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Infertility
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.
Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?
Women with ovarian chocolate cysts may experience effects on their reproductive function. When the cysts are small, they typically do not significantly impact fertility. However, as the cysts grow in size, they can compress the normal ovarian tissue, causing ovulatory disorders and leading to infertility. Additionally, certain types of ovarian cysts, such as chocolate cysts, can cause adhesions in the female pelvic area. For instance, they may result in abnormal fallopian tube function, leading to infertility due to tubal factors. These cysts may also alter the pelvic environment, making conception difficult. If the ovarian cysts are malignant or capable of secreting hormones, they can also affect normal ovulation, leading to infertility.
What should infertile women check for?
The examination of infertile women mainly includes the following aspects. First is the physical examination, which covers a general examination and an examination of the internal and external genitalia. Through the physical examination, it can be determined whether the female sexual characteristics are normal and whether there are any abnormalities in the development of the external genitalia. The second type of examination is auxiliary examination, the most common of which are blood tests and ultrasound exams. Blood tests can provide information on whether there is any infection, the type of blood, and the endocrine situation. They can also examine chromosomal conditions. Through ultrasound, it is possible to find out if there are any abnormalities in the uterine adnexa. Additionally, there are some special tests, including ovarian function tests, fallopian tube patency tests, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and post-coital tests, among others.
Do you test for TPPA for infertility?
TPPA testing is a diagnostic test for syphilis, used in cases of infertility. Typically, general hospitals do not include syphilis testing. If there is a high risk of syphilis, such as if either partner has a history of unprotected sexual intercourse, or if syphilis is suspected during pre-marital, prenatal, or pre-pregnancy examinations finding TP positive, a request can be made for TPPA testing. Diagnosis of syphilis requires both TPPA and RPR titers; the condition is assessed based on these two indicators.
The seven items of infertility are as follows:
In the examination items for infertility, the seven-item infertility tests are often mentioned. These seven tests include: anti-sperm antibody test, anti-endometrial antibody test, anti-zona pellucida antibody test, anti-trophoblast antibody test, anti-chorionic gonadotropin antibody test, anti-zinc ion antibody test, and anti-ovarian antibody test. Each of these tests targets different conditions. The anti-sperm antibody test and anti-endometrial antibody test are mainly used for the auxiliary diagnosis of immunological infertility. The anti-trophoblast antibody test is mainly used for diagnosing recurrent miscarriage. The anti-chorionic antibody test is primarily for the diagnostic examination of threatened miscarriage. The anti-zona pellucida antibody test is used mainly for the auxiliary diagnosis of premature ovarian failure. The anti-ovarian antibody test is used for conditions such as premature ovarian failure, infertility, menstrual disorders, etc. The anti-chorionic antibody test plays a role in the diagnosis of threatened miscarriage, and the anti-zinc ion antibody test is used for recurrent miscarriage and stillbirth and other related diseases.