The difference between infertility and sterility

Written by Kang Jian Hua

Reproductive Center

Updated on December 14, 2024

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In clinical practice, we often mention infertility and sterility, so what is the difference between them? Let us take a look. Infertility refers to a condition where a couple has regular sexual intercourse, does not take any contraceptive measures, and the duration reaches over a year, yet the female cannot become pregnant; this is called infertility. If the male can cause the female to become pregnant, or has previously impregnated a woman, but she cannot carry a baby to term, we call this sterility. This is the difference between infertility and sterility.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

51sec

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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

41sec

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Infertility means.

The concept of infertility in medicine is defined as follows: both male and female partners have normal sexual relations without using any contraceptives, and if the female cannot become pregnant after a year, this condition is diagnosed as infertility. Previously, the time frame for diagnosing infertility was set at two years. However, due to the implementation of the two-child policy, the average age of both men and women tends to be higher, so it is generally limited to one year. If there is no pregnancy within this period, it is urgent to go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment in order to identify the cause early and treat it accordingly, to avoid delaying the condition.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui

Traditional Chinese Medicine

44sec

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What to eat to regulate the body for cold-induced infertility?

Cold body infertility, in traditional Chinese medicine, is mainly caused by the deficiency of spleen and kidney yang. Clinically, this will manifest as a pattern of deficiency and coldness. At this time, one should first make adjustments through diet. The diet should include more warm foods and less raw, cold, especially frozen foods, and more animal-based foods, which are beneficial for the body, such as beef, lamb, dog meat, fish, shrimp, leeks, pepper, and Sichuan pepper, etc. At the same time, one should also engage in more physical exercise to get the body moving and slightly sweating, which can improve the cold constitution and increase the chance of conception.

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Written by Zhao Min Ying

Reproductive Medicine

56sec

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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.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua

Reproductive Center

1min 32sec

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What should an infertile man check?

The definitive diagnosis of male infertility requires determination based on professional examination procedures. Common examinations include the following: First, it is crucial to conduct a medical history interview. The patient should actively cooperate and honestly report their conditions, such as whether they have had mumps, any unsafe sexual behaviors, and what their occupation is. Second, a physical examination, including a general body and reproductive organ examination, is necessary. Special attention should be given to the patient's developmental, nutritional, and mental status, with a focus on the development of the reproductive organs. Third, laboratory tests. The most common is semen analysis. Other tests may be selected based on specific conditions, such as X-ray examinations to determine the location of any blockage in the vas deferens. Techniques such as vasography, epididymography, vas deferens and seminal vesicle radiography, or urethrography can be used. Testicular exams are also performed to assess the condition of the testicles. Additionally, immunological tests, including sperm agglutination and immobilization tests, are used to detect sperm agglutination antibodies or immobilization antibodies in serum or seminal plasma, which help assess the immune status.