Buffalo Grove Doctor Shares 8 Infertility Symptoms During National Infertility Awareness Week
In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week on April 21-28, Buffalo Grove physician Dr. Allison K. Rodgers of Fertility Centers of Illinois is sharing eight common symptoms associated with infertility diagnoses in women and/or men, and what common infertility diagnoses display no symptoms at all. Dr. Rodgers can speak to the physician and patient perspective - she experienced secondary infertility and pregnancy loss when trying for a family.
According the RESOLVE, one in eight couples experience infertility issues. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine also states that infertility impacts men and women equally, with the male partner as either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility in 40 percent of couples.
Infertility is defined as being unable to achieve or sustain a pre gnancy after six months of trying to conceive for women over 35 and after one year of trying to conceive in women under 35.
While the below symptoms alone do not indicate infertility, they are commonly associated with such diagnoses:
Irregular monthly cycles - The average woman's cycle is between 28-35 days, but the main factor to consider is consistency. If cycles always fall within the same few days in length, they are normal. If cycles are under or over the 28-35 window or are different every month, this may indicate issues. Being underweight or participating in too much exercise can cause periods to stop. Periods stop with some contraceptives, and this doesn't indicate issues, but a woman will not know if her cycles are regular until she stops taking birth control. These symptoms are associated with thyroid imbalance, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovulatory disorders and endometriosis.
Painful or heavy monthly cycles - Most periods range between 3-7 days, but women with heavy periods can experience 10 days or more. Women with heavy cycles also commonly experience severe period pain. These symptoms are commonly experienced with polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovulatory disorders, uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
Hot flashes or night sweats - If a woman is experiencing sudden feverish heat or sweating excessively during sleep, she is experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. These symptoms can point to early menopause, a low egg count, diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure.
Difficulty losing weight or excess weight - For women who struggle with weight and also have other symptoms - ovarian cysts, facial hair, thinning scalp hair, skin issues - the cause may be polycystic ovarian syndrome. In both men and women, excess weight can trigger a hormone imbalance in the body, impacting sperm count and ovulation.
Pain during sex - Women experiencing pain during intercourse should seek the help of a medical professional to uncover the cause. In some cases, a hormone imbalance or endometriosis may be to blame.
A drop in sex drive - A drop in sex drive in either a female or male partner may be a symptom of a larger issue. Hormonal shifts can cause the libido to plummet. This is commonly experienced with low testosterone in men and low estrogen in women.
Testicular changes - Pain, swelling, or small, firm testicles can indicate medical issues. Causes can vary widely and require further assessment by an experienced medical professional.
Difficulty with erection or ejaculation - An inability to achieve or maintain an erection, or difficulty achieving or reaching ejaculation may indicate infertility issues. These symptoms are commonly associated with hormone issues.
In women, a decline in egg supply, diminished egg quality, diminished ovarian reserve, and blockage in the fallopian tubes does not exhibit any symptoms. In men, sperm issues involving count, shape, movement and concentration also do not involve any signs.
Before a couple begins trying to conceive, or if they have been trying without success, basic infertility testing is available, affordable, and may be covered by insurance. For women, testing can involve a blood test to analyze anti-Müllerian Hormone, an indicator of egg supply, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone, an indicator of ovarian function. An ultrasound can also assess the ovaries, uterus, and uterine environment. For men, fertility testing involves a physical examination and a semen analysis to assess sperm count, concentration, shape, movement and semen volume.
In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, we are offering free Fertility Awareness Checkups for appointments booked now through June 30th. The checkup assesses basic fertility potential and includes a blood test and ultrasound for women and a semen analysis for men. A doctor consultation must be booked separately.
We are also offering seven free physician-led seminars on various infertility topics. The webinars are 30 minutes followed by a 15 minute Q&A.
Tuesday, April 23:
12:00 p.m. - Common Fertility Myths & Misconceptions with Dr. John Rapisarda
6:30 p.m. - Top 5 Causes of Female Infertility with Dr. Laurence Jacobs
Wednesday, April 24:
12:00 p.m. - Age & Fertility: What You Should Know with Dr. Jane Nani
5:30 p.m. - Egg Freezing 101 with Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron
6:30 p.m. - How to Boost Fertility Naturally with Dr. Allison Rodgers
Thursday, April 25:
12:00 p.m. - Fertility Basics + Ask Me Anything with Dr. Ed Marut
6:30 p.m. - Fertility 101: An Introduction with Dr. Meike Uhler
For more information on infertility, Fertility Awareness Checkups or webinars during National Infertility Awareness Week, visit www.fcionline.com/NIAW or call (877) 324-4483.