How long should couples try to get pregnant before seeing a doctor? Most experts suggest at least one year for women younger than age 35. However, for women aged 35 years or older, couples should see a health care provider after 6 months of trying unsuccessfully. A woman’s chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after the age of 30. Some health problems also increase the risk of infe ...

Symptoms The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptoms. Sometimes, a woman with infertility may have irregular or absent menstrual periods. In some cases, a man with infertility may have some signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function. Most couples will eventually conceive, with or without treatment. When to see ...

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: The ovaries can swell, leak excess fluid into the body, and produce too many follicles, the small fluid sacs in which an egg develops. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) usually results from taking medications to stimulate the ovaries, such as clomifene and gonadotrophins. It can also develop after IVF. Symptoms include: bloating constipation dark urine ...

Damage to fallopian tubes (tubal infertility) Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes keep sperm from getting to the egg or block the passage of the fertilized egg into the uterus. Causes of fallopian tube damage or blockage can include: Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes due to chlamydia, gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted infections Previous surgery in t ...

Egg Donation: If you are older, especially if you’re over 42, and have not succeeded with other therapies, or if you have premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as early menopause, your treatment options are limited. Egg donation, which involves the use of eggs donated by another woman who is typically in her 20s or early 30s, is highly successful. The high success rate with egg donation conf ...

How is female infertility diagnosed? Your healthcare provider may ask you to record signs of ovulation, such as basal body temperature and cervical mucus. You may also use a home ovulation kit. These tests can also help diagnose or rule out a female fertility problem: Pelvic exam: Your provider will perform a pelvic exam, including a Pap smear to check for structural problems or signs of disease ...

Tubal factors Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperm from getting to your egg and also prevent the fertilized egg from getting to your uterus. Leading causes of tube problems include pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia), and previous sterilization surgery. Possible symptoms: None. Possible solutions: Surgery to open the tubes. If surgery fail ...

How endometriosis can cause fertility-related issues There are four reasons for decreased fertility Ovulatory infertility: Altered growth of follicles due to inflammation and hence altered ovulation or hindrance in ovulation. Tubal factor infertility: Endometriosis causes inflammatory reaction which causes abnormal fusion between ovaries, tubes, uterus and bowels. The tubes may become distorted ...