We do not endorse infertility shaming. A woman not getting pregnant might be due to biological and medical reasons, or it could be a matter of choice. A man not fathering a child has nothing to do with his masculinity. It's okay to not be a biological mother or a biological father, irrespective of a person's marital status.  

No, motherhood neither defines a woman nor makes her a real woman. No man should be bullied for not being able to father a child. Both women and men are subjected to relentless scaremongering and judgment as their biological clock ticks away in its natural rhythm. Shouting about that from the rooftops or bullying men into having kids before they're good and ready is of no help to anyone.  

Infertility becomes an issue when a couple decides to have a child, tries to get pregnant, and fails to conceive. You have opted for unprotected, regular sex for six months to one year, depending on your age, but it has not brought in desired results. It doesn't mean you are sterile. The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. Some underlying medical conditions in men and women could result in this condition.  

Symptoms in women  

• Abnormal and irregular periods  
• No periods  
• Lengthy periods or periods stop abruptly  
• Pelvic pain, abdominal pain, and back pain  
• Changes in sex drive and desire
• Hair growth on the chest, face, and chin, and acne
• Loss of hair
• Milky white discharge from nipples
• Painful sex

Symptoms in Men  

• Changes in hair growth pattern  
• Changes in sexual drive desire 
• Testicles can be small and firm  
• Lumps swelling, and pain  
• Pain, swelling, or swelling in the testicles
• Issues with erections and ejaculation 

Causes and Reasons  

The whole spectrum of reproductive problems in both males and females is increasing, and studies show that the rate of infertility is going up. Factors like health issues to lifestyle changes lead to infertility. Problems with fallopian tubes, smoking, being overweight/underweight when an egg makes its way through fallopian tubes, cervical mucus damaging sperm, or slowing their progress can cause infertility in women. Infertility in men is often a problem with sperm. Low sperm count, low sperm motility, abnormally formed sperm, sperm ducts getting blocked, drinking alcohol, and smoking can result in infertility in men.  

Treatment  

Infertility is an issue that creates friction in marital relationships. If it goes unaddressed, it can result in the breakdown of marriages. It is paramount that couples who are desperate to get pregnant and unable to conceive should get medical help. Therefore, addressing infertility is an essential part of realizing the right of individuals and couples to start a family.  

Infertility can also be treated with medications and counseling, hormone treatments, surgery, assisted reproductive technology (ART), intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT).  

Consult your doctor for a detailed medical examination and treatment.