How Do I Know If I’m Infertile?

By Madison
September 23, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A thoughtful woman sitting on a couch, considering possible signs of infertility and seeking guidance from RPSD fertility specialists in San Diego.

Key Takeaways

Infertility is common and affects both men and women.
Common signs in women include irregular cycles, absent periods, or recurrent miscarriages.
Common signs in men include low sperm count, sexual function issues, or testicular concerns.
Risk factors such as age, PCOS, endometriosis, smoking, and lifestyle choices can impact fertility.
When to seek help: If you’ve been trying for 12 months (under age 35) or 6 months (age 35+), or if you have known reproductive health issues.
RPSD offers advanced testing and treatment options, including IVF, egg freezing, and male infertility care.

Infertility is more common than many realize—affecting about 1 in 8 couples in the United States. If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, you may be wondering if infertility could be the cause. While only a fertility specialist can provide a diagnosis, there are common signs and risk factors to look out for.

At Reproductive Partners Fertility Center – San Diego (RPSD), our goal is to help individuals and couples better understand their reproductive health and provide the compassionate, expert care needed to achieve their family-building dreams.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or after 6 months if you are 35 or older). It can affect both men and women, and in many cases, multiple factors contribute to the challenge of conceiving.

Signs of Infertility in Women

Some common indicators that infertility may be present include:

Irregular or absent periods – Menstrual cycles that are unpredictable or stop altogether can suggest ovulation issues.
Very heavy or very light bleeding – May indicate hormonal imbalance or uterine conditions.
Severe pelvic pain – Could be related to endometriosis or other reproductive conditions.
History of miscarriage – Recurrent pregnancy loss may signal an underlying fertility issue.
Age 35+ with difficulty conceiving – Fertility naturally declines with age, making earlier evaluation important.

Signs of Infertility in Men

Male infertility is just as common as female infertility, and signs may include:

Problems with sexual function – Difficulty with erections, ejaculation, or low libido.
Testicular pain or swelling – Could indicate structural or hormonal problems.
Abnormal semen analysis – Low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology.
Medical history – Prior cancer treatment, hormonal conditions, or genetic issues may impact fertility.

Risk Factors for Infertility

Certain health and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of infertility in both men and women:

Age (over 35 for women, over 40 for men)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
History of pelvic infections
Smoking, excessive alcohol, or drug use
Obesity or being underweight
Exposure to environmental toxins

When Should I See a Fertility Specialist?

You should consider consulting a fertility specialist if:

You’re under 35 and have been trying for 12 months without success.
You’re 35 or older and have been trying for 6 months.
You have known reproductive health concerns (such as PCOS or endometriosis).
You’ve experienced multiple miscarriages.

At RPSD, our team of board-certified reproductive endocrinologists uses advanced testing and personalized treatment plans to uncover the cause of infertility and help guide you toward the best path forward.

Next Steps at RPSD

If you’re worried about infertility, know that you are not alone. The sooner you seek support, the sooner you can get clarity and explore your options. At RPSD, we offer comprehensive evaluations, advanced fertility treatments such as IVF, egg freezing, and male infertility care, along with compassionate guidance every step of the way.

Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists to begin your fertility journey today.