11 Physical Signs It Might Be Difficult For You To Get Pregnant, According To Science

If your period is super painful, or your flow is extremely heavy, it may be an indication that you might have trouble getting pregnant. "Severe menses pain ... could indicate the possibility of endometriosis," says Pittman, which is an issue that affects up to 10 percent of women of reproductive age. Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of your uterus — what you typically shed during your period — grows outside of your uterus, leading to extreme menstrual cramps. And studies show it can affect fertility.

"[A] pelvic exam can detect nodules (endometrial implants) behind the uterus and along the ligaments that attach to the pelvic wall, but the only definitive method for diagnosing endometriosis is surgical," Pittman says. "Often the first approach is to treat it with medication and/or hormonal therapy." An endometriosis diagnosis doesn't mean you can't get pregnant, though. Speaking with a doctor on ways to potentially make getting pregnant easier when you're ready to conceive could be the best option to receive the support you need.

Severe and painful periods might also be due to uterine fibroids, or noncancerous growths within the uterus, which can affect between 20 to 80 percent of women by the time they reach 50. "Although not all types of fibroids affect conception, the ones that do can impede the embryo implantation in the uterus, or the growth of the embryo once inside the implanted uterus," says Pittman. "A simple gynecological ultrasound can detect uterine fibroids." And if your OB/GYN does find fibroids, this doesn't mean you won't be able to get pregnant. Discussing further treatments can help increase the likelihood that you will conceive.

If you have the painful periods mentioned above, "as well as painful intercourse, and urinary and/or rectal pain right before and during your period," Pittman says it could be yet another sign of endometriosis or uterine fibroids, which may possibly translate to difficulties getting pregnant.

While there are other issues that can cause pain during sex, such as dryness or a genital infection, it may be something worth looking into if you think it might affect your fertility.

If may also be time to make a doctor's appointment if you would like to get pregnant, but can't remember the last time you had your period. "The absence of a period can indicate there is no ovulation," says Pittman. "A lack of ovulation means there is no egg growing or maturing to be fertilized by a sperm," says Pittman. There are many reasons why this could be, Pittman says. "Evaluation would include a detailed medical history, hormonal testing, and an ultrasound." And once you know what may be causing infrequent periods, you and your doctor can develop a strategy to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Do you have an irregular period and excessive acne? "These physical symptoms often indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)," says Pittman. "It is caused by a hormonal imbalance often resulting in immature eggs that are not released during ovulation."

And studies show PCOS can affect fertility. "PCOS is estimated to affect up to 10 percent of women of reproductive age," Pittman says. If you suspect you might have this syndrome, talk with your doctor. Not everyone with PCOS will have infertility issues, but if you are having difficulties getting pregnant, your doctor can help figure out strategies to increase your chances.

Tiredness has about a million causes, so if you've been feeling a bit run down, don't assume you won't get be able to get pregnant. It could be that you're not sleeping well, or that you have an underlying condition that's slowing you down, like an infection.

But if you're trying to conceive and aren't having any luck, your ongoing tiredness may point to a thyroid gland hormonal imbalance. As Pittman says, "Low levels of its hormones called hypothyroidism directly affect conception and increases chances of miscarriage. Up to 4 percent of women of reproductive age can be affected by it. A simple blood test can rule this option out." Treating hypothyroidism may increase your chances of becoming pregnant, so consult your doctor if you receive this diagnosis and would like to conceive.

You shouldn't ignore chronic pelvic pain, either, since it may be a sign of one of several issues that can affect fertility. "Endometriosis, abdominal surgeries, and a history of pelvic inflammatory diseases, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, can cause scarring of or around the Fallopian tubes," says Richard Davis. "Symptoms may be severe menstrual cramps or chronic pelvis pain." Chronic pelvic pain does not always indicate that you will have difficulties getting pregnant, so be sure to speak with your doctor if this is a concern.

If you have one of the aforementioned infections, or another type of infection, Pittman says you might notice vaginal discharge. Any type of pelvic inflammatory disease "can impede the fertilization of the egg with the sperm in the Fallopian tubes, where it normally occurs," Pittman says. "It also can cause ectopic pregnancies." It is important to note that certain types of vaginal discharge are common, and doesn't necessarily mean fertility issues. But if you have been diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease, it may be treated with antibiotics. If you are having further difficulties after medication, contact your doctor about next steps.

This one may sound strange, but pay attention to any sort of discharge coming from your nipples. "Milky nipple discharge may reflect elevated pituitary hormone called prolactin and can result in infertility and/or miscarriage," Mark P. Trolice, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist tells Bustle. Trolice says the relationship between prolactin and reproduction is very well established, so this symptom is not something you should ignore.

Light spotting a day or two before your period is no cause for concern, but if you're noticing spotting occurring many days before your period, you might want to take note. "Several days of precycle spotting before menses [...] can be related to ovulatory dysfunction, ovarian aging, or other uterine/endometrial dysfunction," Dr. Amber Cooper, a Celmatix Board Advisory member, tells Bustle.

Keep in mind, though, that it's important not to self-diagnose. If you're on a hormonal birth control pill, that can affect the symptoms listed above. And you have to take other factors, such as your family history, into account when determining your fertility. If you feel like you might have symptoms that point to fertility issues, it's best to talk with your doctor about your options. Though you may be experiencing difficulties getting pregnant, it may not mean it's impossible.