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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wright KP, et al. Infertility. In: Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:705.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Management of infertility caused by ovulatory dysfunction. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2002;99:347.
- Kuohung W, et al. Etiology of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Kuohung W, et al. Evaluation of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Kuohung W, et al. Overview of treatment of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Jose-Miller AB, et al. Infertility. American Family Physician. 2007;75:849.
- Devroey P, et al. Approaches to improve the diagnosis and management of infertility. Human Reproduction Update. 2009;15:391.
- Coddington CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. December 14, 2009.
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