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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

The main symptom of infertility is the inability of a couple to get pregnant. An abnormal menstrual cycle that's too long (35 days or more) or too short (less than 21 days) can be a sign of female infertility. There may be no other outward signs or symptoms.

When to see a doctor
If you're in your early 30s or younger, most doctors recommend trying to get pregnant for at least a year before having any testing or treatment.

If you're age 35 to 40, discuss your concerns with your doctor after six months of trying.

If you're over 40 or have a history of irregular or painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), repeated miscarriages, prior cancer treatment or endometriosis, your doctor may want to begin testing or treatment right away.

References
  1. Kumar A, et al. Infertility. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2392676. Accessed Nov. 24, 2009.
  2. Halvorson LM. Evaluation of the infertile couple. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3157679. Accessed Nov. 24, 2009.
  3. Doody KJ. Treatment of the infertile couple. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3158038. Accessed Dec. 1, 2009.
  4. Wright KP, et al. Infertility. In: Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:705.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Management of infertility caused by ovulatory dysfunction. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2002;99:347.
  6. Kuohung W, et al. Etiology of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  7. Kuohung W, et al. Evaluation of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  8. Kuohung W, et al. Overview of treatment of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  9. Jose-Miller AB, et al. Infertility. American Family Physician. 2007;75:849.
  10. Devroey P, et al. Approaches to improve the diagnosis and management of infertility. Human Reproduction Update. 2009;15:391.
  11. Coddington CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. December 14, 2009.
DS01053 Sept. 9, 2011

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