NEWS & KNOWLEDGE

For couples planning to have a baby, preparing your body is essential. In addition to general health care, paying attention to certain warning signs can help identify potential fertility issues early. Recognizing these symptoms and consulting a fertility specialist promptly can lead to timely diagnosis, more effective treatment planning, and a higher chance of success.

1) Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Irregular periods—such as cycles that come late, too frequently, skip for several months, or extend beyond 35 days—may indicate hormonal imbalance or problems with ovulation. These irregularities can be associated with conditions such as anovulation, ovarian cysts, or premature ovarian insufficiency. Early evaluation is recommended, as these issues are common causes of infertility and often respond better to treatment when addressed promptly.

2) Anovulation (Lack of Ovulation)

Anovulation occurs when the ovaries do not release an egg during a menstrual cycle. Normally, women ovulate once a month. However, if your periods are absent or occur every other month, the cause may be a lack of ovulation. Anovulation is commonly linked to hormonal imbalance, diminished ovarian reserve, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Since ovulation is essential for conception, untreated anovulation often leads to infertility. Seeking medical evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and allows timely treatment to restore ovulatory function.

3) Severe Menstrual Pain

Menstrual cramps result from uterine muscle contractions during menstruation. While mild to moderate discomfort is normal, increasingly severe or persistent menstrual pain may signal underlying reproductive health problems. Conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, chocolate cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can all present with severe menstrual pain. If left untreated, these conditions may worsen over time and affect both the uterus and ovaries, leading to difficulties in conceiving later.

Irregular cycles, anovulation, and severe menstrual pain are key indicators of reproductive system abnormalities—either related to ovarian function or gynecologic conditions. All of these can significantly impact fertility.

Seeking care from a fertility specialist at an early stage allows for accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and reduces the risk of long-term infertility. Early detection and timely treatment also improve the chances of a successful pregnancy, whether naturally or with assisted reproductive technologies.

Article by:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matchuporn Sukprassert (Medical License No. 27172)