Infertility – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Overview of Infertility

Infertility is more common than many people realize. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 6 couples worldwide experience infertility at some point in their lives (WHO, 2023). Both men and women contribute to infertility cases, with about one-third due to female factors, one-third to male factors, and the remainder being unexplained or combined issues.

How infertility impacts daily life

Struggling with infertility can affect more than just physical health. It can influence:

• Emotional well-being: Feelings of frustration, sadness, guilt, or inadequacy are common.
• Relationships: The stress of trying to conceive can sometimes create tension between partners.
• Work and productivity: Frequent medical appointments and stress may interfere with professional responsibilities.
• Sleep and energy levels: Anxiety and hormonal treatments may affect rest and daily performance.

How infertility differs from subfertility

While infertility is the medical term for not being able to conceive after the expected timeframe, subfertility refers to reduced fertility with a longer time to conceive but not necessarily an inability to do so. Many couples fall into the subfertile category and may eventually conceive naturally.

Reference: World Health Organization. (2023). Infertility. Retrieved from WHO website.

Symptoms of Infertility

The primary symptom of infertility is not being able to conceive. However, infertility may be accompanied by other signs depending on the underlying cause.

Common symptoms in women

• Irregular or absent periods – may indicate ovulation issues.
• Painful periods or pelvic pain – sometimes linked to endometriosis.
• Unexplained weight gain, acne, or excess hair growth – often associated with PCOS or hormonal imbalance.
• Hot flashes or night sweats – possible signs of premature ovarian insufficiency.

Common symptoms in men

• Difficulty with sexual function such as erectile dysfunction.
• Changes in hair growth suggesting hormonal issues.
• Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicular area.
• Low sperm count or poor sperm motility identified through testing.

Functional impact on daily life

Infertility symptoms may not always cause physical pain, but the emotional and psychological burden can be significant. Sleep disruptions, lowered self-esteem, and strain on intimacy are frequent. Athletes or active individuals may find performance affected by hormone treatments or stress.

Red flag signs to seek care sooner

• No periods or extremely irregular cycles.
• Severe pelvic pain.
• Prior history of miscarriage or pelvic infections.
• History of testicular injury or surgery in men.

Reference: American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). (2020). Infertility: An overview. Retrieved from ASRM website.

Causes and Risk Factors for Infertility

Infertility can result from many factors—sometimes a single cause, sometimes a combination. In some cases, the exact reason remains unexplained.

Female causes of infertility

• Ovulation disorders (e.g., PCOS, thyroid disease).
• Fallopian tube damage from infections, surgery, or endometriosis.
• Uterine conditions like fibroids or polyps.
• Age-related decline – fertility naturally decreases after 35.

Male causes of infertility

• Low sperm production or abnormal sperm shape/movement.
• Hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone.
• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum).
• Genetic conditions affecting sperm function.

Shared or lifestyle-related factors

• Smoking, alcohol, or recreational drug use.
• Obesity or being underweight.
• High stress or poor sleep patterns.
• Occupational exposures to chemicals or radiation.

Daily life impact

For couples trying to conceive, timing intercourse, tracking cycles, and managing lifestyle factors can become overwhelming. Stress from these routines often feeds into a cycle that may further complicate fertility.

How infertility differs from temporary conception challenges

Many couples take several months to conceive naturally. Infertility is different because it persists beyond expected timeframes and may require medical support.

Reference: Zegers-Hochschild, F., et al. (2017). The International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care, 2017. Human Reproduction, 32(9), 1786–1801. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dex234

Infertility – Diagnosis, Recovery, and Management

Infertility can be a challenging and emotional journey, but understanding how it is diagnosed, the expected recovery or treatment timelines, and evidence-based management strategies can help you take the next steps with more clarity.

Diagnosis of Infertility

Infertility is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and targeted tests for both partners. The goal is to identify whether the issue lies with ovulation, sperm production, reproductive anatomy, or unexplained factors.

How do doctors test for infertility?

Doctors typically begin by asking about your medical and sexual history, menstrual cycles, and lifestyle habits. Then, they perform targeted tests:

• For women:
  • Blood tests to measure hormones like FSH, LH, estradiol, and thyroid levels.
  • Ultrasound scans to check ovaries and uterus for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or fibroids.
  • Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to see if fallopian tubes are blocked.
  • Ovarian reserve testing to measure how many eggs are available.
• For men:
  • Semen analysis to assess sperm count, shape, and movement.
  • Hormone testing to check testosterone and other reproductive hormones.
  • Physical examination to detect varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) or anatomical issues.

