With the advancements in technology and awareness, more men and women have started talking about infertility. Couples are proactive about their reproductive health and seek an expert fertility specialist. On average, it takes 5-7 months for a couple to conceive and they shouldn't be concerned if it takes even more than a few months. Physicians generally would suggest that they should go for a fertility examination if they have been engaged in unprotected sexual activity for a year (if you’re under 35) or six months (if you’re above 35). In this blog, we will be sharing certain medical conditions that might be preventing the couple from being fertile. The following are the signs, symptoms or instances when infertility can hit. If you notice any of them in you or your knowns, then do visit a 'Fertility Doctor'.

If You’ve Been Diagnosed with Cancer

Any woman diagnosed with cancer (even a child) and is about to have treatments should be offered a consultation with a fertility specialist. Even if the cancer is not there in the reproductive system they should visit a 'fertility specialist'. Different cancer treatments have different and long-term effects on women's fertility. Each case is different, so it’s important to discuss the options for preserving fertility throughout cancer treatment. This may include procedures like egg freezing or embryo freezing or freezing ovarian tissue or even moving the ovaries away from areas of radiation. All this is done before the commencement of cancer treatment. By doing this, a female can preserve her fertility.

If You Have Painful or Irregular Periods

This could be a sign of an ovulatory disorder. PCOS is one of the most common in such diseases. It is a hormonal condition which interrupts ovulation and makes periods painful, irregular or even completely nonexistent. Another such disorder can be malfunctioning in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, or there can even be problems with the follicles on the ovaries. These all get in the way of proper ovulation. Another reason can be premature menopause, though it’s rare but can cause some women to stop ovulating before the normal age. 

If BMI is High or Low

Before start trying or looking for different fertility advice, do remember that the weight can also impact the reproductive functions and the hormonal balance in your body. Women with a BMI [body mass index] under 18 or over 30 may be at higher risk for infertility and can also face complications during pregnancy. Keep your BMI in check. If underweight or overweight, talk to the doctor about how to achieve a better BMI. Having good overall health and BMI is very important for conceiving and during pregnancy. Still, women with only underweight or overweight issues can conceive if they are ovulating regularly.

If You Have a Thyroid Condition

The thyroid gland will always be somehow connected with hormone release, so it may impact the chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. Abnormal thyroid function can be associated with infertility, miscarriage, and abnormalities of fetal brain development. If you suspect thyroid issues, see a doctor right away; but if it's already being monitored and regulated with medications, it should be a non-issue.

If You Have Had an STI or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

For obvious reasons, an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI) or an ongoing one can affect fertility and even the health of the child. A long term inflammation can be caused in a reproductive tract because of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

If You Have a History of Miscarriages

Miscarriage is a tragic but common phenomenon today. It is a bit confusing for a female to be stated infertile even when they have conceived. Here we are talking about natural miscarriages, which are out of control of the couple or even the doctor. This can happen again and again that even after conceiving the couple might have to go through a miscarriage. It is a sign that something is going on in the body which is making it hard for it to sustain the pregnancy.

Male Infertility

Even males can be infertile. From every ten cases of problems in conception, four are male and female infertility each, rest two are the cases where both are infertile. Men with low sperm count or sexual dysfunction shall be treated by a fertility doctor, for them, a urologist is a specialized doctor. A urologist who specializes in andrology might be the most qualified professional in all aspects of male infertility. A semen analysis is performed before the couple proceeds for other infertility treatments.

Day-to-day choices of the couple can affect their fertility a lot. Nutrition and exercise are key factors in preparing the body for conception and healthy pregnancy. It is advised that both males and females eliminate unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking and recreational drug use–not only for overall wellness but also for the detrimental effect of such activities on fertility.