Secondary infertility is how it comes about?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 22, 2025
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Secondary infertility is when a woman has been pregnant before but has not conceived after a year of not using contraception. The causes of secondary infertility are divided into male factors and female factors. Common male infertility factors include older age or habitual smoking and drinking, leading to decreased sperm quality. Female infertility factors are more numerous, such as excessive sexual activity during reproductive years or weak immune system leading to pelvic inflammatory disease. This inflammation can affect the fallopian tubes, causing blockages and resulting in infertility due to tubal factors; it can also spread to the endometrium, causing endometritis and altering the intrauterine environment, making conception difficult. Some women may suffer from endometriosis, which can also lead to infertility. In some cases, women who have had uterine procedures may experience adhesions in the cervical canal and uterine cavity or abnormal uterine shapes, leading to infertility. Additionally, some women experience significant blood loss after childbirth, leading to pituitary necrosis, hormonal imbalances, and ovulation disorders, which can affect normal conception.

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What are the reasons for infertility despite having intercourse during the ovulation period?

The reasons for not getting pregnant despite having intercourse during the ovulation period primarily involve considering whether there is an issue with the male partner’s sperm. Additionally, although it is the ovulation period, the development of the follicles must also be examined. If the follicles are undeveloped, or if they are very small, pregnancy is unlikely in such cases. Moreover, the condition of the fallopian tubes should be checked, as both the egg and the sperm need to travel through these tubes. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, it will prevent pregnancy because the sperm and egg cannot meet, leading to infertility.

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Can infertility be cured?

Infertility is mostly curable, and the causes can stem from the male partner, the female partner, or both. The first step is to identify the cause, and then under the guidance of a specialist, different treatment methods are adopted according to different causes. Common treatments include medication, surgical treatment, and when necessary, assisted reproductive technologies can be used. Assisted reproductive technologies have been a beacon of hope for many infertile couples, allowing them to successfully conceive and fulfill their desires to have children.

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Can cold body and cold uterus lead to infertility?

Patients with cold body constitution or cold in the uterus are more likely to experience infertility. Therefore, if one has a cold body constitution, it is important to adjust it promptly. Usually, you can eat some foods that eliminate coldness in the body, such as adzuki beans and coix seeds. Engaging in more physical exercise and sweating can also help expel the coldness through sweat. Alternatively, soaking in warm water, sauna treatments, cupping therapy, and moxibustion are effective methods for expelling internal coldness. These can improve symptoms of a cold constitution and spending more time in the sunlight can also boost the body's immunity.

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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 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.