What makes infertility different from temporary difficulties?

It is normal for couples to take several months to conceive. Infertility is diagnosed only after a year of trying without success (or six months if over 35). Temporary delays don’t necessarily mean infertility, but persistent struggles usually require medical evaluation.

Identifying the root cause

Practitioners often use a multidisciplinary approach, considering both partners’ health. In some cases, no cause is found—this is called unexplained infertility, which accounts for about 10–20% of cases.

Reference: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2019). Evaluating Infertility. Retrieved from ACOG website.

Recovery & Prognosis of Infertility

Recovery from infertility depends on the underlying cause, the treatments chosen, and individual factors like age and overall health. While infertility itself isn’t always “curable,” many couples can achieve pregnancy with treatment or assisted reproductive technology (ART).

How long does infertility treatment take?

• Mild cases: If caused by lifestyle issues (like smoking, stress, or weight), improvements may happen within 3–6 months of healthy changes.
• Moderate cases: Conditions like PCOS or mild sperm abnormalities may require 6–12 months with medications or simple procedures (e.g., intrauterine insemination).
• Severe cases: Blocked tubes, advanced endometriosis, or very low sperm counts may require in vitro fertilization (IVF) or surgery, which can take longer.

Chances of recurrence or persistence

Infertility may persist if underlying conditions (like endometriosis or PCOS) return or worsen. Age is a significant factor—fertility declines naturally after 35, especially for women.

Long-term outcomes

• Many couples eventually conceive, either naturally or with medical help.
• If pregnancy isn’t possible, some choose alternatives like surrogacy or adoption.
• Emotional recovery is just as important, since infertility can affect mental health, self-esteem, and relationships.

Returning to daily life

• Work: Treatments may require frequent appointments, but flexible planning can help.
• Sport and fitness: Staying active supports mental and physical well-being during treatment.
• Relationships: Counseling or support groups can help couples manage stress and strengthen communication.

Reference: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2020). Fertility Problems: Assessment and Treatment (NG21). Retrieved from NICE guidelines.

Management of Infertility

Infertility is managed with a mix of medical treatment, lifestyle strategies, and emotional support. The approach depends on whether the cause is male, female, or unexplained.

What’s the best way to manage infertility at home?

Self-care and healthy habits can improve fertility potential:

• Maintain a healthy weight – both underweight and overweight can affect hormones.
• Eat a balanced diet with whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Reduce alcohol, quit smoking, and avoid recreational drugs.
• Track ovulation using apps, basal temperature, or ovulation kits.
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or counseling.
• Get quality sleep to regulate hormone balance.

Step-by-step Self-Help Tips

1. Track your cycle – understand fertile windows.
2. Time intercourse – aim for every 2–3 days during ovulation.
3. Improve lifestyle habits – exercise moderately, avoid toxins.
4. Seek early help – if you’re over 35 and not conceiving after 6 months.

Professional management options

• Medications like clomiphene or letrozole to induce ovulation.
• Hormone therapy for men with low testosterone.
• Surgical procedures to correct blocked tubes or remove fibroids.
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
• Counseling and support groups to manage emotional stress.

Decision pathway for infertility care

• If infertility is mild → Try lifestyle changes and basic treatments (3–6 months).
• If infertility is moderate → Use medications or intrauterine insemination.
• If infertility is severe → Move to IVF, surgery, or alternative paths (like donor options).

This structured approach helps tailor treatment to your specific needs.

Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Infertility FAQs. Retrieved from CDC website.

Multidisciplinary Care for Infertility at CARESPACE

Infertility is a complex condition that often requires more than one type of support. At CARESPACE, you are never left to navigate this journey alone. Our multidisciplinary approach brings together medical, physical, nutritional, and psychological care so you receive a coordinated, personalized plan designed for your unique needs.

How does CARESPACE treat infertility differently?

Most clinics focus on a single treatment pathway, such as medication or surgery. CARESPACE takes a team-based approach, combining physical health, nutrition, and mental well-being to improve fertility outcomes. This integration not only supports your chances of conception but also your overall quality of life.

