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What do painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, and irregular periods have in common? They’re are all signs that you might have a tough time getting pregnant further down the road. Whilst these aren’t definitive by any means, women who are experiencing these symptoms will do well to speak with a fertility specialist, in order to start treating any underlying issues which may be present.
#1: Painful or heavy periods
Always get those crippling, painful cramps whenever you have your period? Many women will be quick to dismiss these as inevitable, but painful periods are actually a red flag for those who hope to get pregnant in the future.
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More specifically, painful periods could indicate that you have endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. The former is a condition in which the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterus, leading to abnormally painful cramps; the later are benign tumours in your womb. Endometriosis does affect fertility, and some uterine fibroids do the same – so if you think you might be experiencing one of these issues, get it checked out quickly!
#2: Infrequent periods
At the other end of the spectrum, regularly skipping your periods is cause for concern as well. Often, the absence of a period indicates that there’s no ovulation, and this is problematic because, well, there’s no egg which can be fertilized by your partner’s sperm. If you’re experiencing a ton of stress at work, try taking things slow and see if that helps. If not, you’ll want to pay a visit to the doctor, just to make sure everything’s in order!
#3: Irregular periods
Some months you barely bleed, some months you’re hemorrhaging blood. Sounds familiar? If that’s you, and you’ve also: growing hair in unexpected places, putting on weight, and facing problems with oily skin, then you very well may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). 10% to 15% of women worldwide have PCOS, and those who suffer from it find it hard to get pregnant – but you can take medication to treat this syndrome.
#4: Painful intercourse
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Pain whilst you’re having your period, painful intercourse, and urinary or rectal pain before and during your period – these are all signs of, again, endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Of course, painful intercourse can be caused by other factors such as dryness and genital infections. But if you’re sure you’re clean, and you keep experiencing that same pain over and over again, it’s time to go see the doctor.
#5: Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain may be caused by abdominal surgeries or pelvic inflammatory diseases (including Chlamydia and Gonorrhea)… but they could also indicate endometriosis. What’s going on inside? It’s the scarring of your Fallopian tubes that’s causing the pain – if it’s a persistent problem, be sure you get it checked out so you know what’s going on.
#6: Discharge from nipples
Milky discharge from the nipples is perfectly normal when you’re breastfeeding – but if you’re not, it could be a sign of elevated levels of prolactin, which has been linked to infertility. Other than causing problems when you’re trying to get pregnant, too much prolactin also contributes to low bone density and other issues, so it’s definitely something you’ll want to get checked out.
Fertility consultation with BeNatural’s fertility coach, Marie Otsuka
If you and your partner would like to learn more about conceiving, come down for a 45-minute consultation with Marie Otsuka, BeNatural’s fertility coach. In this session, Marie will seek to understand the couple’s situation, and offer insights she’s gained through her 10 years of experience in working with infertile Singaporeans. Slots are limited and on a first come first serve basis; contact us here to schedule an appointment!
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