How is infertility caused?

Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
Updated on September 22, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhao Min Ying
Reproductive Medicine
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Where is the best place to seek treatment for infertility?

After marriage, if neither party has a desire not to have children, and they have cohabited for more than a year with normal sexual activity without using contraception yet are still unable to conceive, they are diagnosed with infertility. Infertility pertains to females, and sterility pertains to males. If infertility is confirmed, one can first visit a local reproductive center for consultation. Currently, the technology and diagnostic methods related to reproduction are mostly uniform everywhere, involving a screening process. Therefore, one can begin by screening at a local reproductive center to identify some possible causes for not conceiving, including issues like ovulatory disorders in the female, fallopian tube factors, the presence of endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, immune factors, and the normalcy of the male sperm. After screening the causes, consider monitoring ovulation and guiding intercourse, or explore assisted reproductive techniques, including artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The best hospital for assisted reproduction in the country is Peking University Third Hospital. However, the level of assisted reproduction technology is similar nationwide, and facilities are continuously learning and sharing techniques, so one can choose a local center based on personal circumstances.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can uterine bleeding cause infertility?

Uterine bleeding can be normal or abnormal. Normal uterine bleeding refers to menstruation, which does not lead to infertility. Lack of uterine bleeding may indicate abnormal endocrine function, which could potentially cause infertility. However, if uterine bleeding occurs at times other than menstruation, it is considered abnormal uterine bleeding. There are various causes for abnormal uterine bleeding, and it can affect pregnancy. The most common reason for abnormal uterine bleeding is hormonal imbalance, which leads to irregular ovulation and may result in infertility.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is infertility?

If a couple has been married for a year without using contraception, are not living separately, and have not conceived, or if there has been a history of abortion and no conception has occurred within six months of unprotected sexual activity, then this is considered infertility. Infertility can be due to female factors or male factors, with male infertility also accounting for a significant proportion. Male investigations are relatively simple, non-invasive, and also less expensive, so it is generally advisable to first conduct male tests, followed by female assessments, such as endocrine function, ovulation, uterine lining, fallopian tube examinations, or various biochemical tests, etc.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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Can infertile people get married?

On a voluntary basis, infertile patients who do not have legally specified diseases that impede or postpone marriage can marry. However, marriage is unsuitable in cases such as severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, severe intellectual disabilities such as dementia, and during an active phase of certain communicable diseases. This includes untreated syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS, Hepatitis A, open tuberculosis, leprosy, and others. These diseases may potentially harm the other party, and in such cases, one should not marry or should postpone marriage.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can menstrual irregularity lead to infertility?

Menstrual irregularity simply indicates that ovulation is abnormal, and it does not necessarily mean that there is no ovulation. If ovulation occurs, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Therefore, having irregular periods does not mean pregnancy is impossible, although the chances of conception may be lower. Normally, a woman ovulates once within a month, but if her periods are irregular, it is difficult to pinpoint when ovulation occurs. Generally, about 14 days after ovulation, a normal menstrual period should occur. If there is an extended absence of menstruation, it usually suggests that ovulation has not occurred. If there is a desire for childbirth, treatment to regulate menstruation and promote ovulation may be necessary, as it would be quite difficult to conceive otherwise.