Infertility
Is infertility immunotherapy effective?
Infertility immunotherapy is effective, first looking at the cause of infertility. If infertility arises due to immune dysfunction, immunotherapy can be employed for targeted treatment at that time. If it is caused by fallopian tube blockage, tubal hydrotubation can be performed, followed by further fallopian tube treatment. Furthermore, if infertility is caused by anovulation of the ovaries, initially monitor the follicles via ultrasound. If indeed the follicles are not ovulating, medication can be used to stimulate ovulation. If infertility is caused by endocrine disorders, it is essential to regulate the endocrine system accordingly. Therefore, whether infertility immunotherapy is useful depends on the cause. If infertility occurs due to immune dysfunction, immunotherapy can be effective. If infertility is caused by other reasons, immunotherapy will be ineffective, hence it is crucial to evaluate the situation accordingly.
Which department should I go to for infertility treatment?
For infertility issues, one should first visit a formal hospital. At the hospital, men can choose to see either a traditional Chinese medicine andrologist or a Western medicine andrologist, while women can opt to visit a traditional Chinese medicine infertility specialist, or a gynecology or obstetrics department. After consulting these departments, doctors will conduct various tests to identify and rule out causes of infertility. Then, based on the test results, they will administer targeted treatments or interventions. This approach helps infertility patients to conceive as soon as possible.
Why does endometriosis cause infertility?
Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility. The reasons endometriosis leads to infertility mainly include the following aspects: First, if endometriosis occurs above the ovaries, this condition is referred to as ovarian chocolate cysts. This disease can cause ovarian ovulation disorders. Second, endometriosis easily leads to pelvic adhesions, which can affect the function of the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the fimbrial end of the tubes to capture eggs. Endometriosis is very common among women with infertility; therefore, a thorough examination is essential when screening for causes of infertility. If endometriosis is present, surgical or medical treatment should be chosen to improve the symptoms of endometriosis as much as possible and alleviate the causes of infertility.
Can acute salpingitis cause infertility?
If there is inflammation in the fallopian tubes, it can potentially lead to infertility. Inflammation causes the fallopian tubes to thicken, affecting their function. Firstly, the function of the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube is impacted, which affects the tube's ability to capture eggs. Secondly, the inflammation can affect the union of sperm and egg within the fallopian tube, making fertilization difficult. Moreover, inflammation of the fallopian tubes can also increase the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy. This happens because when the fallopian tubes are inflamed, their ability to transport the fertilized egg to the uterus is impaired, leading to ectopic pregnancies. Therefore, it is crucial for women with fallopian tube inflammation to undergo adequate anti-inflammatory treatment before trying to conceive. Commonly used medications include cephalosporins and penicillin.
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.
What tests are done for secondary infertility?
The most common cause of secondary infertility in women is blocked fallopian tubes. In this case, a hysterosalpingography with iodine oil should be performed to understand the patency of the fallopian tubes and the specific location of the blockage, which can guide future treatment. Additionally, if a woman has abnormal vaginal discharge, a routine gynecological examination should be conducted to check for any cervical lesions. A vaginal secretion test should be performed to see if vaginal inflammation is affecting normal pregnancy. Some women experience infertility after having an abortion or induced abortion, and for these women, it's also worth considering whether uterine issues are causing secondary infertility. A hysteroscopy can be done to investigate this. When a woman experiences secondary infertility, her sexual partner or spouse should also be examined to assess sperm quality and any potential obstacles in the sperm delivery pathway.
Infertility blood tests test for what?
Patients with infertility undergo numerous blood tests. Firstly, these tests can determine the blood types and general blood profiles of both partners. Secondly, the tests examine the sex hormones of both individuals to check for any endocrine abnormalities. Thirdly, they can detect infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and herpes zoster. Lastly, the tests can assess the chromosomes of both partners to identify any genetic issues.
Can Chinese medicine be taken for infertility?
In our clinical work, many patients often have this doubt: Can infertility be treated with Chinese medicine? It can be clearly stated that many diseases can achieve better results through the adjustment with Chinese medicine, and infertility is no exception. However, everyone's basic situation is different, and Chinese medicine cannot guarantee the treatment of all infertility cases. There are many diseases that cause infertility, and many reasons stem from either the male or female partner. There are both functional diseases and organic causes, making it not a simple disease. Issues with either the male or female partner can lead to infertility. It is advised to visit a local reputable public hospital for a detailed examination to determine the cause and then receive targeted treatment, whether through traditional Chinese medicine, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology.
Can qi and blood deficiency lead to infertility?
Insufficient qi and blood can indirectly cause infertility. Symptoms of insufficient qi and blood include dizziness, weakness, poor sleep quality, and pale complexion. These conditions can lead to changes in menstruation, such as delays in the onset of periods and reduced menstrual flow; the color may also become lighter. There is a direct relationship between menstruation and infertility, which suggests that women with insufficient qi and blood may experience infertility symptoms due to this deficiency.
How is infertility caused?
Infertility can occur if there is an issue with either partner. The main factors causing infertility in women include ovulation disorders, fallopian tube factors, and abnormal endometrial receptivity. The primary factors causing infertility in men are abnormal spermatogenesis and ovulation disorders. Common etiological diagnoses generally include ovulation disorders, abnormal semen, fallopian tube abnormalities, unexplained infertility, endometriosis, and other immunological infertility. Additionally, cervical factors can also lead to infertility, such as cervical stenosis, which accounts for more than 5% of cervical factors.