Infertility is the failure to conceive a pregnancy after trying to conceive for one full year. More and more Nigerian couples find trying to conceive, a difficult process.

It is estimated that currently in Nigeria, 25% of couples will struggle with infertility at some time or other. However, before you start to think about the possibility that you or your partner might be infertile, make sure that you have been having unprotected (natural method) sex over a number of months, or up to a year.

Conception can take a long time, even for couples who have no troubles with infertility. Sometimes, a couple may have unprotected sex for 8 or 10 months before conception actually takes place. Once you have given yourselves a waiting period of one year, if conception still has not occurred, you can look out for some of the most common symptoms of infertility:

Infertility Symptoms in Women

There are many things that can lead to infertility in women, and their symptoms vary.

Changes in the menstrual cycle and ovulation may be a symptom of a disease related to female infertility.

Some of these symptoms include:

• Abnormal periods – Heavier or lighter than usual bleeding
• Irregular periods – Variation in the number of days in between each period each month
• No periods – Some women have never had a period, or some have had their periods suddenly stop
• Painful periods

(READ: Top tips to get you pregnant fast)

Sometimes, female infertility can be linked to a hormonal problem.

If this is the cause, symptoms can also include:

• Changes in skin condition e.g. acne
• Loss of hair or thinning hair
• Weight gain
• Changes in sex drive and desire
• Dark hair growth on the lips, chest, and chin
• Milky white discharge from nipples unrelated to breastfeeding
• Pain when having sex

Infertility Symptoms in Men

Infertility symptoms may go unnoticed until a man tries to have a baby and the symptoms depend on what is causing the infertility.

Symptoms of male infertility include

• Problems with erection and ejaculation
• Small, firm testicles
• Changes in hair growth
• Changes in sexual desire
• Pain, lump, or swelling in the testicles

If you think that you may suffer from infertility, the most effective way to diagnose the condition is by visiting your doctor. You can learn if you or your partner is infertile, through a number of medical tests that your doctor can perform to detect fertility.

If infertility is diagnosed, your doctor can then help you decide the next steps that you should take.

Are you worried that you or your partner might be infertile?