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Zhao Min Ying
Reproductive Medicine
About me
Associate Chief Physician, Master's degree, studied at Peking University People's Hospital and Beijing University Third Hospital Reproductive Center, engaged in reproductive medicine for many years, with rich clinical experience.
Proficient in diseases
Male and female infertility, assisted reproductive technology, repeated miscarriages, thin endometrium, amenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome, female reproductive endocrinology, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, diagnosis and treatment during perimenopause, premature ovarian failure, various vaginal infections.
Voices
How is infertility defined?
If a couple is under 35 years old, cohabiting, having regular sexual intercourse, and has not used any contraception for over a year, the woman is diagnosed with infertility and the man with male infertility. For couples over 35 years old, cohabiting, having regular sexual intercourse, and not using any contraception for over half a year, the woman is diagnosed with infertility. After a diagnosis of infertility or sterility, it is necessary to visit a local reproductive center for further infertility-related examinations, including semen analysis for the man, ovulation monitoring for the woman, endocrine tests, and fallopian tube examinations, among others.
Precautions for Infertility Examination
Infertility examinations primarily involve tests for both men and women. For men, the examination includes a semen analysis which requires abstinence for 2-7 days. Semen should be collected through masturbation, using a specialized semen collection cup provided by the laboratory. Ordinary condoms should not be used for semen collection. After collection, the semen must be kept warm and promptly delivered back to the laboratory. For women, the examinations include several aspects. First, during the menstrual period, blood is drawn on an empty stomach between the 2nd and 4th days to check hormone levels, and an ultrasound is used to assess the baseline state of the ovaries. Second, between the 3rd and 7th days after the menstrual period ends, when sexual intercourse is prohibited, tests are conducted to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes. These may include hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy, or laparoscopy to evaluate the condition of the fallopian tubes. Third, monitoring ovulation with ultrasound begins from the 8th to 10th day of the menstrual cycle, tracking the development of follicles and the uterine lining until the follicle matures and ovulation occurs.
Can sexual apathy cause infertility?
Sexual indifference is a matter concerning the harmony of sexual life between couples, the stability of their relationship, and the quality of life. Regarding fertility, as long as the couple can have sexual intercourse, the male can ejaculate, and the semen can be deposited into the female reproductive tract, there is a chance of pregnancy. Therefore, from this perspective, mere sexual indifference, as long as intercourse can be completed, does not affect conception. However, if sexual indifference prevents intercourse, then it does affect the possibility of pregnancy. Therefore, ultrasound monitoring of ovulation and guiding intercourse during the ovulation period can increase the chances of pregnancy. When necessary, artificial insemination can also be considered to aid conception.
How does infertility arise?
Couples who live together and have normal sexual relations without any contraceptive measures for over a year are diagnosed with female infertility in the case of the woman, and male infertility in the case of the man. Infertility is related to many factors. For men, the main factors are abnormalities in the semen, which include low sperm count, weak sperm motility or even a complete absence of sperm, as well as sexual dysfunction, where various factors prevent the completion of normal sexual activities. For women, the main factors include, first, ovulatory disorders, which are primarily abnormalities in menstruation, although some may have normal menstruation but still experience ovulatory disorders. Second, factors related to the fallopian tubes; these can include previous conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease, appendicitis, etc., or infections caused during procedures involving the uterine cavity leading to blockages in the fallopian tubes, which can be diagnosed via hysterosalpingography. Third, conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, which can also affect the chances of pregnancy. Fourth, factors related to the uterus, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, and malformations, which can create barriers to pregnancy. Lastly, some immunological factors, including antisperm antibodies or other antibody factors, etc.
What tests are done for infertility?
Couples who have lived together for more than a year and have regular sexual intercourse without using any contraception and still have not conceived are diagnosed with infertility. For men, it is referred to as sterility. Infertility requires couples to visit the reproductive medicine department for relevant infertility tests. The tests for men are simpler, primarily requiring abstinence from sexual activity for two to seven days before undergoing a semen analysis. For women, the tests vary depending on the condition but generally include the following aspects: First, blood tests related to endocrinology are conducted 2 to 4 days into menstruation. Second, from 3 to 7 days after menstruation ends, during which sexual intercourse should be avoided, tests can be conducted to check the patency of the fallopian tubes. Third, ovulation can be monitored by ultrasound from days 9 to 11 of the menstrual cycle until ovulation is confirmed. Additionally, routine gynecological examinations, including checks of the cervix and ultrasound examinations, are also conducted.