For example, someone with irregular ovulation may benefit from:

• Physiotherapy to address pelvic or hormonal imbalances connected to stress.
• Nutrition support to regulate blood sugar and improve hormone balance.
• Psychotherapy or coaching to reduce anxiety and strengthen coping strategies.
• Massage therapy or acupuncture to relieve tension and improve circulation.

This layered support creates a care plan that addresses your body, mind, and environment all at once.

Why does a team approach help infertility recover faster?

Infertility is rarely caused by one factor alone. A team approach means each specialist sees part of the picture, and together they create a more complete solution.

• Physical health professionals (physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, kinesiologists) help improve posture, circulation, and reduce physical barriers to conception.
• Nutritionists and naturopathic doctors guide you in making dietary changes that support hormone health, weight management, and energy levels.
• Psychotherapists and coaches provide tools for handling stress, relationship strain, and the emotional toll infertility often brings.
• Fitness trainers and kinesiologists create gentle exercise plans to improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and enhance fertility.

This teamwork allows you to move through phases of care—from acute stress, to active treatment, to long-term maintenance—with the confidence that every aspect of your health is being supported.

CARESPACE’s unique advantage in infertility support

Unlike single-discipline care, CARESPACE emphasizes coordinated communication between professionals. This ensures:

• No conflicting advice – your care team shares notes and works toward the same goals.
• Personalized planning – treatment is adjusted as your needs and progress change.
• Faster results – addressing multiple barriers at once often leads to quicker improvements.
• Lower recurrence risk – focusing on prevention and lifestyle makes results more sustainable.

For example, a client undergoing IVF might also receive acupuncture to reduce stress, psychotherapy to manage anxiety, and nutrition guidance to optimize egg and sperm quality. Together, these supports can improve not just the physical outcomes, but also the emotional resilience required throughout the process.

How CARESPACE supports mental health during infertility

Infertility is not only a physical condition—it carries a heavy emotional weight. At CARESPACE, mental health care is fully integrated into your plan. This includes:

• Psychotherapy for coping with grief, frustration, or relationship strain.
• Coaching to build resilience and focus on actionable steps.
• Mind-body practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or stress-reduction strategies.
• Nutrition and exercise support to stabilize mood and improve sleep.

This holistic approach recognizes that reducing stress, improving sleep, and feeling emotionally supported can play a powerful role in reproductive health.

A sample care journey for infertility at CARESPACE

Here’s what a coordinated care pathway may look like:

• Acute phase (first visits): You meet with a physiotherapist for an initial assessment. At the same time, you begin counseling sessions to manage stress and are introduced to acupuncture to support hormonal balance.
• Subacute phase (active treatment): A nutritionist helps you with meal planning to support fertility, while a kinesiologist designs a safe, fertility-friendly exercise plan. Massage therapy sessions may be added to reduce tension.
• Maintenance phase (long-term care): Ongoing psychotherapy helps maintain emotional balance, while physiotherapy or chiropractic adjustments support your body’s overall function. Coaching ensures you maintain healthy lifestyle habits that reduce recurrence and keep you strong through pregnancy and beyond.

Next steps with CARESPACE

If you’re struggling with infertility, CARESPACE offers a uniquely supportive environment where every aspect of your well-being is considered. Instead of working with multiple providers separately, you’ll have a coordinated team that communicates and collaborates on your behalf.

Related Conditions, FAQs, and Disclaimer for Infertility

Infertility is often connected to other health conditions, either as a contributing factor or as an overlapping issue. This wrap-up section explores related conditions, answers frequently asked questions, and provides compliance details to support trust and clarity.

Related Conditions for Infertility

Infertility can sometimes be difficult to separate from other conditions, because multiple health factors may overlap. Some related conditions include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and fertility.
• Endometriosis: When tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, pelvic pain, and possible infertility.
• Thyroid disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect menstrual cycles and reproductive hormones.
• Male factor infertility: Conditions such as low sperm count, motility issues, or structural blockages.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infections that cause scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes.
• Unexplained infertility: When no clear medical cause is identified after testing.

If you are exploring infertility concerns, you may also benefit from reviewing other conditions that affect reproductive health. Identifying and addressing overlapping conditions is often key to improving fertility outcomes.

Looking for information on a different condition? Visit our full Conditions List.