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Infertility
Can infertility be cured?
Infertility is mostly curable, and the causes can stem from the male partner, the female partner, or both. The first step is to identify the cause, and then under the guidance of a specialist, different treatment methods are adopted according to different causes. Common treatments include medication, surgical treatment, and when necessary, assisted reproductive technologies can be used. Assisted reproductive technologies have been a beacon of hope for many infertile couples, allowing them to successfully conceive and fulfill their desires to have children.
Can fallopian tube cysts cause infertility?
If it has been confirmed that there is a fallopian tube cyst, further examination is still needed to determine whether the fallopian tube cyst affects normal conception. If the fallopian tube cyst causes narrowing or blockage of the fallopian tube lumen, it may decrease the likelihood of normal conception or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. If the cyst on the fallopian tube does not affect the spaciousness of the entire lumen or cause any blockage of the fallopian tube, it generally will not have any impact on normal conception.
What are the precautions for infertility?
For women with infertility, it is first necessary to determine the survival rate of the man's sperm by conducting a sperm test. Additionally, women need to undergo routine examinations and follicle checks. If there are no issues found, a fallopian tube examination should be done for the woman. In daily life, it is important to ensure adequate sleep and to pay attention to rest and avoid alcohol and tobacco. Furthermore, it is crucial to eliminate tension, adjust one’s mindset, and adopt a positive attitude. Bad habits such as staying up late and pulling all-nighters need to be changed.
Infertility is what it means.
I think it's important to first clarify the definition of infertility, which is defined as couples living together for over two years with regular sexual activity, not using contraception, and not conceiving. Those who have never conceived without contraception after marriage are defined as primary infertility, while those who have been pregnant before and then, without using contraception, have not conceived again for two years are defined as secondary infertility. According to the World Health Organization's manual on standard examinations and diagnoses for infertile couples, the clinical standard for infertility is defined as one year. However, currently, we think that individuals who have had regular sexual activity without contraception and have not conceived for over a year should be advised to visit a specialized hospital and consult the gynecology or traditional Chinese medicine departments to investigate the causes of infertility.
Secondary infertility is how it comes about?
Secondary infertility is when a woman has been pregnant before but has not conceived after a year of not using contraception. The causes of secondary infertility are divided into male factors and female factors. Common male infertility factors include older age or habitual smoking and drinking, leading to decreased sperm quality. Female infertility factors are more numerous, such as excessive sexual activity during reproductive years or weak immune system leading to pelvic inflammatory disease. This inflammation can affect the fallopian tubes, causing blockages and resulting in infertility due to tubal factors; it can also spread to the endometrium, causing endometritis and altering the intrauterine environment, making conception difficult. Some women may suffer from endometriosis, which can also lead to infertility. In some cases, women who have had uterine procedures may experience adhesions in the cervical canal and uterine cavity or abnormal uterine shapes, leading to infertility. Additionally, some women experience significant blood loss after childbirth, leading to pituitary necrosis, hormonal imbalances, and ovulation disorders, which can affect normal 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 are the tests for infertility?
For infertility examinations, men typically undergo a routine semen analysis to check for any abnormalities. If there are abnormalities in the semen analysis, further testing might be needed for conditions such as varicocele or inflammation of the testicles and epididymis. For women, the examinations generally focus on the fallopian tubes to ensure they are patent, usually assessed through hysterosalpingography or a tubal patency test. Additionally, infertility tests include an ultrasound to monitor the follicles and check for any organic diseases in the uterus and ovaries. For women with menstrual irregularities, it's crucial to perform an endocrine test, specifically the six-item sex hormone check, as normal hormonal levels are necessary for regular menstruation and ovulation, and for the normal development of a fertilized egg. Other investigations for infertility might cover immune-related infertility among others, which require specific hospital tests. Moreover, if there has been a previous incidence of miscarriage, tests might include chromosomal analysis, tests for hemolysis, mycoplasma testing, and a set of tests for genetic counseling, all of which are part of the infertility examination process.
What are the causes of male infertility?
There are many diseases or factors that can lead to male infertility, leading to azoospermia, severe oligospermia, and oligozoospermia, as well as normospermic infertility, polyspermia, asthenospermia, etc. The main causes can be summarized in the following points: First, male sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and anejaculation, can all cause male infertility. Second, abnormalities in sperm structure and seminal plasma can affect sperm motility, capacity, and reaction. Third, obstruction of the vas deferens affects the transport of sperm. Fourth, infection of the reproductive tract. Fifth, endocrine disorders, including deficiencies in gonadotropins. Sixth, chromosomal abnormalities, including the common pseudohermaphroditism chromosome.
Will taking melatonin cause infertility in women?
Taking melatonin daily will not cause infertility in women. Melatonin can help with sleep and regulate immune function, but for women around 30 years old experiencing poor sleep, it should not be taken frequently. Since it is a hormonal medication, long-term use can not only have adverse effects on the body but also lead to dependency. During this period, women should ensure proper rest, engage in appropriate daytime activities, and maintain a regular lifestyle to help improve sleep quality. Additionally, maintaining a good mood is important. If you feel particularly depressed, it is advisable to consult a psychologist.
Why am I infertile after a cesarean section?
Infertility after cesarean section may be due to the manipulation of surgical instruments on the uterus or postoperative puerperal infection, leading to pelvic inflammation and fallopian tube blockage, resulting in infertility. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to hygiene during the puerperium after a cesarean section, monitor the recovery of the uterus and the lochia, and observe the color and odor of the lochia daily. If the uterus does not recover well, and the lochia is excessive or persists for a long time, it is important to seek medical advice early. If there is a foul odor, timely treatment is necessary to avoid chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. It is also essential to get out of bed and move around timely to prevent the formation of venous thrombosis.