There aren’t always any signs of infertility before you start trying to conceive, and, for some people, there might never be a clear cause. But there are some symptoms it’s worth being aware of, so here’s a few to keep in mind.
Your period is causing you problems
Having irregular periods, or not having them at all, can be a sign that you’re not releasing an egg (ovulating) regularly. This can make it harder to get pregnant1. It can be helpful to keep track of your periods to see how regular they are. There are apps you can use, but a pen and paper work just as well.
Painful periods can also be a sign that something’s wrong. That’s because conditions like endometriosis and fibroids that can cause your periods to be painful can also make it harder to get pregnant2,3.
If you’re having painful periods, irregular periods, or they’ve stopped altogether, it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor. Even if you’re not trying to get pregnant, it’s best to look into any problem as soon as possible in case it’s a sign of something serious4.
Changes to your hair, skin, or weight
For women, symptoms like thinning hair on your head, gaining hair on your face or body, finding it difficult to lose weight, or developing adult acne can be a sign that your hormones might not be working how they should.
A hormone imbalance can affect ovulation and your periods, making it harder to conceive.
Conditions that are linked to infertility can also be related to hormone imbalances5, so it’s worth speaking to a doctor about your symptoms6. They will be able to run some tests and help you work out the best course of action.
You’re having erection problems
Erection and ejaculation problems can impact fertility because they impact how often you can have sex.
If you have a low sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection, or you’re not able to ejaculate, it can be really difficult to handle, especially if you’re trying for a baby. This might be a problem you’ve had for a long time, or it might be quite recent.
Sometimes it can be related to stress, especially if you’re finding infertility challenging to cope with7. It can also sometimes be related to a hormone imbalance8.
Speaking to a doctor can help you work out whether you need further tests, and they can also help you deal with the emotional impact too.
I have one of these signs, does it mean I won’t be able to have a baby?
No. If you have one or more of these signs, it doesn’t mean you definitely have a fertility problem. Lots of people with irregular periods or hormonal conditions go on to conceive.
If you’re worried, your best bet is to speak to a healthcare professional who can help you understand what’s going on.
Are there any signs of infertility you can’t see?
Yes. Many people don’t have any signs or symptoms of infertility except finding it difficult, or impossible, to conceive.
For example, sperm that are the wrong shape, sperm that don’t move how they should, or not having enough sperm in your semen are some of the most common reasons that couples find it hard to conceive9.
These aren’t changes you’re able to see for yourself. That’s because the quality of sperm doesn’t necessarily change the amount of semen, or how thick it is. In fact, many people are still able to ejaculate normally even if they aren’t fertile.
If this is the case, you might only find out after having tests such as a sperm count. Some other causes of infertility might only show up on scans or blood tests10.
Is there always a reason for infertility?
No. Some people might never find a reason. This is sometimes called ‘unexplained fertility’11. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year, it’s worth speaking to a doctor. You should speak to them sooner if you’re a woman over 35, or if you have a health condition that can affect your fertility, such as PCOS12.
References
1 “Infertility.” NHS, 9 Aug. 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility
2 Freytag, Damaris, et al. “Uterine Fibroids and Infertility.” Diagnostics, vol. 11, no. 8, 12 Aug. 2021, p. 1455, https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics11081455.
3 “Endometriosis, Fertility and Pregnancy” | Endometriosis UK, 2021, www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-fertility-and-pregnancy.
4 “Missed or Late Periods.” NHS, Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/symptoms/missed-or-late-periods/.
5 “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” World Health Organization, 2025, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.
6 “Infertility.” NHS, 9 Aug. 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility
7 “Infertility.” NHS, 9 Aug. 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility
8 “Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence).” NHS, 2019, www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/.
9 “Infertility.” NHS, 9 Aug. 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility
10 “Infertility.” NHS, 9 Aug. 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility
11 “Infertility.” NHS, 9 Aug. 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility
12 “Infertility.” NHS, 9 Aug. 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility