There are many factors to consider when it comes to the cause of infertility in women and some physical symptoms are associated with conditions affecting fertility. In many cases, no symptoms of infertility are apparent, yet there are some common signs that may indicate a fertility issue affecting reproductive health. The following are some common fertility symptoms that may indicate an underlying issue affecting a couple's chances of conception.

Symptoms of infertility
The following signs and symptoms do not always indicate infertility, and often infertility has no symptoms at all. However, there may be a need to see a fertility specialist if the couple have been trying to conceive without success for some time.

1. Abnormal menstrual bleeding - bleeding for anything between 3 to 7 days can be considered normal. However, if length of menstrual flow is shorter or longer, bleeding is very light, or extremely heavy and intense, this can signal problems.

• changes in heaviness or coloring
• changes in length of bleeding time
• excessive menstrual cramps
• extremely heavy menstrual bleeding
• extremely light menstrual bleeding

2. Irregular menstrual cycles - unusually short or long cycles ((less than 24 days, or more than 35 days)can be a red flag for infertility problems and may be a sign of possible ovulation problems. Abnormal menstrual cycles can also come unpredictably..

3. Sexual dysfunction - if the male partner does experience sexual dysfunction, this could be an infertility red flag.

• ejaculatory problems
• impotence

4. Successive miscarriages (two or more)

5. Weight problems

• excessive exercise routines
• excessive thinness
• excessive overweight or obesity
• extreme dieting
• poor dieting practices

When to seek help
In general, couples with a female partner under age 35 who have unsuccessfully tried to conceive for at least one year of unprotected sex should seek medical help if conception does not occur. A woman over aged 35 should seek help if six months of unprotected sex doesn't lead to pregnancy.

If the woman or her partner have any risk factors or symptoms of infertility, waiting to find help for getting pregnant isn't necessary. For example, if a woman has irregular periods, endometriosis, or PCOS, or if either partner has a history of sexually transmitted diseases, seeking help right away makes sense.

Every person may experience different symptoms of possible infertility, primarily depending on physical health and wellness. However, only a doctor or can properly diagnose signs and symptoms as being related to reproductive disorders. But what tests do they use and what can you expert during an office visit? Continue reading to learn more about how to diagnose female and male infertility in our Diagnosing Infertility section that follows.