Secondary infertility refers to a condition where a person is unable to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term following the birth of one or more biological children.

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 01, 2025
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Infertility is divided into primary infertility and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to never having been pregnant before, which is called primary infertility. Secondary infertility generally occurs in individuals who have had children or a history of miscarriage and have been unable to conceive again after trying for a year, thus constituting secondary infertility. It is essential for those with secondary infertility to undergo relevant fertility tests at a hospital. Typically, the clinical evaluation includes a semen analysis for the male partner, and for the female partner, tests such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia detection, endocrine examinations, immunological tests, and assessments for fallopian tube patency and related endocrine tests. Generally, through these tests, the cause of secondary infertility can be identified, and treatment can be tailored based on the results. In cases of secondary infertility, the vast majority can achieve conception through targeted treatment.

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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.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can pelvic effusion cause infertility?

Usually, pelvic effusion in women does not lead to infertility. For instance, physiological conditions in women, such as during the menstrual period or around ovulation, can lead to a small amount of leakage in the pelvic cavity. During an ultrasound, this may appear as a small amount of pelvic effusion, which is usually absorbed normally and does not affect pregnancy. However, if a woman's pelvic effusion is due to inflammation, and this inflammation affects the fallopian tubes or ovaries, causing inflammation in these areas, it might impact the woman's ability to conceive normally.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can low estrogen cause infertility?

If a woman's blood test reveals low estrogen levels, it may affect normal conception. Firstly, with low estrogen levels throughout the menstrual cycle, there can't be a peak change, which may lead to abnormal ovulation or anovulation. Additionally, if estrogen levels are low, the endometrium cannot proliferate effectively, leading to insufficient endometrial thickness and making it difficult for the fertilized egg to implant. Some women may conceive despite these issues; however, due to insufficient hormone levels, they may experience abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, threatened miscarriage, or even arrested fetal development.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is secondary infertility easy to treat?

If it is infertility, treatment is relatively difficult and generally not easy. First, for secondary infertility, it depends on the cause. If it's due to fallopian tube blockage, the extent of the blockage needs to be considered. If it is because the ovaries do not ovulate, then it is necessary to go to the hospital for endocrine testing. Treatment should be based on the results of the endocrine tests, and only when hormone levels are normal will there be normal ovulation and clear fallopian tubes. Without problems related to immunity, it is possible to properly prepare for pregnancy. Therefore, if it is secondary infertility, it is essential to go to the hospital for infertility-related examinations to identify any abnormalities and treat them accordingly. Both primary and secondary infertility are difficult to treat.