Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which small follicles in the ovaries don't develop into the larger, mature follicles that release eggs. It's also characterized by hormone imbalances and unpredictable ovulation patterns. Possible symptoms: irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and obesity. Possible solutions: Lifestyle modifications (lik ...

When to see a doctor You probably don't need to see a doctor about infertility unless you have been trying regularly to get pregnant for at least one year. Women should talk with a doctor earlier, however, if they: Are age 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer Are over age 40 Have irregular or absent periods Have very painful periods Have known fertility problems H ...

In general, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Because fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of unprotected sex. Women with infertility should consider making an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist -- a doctor ...

Tests for men Male fertility requires that the testicles produce enough healthy sperm, and that the sperm is ejaculated effectively into the vagina and travels to the egg. Tests for male infertility attempt to determine whether any of these processes are impaired. You may have a general physical exam, including examination of your genitals. Specific fertility tests may include: Semen analysis. Y ...

What age-related factors may be involved with infertility in females and males? Fertility naturally declines as females and males get older. For instance, a female is born with all the eggs she will ever have naturally. Researchers currently believe that women are born with 1 million to 2 million eggs and that this number decreases throughout the lifespan. The decrease in fertility accelerates ov ...

Testing and Treatment: The first few days of your monthly cycle is the best time to schedule your first visit to a fertility doctor, so you can start trying to get pregnant right away. Bring along all your medical records, or ask your previous doctor to send them directly to the reproductive endocrinologist. Also, you should make a list of any questions that you'd like to discuss during this initi ...

Who is at risk for male infertility? You may be more likely to have male infertility if you have had: Past inflammation of the prostate or past genital infections Injury to or twisting (torsion) of the testicles Early or late puberty Exposure of the genitals to high temperatures Hernia repair Undescended testicles You may also be at risk if you take certain prescription medicines. These include m ...

The most common menstrual irregularities include: Amenorrhea or absent menstrual periods: When a woman does not get her period by age 16, or when she stops getting her period for at least 3 months and is not pregnant. Oligomenorrhea or infrequent menstrual periods: Periods that occur more than 35 days apart. Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual periods:Also called excessive bleeding. Although anovulat ...