How does infertility arise?

Written by Zhao Min Ying
Reproductive Medicine
Updated on January 22, 2025
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Couples who live together and have normal sexual relations without any contraceptive measures for over a year are diagnosed with female infertility in the case of the woman, and male infertility in the case of the man. Infertility is related to many factors. For men, the main factors are abnormalities in the semen, which include low sperm count, weak sperm motility or even a complete absence of sperm, as well as sexual dysfunction, where various factors prevent the completion of normal sexual activities. For women, the main factors include, first, ovulatory disorders, which are primarily abnormalities in menstruation, although some may have normal menstruation but still experience ovulatory disorders. Second, factors related to the fallopian tubes; these can include previous conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease, appendicitis, etc., or infections caused during procedures involving the uterine cavity leading to blockages in the fallopian tubes, which can be diagnosed via hysterosalpingography. Third, conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, which can also affect the chances of pregnancy. Fourth, factors related to the uterus, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, and malformations, which can create barriers to pregnancy. Lastly, some immunological factors, including antisperm antibodies or other antibody factors, etc.

Other Voices

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
1min 3sec home-news-image

Infertility means the inability to conceive (get pregnant) after a year or more of regular sexual activity without contraception.

Many people are not clear about the difference between infertility and sterility, thinking that infertility refers to the inability of a woman to conceive, while sterility refers to the inability of a man to reproduce. Actually, this understanding is incorrect, or rather, incomplete. Infertility should be defined as a couple living together for more than a year, having normal sexual intercourse without contraception, and being unable to cause pregnancy in the female, which is called infertility. Sterility, on the other hand, refers to the situation where the female can get pregnant but cannot give birth. Therefore, there is a certain difference between the two. There are primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to those who have never been pregnant or given birth before. Secondary infertility refers to those who have previously been pregnant or given birth, but later, due to some reason or disease, are unable to conceive after living together for more than a year, which is called secondary infertility.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do Nabothian cysts of the cervix cause infertility?

Women with cervical Nabothian cysts will not become infertile because of them. Cervical Nabothian cysts are actually cysts of the cervical glands. Abnormal substances, such as squamous epithelium during the healing process, have entered the gland ducts, blocking them and preventing the contents of the cysts from escaping. They merely indicate the squamo-columnar junction of the cervix and do not affect the cervical canal or cause it to narrow, nor do they affect vaginal secretions or female infertility. However, if a woman has a particularly large single cervical cyst or multiple cervical gland cysts, they may cause cervical hypertrophy. When the cervix is enlarged, there might be hyperplasia in the interstitial part and possible formation of fibrous tissue. This could potentially affect the dilation of the cervix during childbirth.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 11sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have irregular menstruation and infertility?

If menstrual irregularities lead to infertility, the first step is to go to the hospital for an endocrine test. Menstrual irregularities generally indicate a dysfunction in ovarian function. At this time, you can go to the hospital for a blood test, which should be done on the second to fifth day of the menstrual period. It is important to fast before the blood test. After the blood test, treatment should be based on the results. Generally, patients with menstrual irregularities experience ovulation disorders or ovarian secretion dysfunction, causing abnormal hormone levels in the body, which are not conducive to egg implantation and development. Therefore, if menstrual irregularities lead to infertility, it is essential to undergo relevant medical examinations at the hospital and then treat based on the findings. Moreover, if you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, be sure to undergo other infertility tests.

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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.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is female infertility?

Infertility is a reproductive disorder caused by various etiologies, representing an adverse reproductive health event for couples of childbearing age. For women, if there is no contraception and they have had sexual intercourse for at least 12 months without conceiving, a diagnosis of infertility can be made. In men, this condition is referred to as sterility. Infertility can be divided into two main categories: primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility is when a person has never conceived despite not using contraception, whereas secondary infertility occurs when a person has previously been pregnant but fails to conceive again after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.