What are the symptoms of infertility?

Generally speaking, infertility refers to the situation where a couple has regular sexual intercourse without taking any contraceptive measures for at least 12 months without achieving pregnancy. Symptoms of female infertility include menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, abnormal vaginal discharge, galactorrhea, and hirsutism. Symptoms of male infertility include abnormal semen parameters, sexual dysfunction, abnormalities of the reproductive organs, hematospermia, and endocrine disorders. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Symptoms of Female Infertility

1. Menstrual Disorders

When a woman's menstrual cycle varies in length, this may be closely related to endocrine disorders. Hormonal imbalances can interfere with normal ovarian function, causing abnormal follicular development and affecting normal ovulation. As ovulation is a key step in conception, any disruption in this process naturally hinders pregnancy, leading to female infertility.

2. Dysmenorrhea

If dysmenorrhea progressively worsens, it should be taken seriously. This condition is commonly seen in endometriosis, which not only causes pain but also disrupts the pelvic environment, interfering with normal reproductive function and affecting the union of sperm and egg as well as embryo implantation, making it one of the major causes of female infertility.

3. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Increased vaginal discharge with an unusual odor, color, or consistency (such as a curd-like or frothy appearance) may indicate gynecological inflammation like vaginitis or cervicitis. Such inflammation alters the vaginal environment, making it unfavorable for sperm survival and motility.

4. Galactorrhea

During non-lactation periods, spontaneous or pressure-induced milk discharge from the breast is often caused by hyperprolactinemia. Abnormally elevated prolactin levels in the body can suppress the normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, interfere with gonadotropin secretion, and subsequently inhibit ovulation.

5. Hirsutism

Excessive and thickened hair growth around the upper lip, jawline, areola, and other areas, resembling male hair distribution, is commonly seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Elevated androgen levels affect ovulation and reduce fertility potential.

II. Symptoms of Male Infertility

1. Abnormal Semen Parameters

In oligospermia, the number of sperm in the semen is below the normal standard, reducing the chances of fertilization. In asthenospermia, sperm motility is low, and their forward movement is insufficient, making it difficult for them to swim toward and fertilize the egg. Azoospermia is more severe, with no sperm present in the semen at all, directly leading to infertility.

2. Sexual Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. This makes it difficult for sperm to enter the female vagina and even more difficult to reach the fallopian tubes to meet and fertilize the egg, significantly affecting the possibility of conception.

3. Abnormalities of the Reproductive Organs

Cryptorchidism, where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum, affects the testes' ability to produce sperm. Varicocele, the presence of worm-like enlarged veins in the scrotum, increases the local temperature of the testes, impairing sperm production and development.

4. Hematospermia

When blood appears in the semen, causing it to appear pink, red, or contain blood clots, it is known as hematospermia. Hematospermia is often caused by inflammation such as seminal vesiculitis or prostatitis. These inflammatory conditions not only alter the composition of semen but also affect semen quality, reduce sperm motility, worsen the sperm's living environment, and thus impair fertility.

5. Endocrine Disorders

Low levels of male androgens manifest as underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics, such as sparse facial hair, an underdeveloped Adam's apple, and a high-pitched voice, along with reduced libido and erectile dysfunction, which affect fertility.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a regular routine, avoid staying up late, eat a balanced diet, exercise moderately, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption, all of which help maintain reproductive health. Reducing exposure to harmful substances, such as pesticides, chemicals, and radiation, can help prevent damage to reproductive cells.