Signs I wished I would have known while we were trying to conceive. All women should keep an eye out for these potential issues.

Our journey hasn't been easy dealing with a bout of medical issues we are hoping we can help others to keep their eyes open for signs that could be a sign of infertility. It can take up to a year for a healthy women to get pregnant under the age of 35 when actively trying. When you become 30 your chances of getting pregnant get lower, and decrease more after the age of 35. When i got pregnant with Grayson I was 45. 

Knowing this, we will dive into some signs I wish I would have known while trying all these years.

Signs of Infertility in Women

Infertility signs often revolve around our monthly period cycle, our general health, and well-being. If caught in time, most of these can be treated fairly quickly. If we don't catch them it can delay your chances of getting pregnant.

Irregular Periods

If you have a history with irregular periods, that is one of the first factors that there could be a potential problem that can inhibit your fertility. This is something I dealt with, which was caused by having PCOS.

Because of this, it is important to track your menstrual cycle. Keep track of the length of your period, to help determine irregular factors. I utilize the app FLO to help track my cycles. When there is a question that you find odd, consult your doctor to help determine the cause of irregularity, and if you need medication to regulate your periods.

Missing Periods

Absent periods also known as, amenorrhea is diagnosed when you have three or more periods missing. Factors that cause this are: stress, low body weight, excessive exercise, certain medication you take, uterine scarring, and lacking a reproductive organ.

Your periods can start disappearing during the beginning of menopause. 

Painful Periods

If you have painful periods and it continues to be painful after taking medication, then you need to consult your health provider. This could be a sign of PID, pelvic inflammatory disease. If it's left untreated it can cause scar tissue, and can lead to infertility.

Endometriosis is another painful cause of periods. This can be treated with surgery, but may have implications that you will need to be treated with IVF in order to get pregnant.

Cancer Treatment

When you go through battles of cancer treatments, it can be harsh on you infertility. Women can have rapid loss of eggs, or end up having menopause at an earlier age. Consult healthcare providers when undergoing cancer treatments.

Overweight

Being overweight can cause hormone issues, and make it harder for you to get pregnant. Choosing the right foods to eat, getting enough exercise, will help improve your chances to get pregnant.

I had Cushing Syndrome as well as a thyroid issue that didn't help me to lose the weight. Hormonal balance is key in getting pregnant. Talk to your doctor in helping you check your hormone levels before you try to get pregnant.

Be proactive in your fertility health, whether you are wanting a baby now, or if you are waiting for a few years. Keep track of what is going on with your fertility health, and make the choice to protect yourself for the chance to becoming a mother someday.

For those who have been trying, take this moment to breath, evaluate your body, and talk openly to your health provider. Your medical team wants you to succeed in having that baby as much as you do. We know this journey is rough, and we know it worth it.