How is infertility defined?

Written by Zhao Min Ying

Reproductive Medicine

Updated on March 27, 2025

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If a couple is under 35 years old, cohabiting, having regular sexual intercourse, and has not used any contraception for over a year, the woman is diagnosed with infertility and the man with male infertility. For couples over 35 years old, cohabiting, having regular sexual intercourse, and not using any contraception for over half a year, the woman is diagnosed with infertility. After a diagnosis of infertility or sterility, it is necessary to visit a local reproductive center for further infertility-related examinations, including semen analysis for the man, ovulation monitoring for the woman, endocrine tests, and fallopian tube examinations, among others.

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Can biochemical energy eliminate infertility?

Having one biochemical pregnancy does not necessarily mean that the patient is infertile. Generally, after one biochemical pregnancy, with appropriate adjustment, it is possible to have a normal pregnancy next time. The causes of biochemical pregnancy result from natural selection, most commonly due to defects in the fertilized egg itself, insufficient function of the ovarian corpus luteum, abnormalities in the endometrium, underdeveloped uterus, or conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometrial tuberculosis. These factors can affect the implantation of the fertilized egg. It is advised to undergo thorough pre-pregnancy checks before attempting to conceive again.

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Can cold in the uterus cause infertility?

Cold in the uterus can lead to infertility. It can affect the vitality of sperm and create an environment unsuitable for fetal development. Women with cold in the uterus should avoid getting cold, especially avoid eating cold drinks and cold foods during menstruation and can eat more blood-nourishing foods like donkey-hide gelatin and deer antler glue after menstruation. There are many treatment methods for cold in the uterus, including using Chinese medicine to warm the kidneys and dispel cold, as well as external application of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. During menstruation, patients with cold in the uterus should eat more walnuts, dates, and peanuts to nourish qi and warm the body.

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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.

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When to go for infertility check-ups?

The timing of infertility examinations cannot be generalized and should be determined based on the specific test and gender. For males, the primary tests include semen analysis and sperm morphology exams. These require the male to abstain from ejaculation for 2-7 days because if the abstinence period is too short, less than 48 hours, both sperm quality and semen volume may be low, which does not reflect the true level. Conversely, if the abstinence exceeds seven days, it can also affect the results of the test. For females, if undergoing a six-item hormone test, it is best conducted during days 2-5 of the menstrual cycle. For a fallopian tube patency test, it is safer to conduct it between days 3-7 after the menstrual period has ended. The exact timing of these tests should be advised by the attending physician.

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Is infertility immunotherapy effective?

Infertility immunotherapy is effective, first looking at the cause of infertility. If infertility arises due to immune dysfunction, immunotherapy can be employed for targeted treatment at that time. If it is caused by fallopian tube blockage, tubal hydrotubation can be performed, followed by further fallopian tube treatment. Furthermore, if infertility is caused by anovulation of the ovaries, initially monitor the follicles via ultrasound. If indeed the follicles are not ovulating, medication can be used to stimulate ovulation. If infertility is caused by endocrine disorders, it is essential to regulate the endocrine system accordingly. Therefore, whether infertility immunotherapy is useful depends on the cause. If infertility occurs due to immune dysfunction, immunotherapy can be effective. If infertility is caused by other reasons, immunotherapy will be ineffective, hence it is crucial to evaluate the situation accordingly.