Causes of infertility

Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 15, 2025
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Infertility may be due to factors involving either the male or the female. The main causes of female infertility include ovulatory disorders and fallopian tube factors. Ovulatory disorders may result from dysfunction in ovulation, such as changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, as well as ovarian diseases, with polycystic ovary syndrome being the most common condition that could lead to ovulatory issues. Fallopian tube factors include blockages or inefficiencies, which can also cause infertility in women. Uterine factors can also lead to infertility, including abnormalities of the uterus, inflammation of the endometrium, polyps in the endometrium, and intrauterine adhesions, all of which can affect the implantation of the fertilized egg and cause infertility. Abnormal cervical mucus secretion, cervical inflammation, and an unusual immune environment in cervical mucus that affects sperm passage can also lead to infertility. Male infertility factors primarily include disorders of sperm production and sperm delivery, which may manifest as abnormalities in semen, shown by the absence of sperm, weak sperm, or low sperm count, all contributing to infertility. Additionally, sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation, anejaculation, and erectile dysfunction can also result in male infertility.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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How is infertility caused?

Infertility can occur if there is an issue with either partner. The main factors causing infertility in women include ovulation disorders, fallopian tube factors, and abnormal endometrial receptivity. The primary factors causing infertility in men are abnormal spermatogenesis and ovulation disorders. Common etiological diagnoses generally include ovulation disorders, abnormal semen, fallopian tube abnormalities, unexplained infertility, endometriosis, and other immunological infertility. Additionally, cervical factors can also lead to infertility, such as cervical stenosis, which accounts for more than 5% of cervical factors.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How should one pay attention to diet with infertility?

Infertility requires first identifying the cause of infertility, whether it is related to male factors or female factors. The likelihood of diet affecting infertility is not very high, however, if there is excessive obesity or extreme thinness, appropriate changes need to be made. Relevant examinations should be conducted, such as tests for blood sugar, insulin levels, etc. Patients with infertility should, like everyone else, avoid overly selective eating habits, pay attention to their weight, and maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition intake, and avoid eating junk food.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to regulate infertility caused by cold in the body?

Patients with cold-induced infertility can eat some foods that expel cold, such as adzuki beans, Chinese yam, coix seeds, and jujube, which can effectively help eliminate cold from the body. They can also drink chrysanthemum tea, fat sea, and honeysuckle tea, which can help regulate the body. It is also important to avoid cold, stimulating, and greasy foods, and it is recommended to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to aid digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, methods such as steam sauna, soaking feet in warm water, cupping, and moxibustion can effectively help expel cold and improve symptoms of infertility.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can a ruptured corpus luteum lead to infertility?

The destruction of corpus luteum cells can lead to infertility. The most common issue is the obvious rupture of the corpus luteum, accompanied by excessive pelvic fluid, which requires surgical treatment. Post-surgery, there could be pelvic adhesion, leading to partial fallopian tube adhesion, which may result in blockages or obstructions in the fallopian tubes. Therefore, during pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy may occur, and even infertility, particularly in some women who do not seek timely medical treatment after a corpus luteum rupture. This leads to the spread of pelvic inflammatory disease, which may even develop into chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. It is essential to be cautious and avoid vigorous physical activities to prevent the dangerous rupture of the corpus luteum.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
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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.