For many individuals and couples, starting a family is a long-awaited dream. But when conception doesn’t happen as expected, the journey can quickly become filled with questions, confusion, and emotional strain. Infertility is more common than many people realize, and in many cases, it presents few obvious signs—at least at first.

You might not suspect a problem until you've been trying to conceive for several months without success. And even when symptoms do appear, they can be subtle or mistaken for unrelated health issues. That’s why understanding potential indicators of infertility—both in men and women—can be an important step toward getting the right help.

If you're under 35 and have been trying to conceive for over a year with no results, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional. For those over 35, the general advice is to seek guidance after six months of trying. Fertility can naturally decline with age, and early intervention may improve the chances of successful treatment.

Why Symptoms Can Be Misleading

Infertility isn't a single condition—it can result from a range of underlying health problems, many of which don’t cause obvious symptoms at first. Some sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia, may go unnoticed for years but can eventually damage reproductive organs. Hormonal imbalances, anatomical conditions, and even lifestyle factors may also contribute without producing clear warning signs.

Below are five common signs of infertility in women and five in men. While not every person will experience these issues, being aware of them can help you know when to speak with a doctor.

Signs of Infertility in Women

  1. Inconsistent Menstrual Cycles
    Cycles that vary slightly in length from month to month are generally not a cause for concern. However, if your periods are highly irregular or unpredictable, it may signal problems with ovulation. Hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are often responsible for irregular cycles and can interfere with fertility.

  2. Unusually Painful or Heavy Periods
    Moderate menstrual discomfort is common, but if your cramps are severe enough to interfere with daily activities—or your periods are excessively heavy—it could point to conditions like endometriosis. This condition can affect the reproductive organs and is a known cause of infertility.

  3. Absence of Periods
    Skipping a period occasionally due to stress or illness might not be unusual. But if your menstrual cycle stops altogether for multiple months, that’s a sign something may be affecting your reproductive function. Conditions like thyroid disorders, extreme exercise routines, or significant weight changes can all play a role.

  4. Hormonal Imbalances
    Changes in hormone levels often show up in physical ways. Watch for signs like persistent acne, increased facial hair, unexplained weight gain, low libido, or hair thinning. These symptoms can indicate hormonal issues that affect ovulation and fertility.

  5. Pain During Intercourse
    Painful sex is not something that should be ignored or accepted as normal. It can result from underlying medical conditions like endometriosis or infections that impact the reproductive system. If this is something you’ve experienced consistently, bring it up with a healthcare provider.

Signs of Infertility in Men

  1. Lowered Libido
    Sexual desire is strongly influenced by testosterone levels. If a man experiences a significant drop in interest in sex, it could be linked to low hormone levels, which may also affect sperm production.

  2. Swelling or Pain in the Testicles
    Unusual swelling, pain, or lumps in the testicles could be signs of a number of conditions that interfere with sperm quality or production, such as varicoceles or infections.

  3. Difficulty with Erections
    Erectile issues don’t just impact sexual performance—they can also signal hormonal or circulatory problems. If maintaining an erection becomes a regular challenge, it’s worth seeking medical advice.

  4. Problems with Ejaculation
    Inability to ejaculate, low semen volume, or discomfort during ejaculation may indicate blockages or other problems with the reproductive system that affect fertility.

  5. Unusual Testicle Size or Firmness
    Testicles that are smaller than average or unusually firm may be signs of reduced sperm function or hormonal issues. Since sperm are produced in the testicles, their health plays a central role in male fertility.

Moving Forward

Infertility affects around one in every six couples. In roughly 40 percent of cases, the root cause lies with the female partner, while male fertility issues account for about 30 to 40 percent. The remaining cases often involve a combination of both or remain unexplained despite testing.

Receiving a diagnosis of infertility can feel isolating, but it’s more common than many people realize—and it’s not the end of the road. Advances in fertility treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and medical technology have made it possible for many individuals to conceive, even after years of difficulty.

If you recognize any of the signs discussed here or have been trying to conceive without success, don’t hesitate to speak with a healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can increase your chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.