
Early Signs of Infertility Every Woman Should Know
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June 10, 2025Infertility affects millions of women globally, and in India, it’s becoming increasingly common due to lifestyle changes, stress, hormonal imbalances, and environmental factors. Female infertility is often misunderstood, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies. At Dr. JP Kaur Clinic, we focus on identifying the root causes of infertility and offering personalized, evidence-based solutions.
Let’s explore the 10 most common causes of female infertility and their treatments:
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. It’s a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and leads to irregular periods, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and small cysts in the ovaries.
Symptoms:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Acne and facial hair
- Weight gain
Treatment:
- Lifestyle changes: weight loss and a healthy diet
- Medications like Metformin and Clomiphene
- Ovulation induction and, in some cases, IVF
Dr. JP Kaur offers tailored PCOS management plans to restore ovulation and improve fertility naturally or with medical assistance.
2. Ovulation Disorders
When ovulation is irregular or absent, pregnancy cannot occur. Besides PCOS, causes include hypothalamic dysfunction, premature ovarian insufficiency, and hyperprolactinemia.
Symptoms:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- No ovulation signs (no rise in BBT, lack of cervical mucus)
Treatment:
- Hormonal therapy
- Ovulation-stimulating drugs like Letrozole or Clomiphene
- Stress management and weight stabilization
At our clinic, ovulation tracking is part of our routine fertility workup.
3. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and fertility issues. It can lead to scarring, inflammation, and blockages.
Symptoms:
- Painful periods
- Pain during intercourse
- Chronic pelvic pain
Treatment:
- Laparoscopic surgery to remove abnormal tissue
- Hormonal treatment
- IVF in severe cases
Dr. JP Kaur specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques that treat endometriosis with faster recovery and improved fertility.
4. Blocked Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes are crucial for egg and sperm to meet. If blocked due to infection (like PID), surgery, or endometriosis, fertilization cannot occur.
Symptoms:
- Often no symptoms
- History of pelvic infections or ectopic pregnancy
Treatment:
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to diagnose
- Laparoscopy to remove blockages
- IVF to bypass the tubes if damage is extensive
5. Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths in or around the uterus. Large fibroids or those near the uterine lining can interfere with embryo implantation or increase miscarriage risk.
Symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
Treatment:
- Medication to shrink fibroids
- Laparoscopic myomectomy (fibroid removal)
- IVF if natural conception remains challenging
6. Thyroid Disorders
Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Symptoms:
- Weight changes
- Fatigue or hyperactivity
- Irregular periods
Treatment:
- Blood tests to evaluate TSH levels
- Thyroid hormone replacement or antithyroid medications
- Fertility treatment post thyroid stabilization
7. Age-Related Decline in Fertility
A woman’s fertility begins to decline after the age of 30 and more sharply after 35 due to reduced egg quality and quantity.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty conceiving despite regular cycles
- History of miscarriage
Treatment:
- Ovarian reserve testing (AMH, AFC)
- Fertility preservation (egg freezing)
- IVF with own or donor eggs depending on ovarian function
At Dr. JP Kaur Clinic, we provide age-appropriate fertility counseling and advanced treatment options.
8. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the reproductive organs, often resulting from untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can cause scarring and block the fallopian tubes.
Symptoms:
- Pelvic pain
- Fever
- Vaginal discharge
Treatment:
- Antibiotic therapy
- Laparoscopy for severe cases
- IVF if natural conception is not possible
9. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin regulate your menstrual cycle. Imbalances can prevent ovulation or affect uterine lining development.
Symptoms:
- Irregular cycles
- Weight issues
- Mood changes
Treatment:
- Hormonal testing
- Medications or lifestyle changes to restore balance
- Hormone therapy or assisted reproduction if needed
10. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Modern lifestyles can silently impact fertility. Factors like smoking, alcohol use, stress, lack of exercise, obesity, and exposure to toxins contribute to infertility.
Solutions:
- Stress reduction techniques like yoga and counseling
- Healthy weight management
- Avoiding harmful substances
- Preconception counseling and routine screenings
When to Seek Help
If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months, or over 35 and trying for 6 months without success, it’s time to consult a fertility specialist. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.