What to check for infertility

Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
Updated on November 01, 2024
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What tests should be done for infertility? The tests for males are much simpler compared to those for females, primarily focusing on semen analysis as well as prostate and ultrasound examinations. For females, besides examining the development of the internal and external genitalia, checking for inflammation and inflammatory masses, and assessing breast lactation, several specialized tests can also be conducted. These include evaluating the patency of the fallopian tubes by hysterosalpingography, ovarian function tests including basal body temperature (BBT) measurements, vaginal cytology, endometrial examination, and female hormone assessments. Immunological tests include checking for anti-endometrial, anti-ovarian, anti-trophoblast, and anti-sperm antibodies, among others. Ultrasound examinations help in detecting pelvic tumors and uterine conditions, and also in monitoring follicle development and ovulation. Other tests include hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and an analysis of chromosomal abnormalities in the couple.

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Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
1min 52sec home-news-image

How is infertility caused?

Common causes of infertility in women often stem from ovulatory disorders and tubal factors. The common ovulatory disorders mainly include dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, ovarian diseases, and endocrine metabolic diseases such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Other causes include systemic diseases, chronic consumptive diseases, severe malnutrition, excessive obesity, and excessive thinness. The second aspect involves tubal factors, such as inflammation and blockage of the fallopian tubes leading to infertility. The third aspect is uterine factors, which include poor uterine development, uterine abnormalities, endometritis, and endometrial tuberculosis, all of which can cause infertility. The fourth aspect is cervical factors, including cervical myomas, cervical inflammation, and abnormalities in cervical immunological function. The fifth aspect is factors related to the vaginal and perineal areas, where abnormal development, inflammation, and scarring of the vagina can cause infertility. As for men, the causes of infertility include abnormalities in semen, sexual function, and immunological factors. Immunological factors primarily involve the production of antibodies against one's own sperm in the body, causing ejaculated semen to agglutinate with itself and fail to pass through cervical mucus. Thus, from the perspectives of both men and women, these are the main causes of infertility.

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Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
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Is Chinese herbal medicine effective for infertility?

Is Chinese herbal medicine effective for infertility? My answer is definitely yes. Traditional Chinese medicine is a national treasure in our country, and it has good effects on chronic conditions, such as infertility. The main causes of infertility include liver stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm dampness, kidney deficiency, and so on. It’s not only drinking herbal medicine that proves useful for infertility patients. Traditional Chinese medicine also includes other treatments like topical applications, herbal enemas, and hot compresses, providing various effective methods to help patients conceive more quickly. It is important for patients to seek treatment at specialized or official hospitals for effective treatment.

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Written by Zhao Min Ying
Reproductive Medicine
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Precautions for Infertility Examination

Infertility examinations primarily involve tests for both men and women. For men, the examination includes a semen analysis which requires abstinence for 2-7 days. Semen should be collected through masturbation, using a specialized semen collection cup provided by the laboratory. Ordinary condoms should not be used for semen collection. After collection, the semen must be kept warm and promptly delivered back to the laboratory. For women, the examinations include several aspects. First, during the menstrual period, blood is drawn on an empty stomach between the 2nd and 4th days to check hormone levels, and an ultrasound is used to assess the baseline state of the ovaries. Second, between the 3rd and 7th days after the menstrual period ends, when sexual intercourse is prohibited, tests are conducted to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes. These may include hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy, or laparoscopy to evaluate the condition of the fallopian tubes. Third, monitoring ovulation with ultrasound begins from the 8th to 10th day of the menstrual cycle, tracking the development of follicles and the uterine lining until the follicle matures and ovulation occurs.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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Can infertility be treated?

Infertility is treatable. The examination and treatment of infertility are progressive and not just a matter of visiting a doctor once and taking some medication to see immediate effects. Often, it is a prolonged battle that sometimes requires six months, or even one to two years, and requires patience without haste. For many patients with infertility, the course of the disease tends to be long and the condition complex, leading to a relatively long treatment period. Therefore, when dealing with infertility and its treatment, it is advisable to visit the reproductive medicine department of a local public hospital for relevant examinations to avoid unnecessary detours.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can infertility have menstruation?

There are many causes of infertility. Normally, if a couple has been married for a year without using contraception and does not have a child, they are generally diagnosed with infertility. Infertility patients can develop from causes such as hormonal imbalances, which might lead to menstrual disorders and lack of normal ovulation, resulting in infertility. Infections like mycoplasma and chlamydia can also cause infertility, as can immune issues, abnormal ovulation, or problems with the fallopian tubes. However, infertility does not necessarily mean an absence of menstruation. Some patients may have normal menstrual cycles and ovulation. The reason for infertility in such cases might be due to blocked fallopian tubes or other hormonal issues. Therefore, whether an infertility patient has menstruation can vary; some may have a normal menstrual cycle, while others may not.