on the face , upper back may indicate hormonal imbalance

Blackening of skin : velvety or blackish pigmentation or patches over upper back or nape of neck might indicate insulin resistance, which's commonly encountered in patients with PCOS

Painful intercourse: Excessive pain during intercourse might point to certain conditions like endometriosis

Drugs : Certain medications like anti psychotics, anti epileptics etc affect fertility

Recurrent abortions or pregnancy loss: Consecutive or non consecutive two or more miscarriages could be due to multiple reasons.

Recurrent pregnancy loss could be due to various reasons like genetic, anamolous uterus, immunological causes etc.

Active and passive smoking and excessive alcohol intake affect the quality of egg and sperm.