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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How long does it take to be considered infertile when trying to conceive?

Pregnancy for women requires a certain amount of time to be successful, and if one cannot become pregnant in the short term, it does not necessarily mean infertility. It could be due to irregular ovulation or incorrect timing of sexual activity. In clinical practice, it is generally considered that if one has been trying to conceive normally without deliberate contraception and still cannot become pregnant after a year, then infertility should be diagnosed. For cases where conception hasn't occurred after a year of trying, examinations should be carried out for both partners to determine if there are any pathological factors. First, the male partner should have chromosome and sperm analysis; Second, the female partner should be checked for chromosomal infections, immune factors, rheumatology factors, etc. After clearly identifying the reasons, interventions should be made as much as possible to guide normal conception.

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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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Do you test for TPPA for infertility?

TPPA testing is a diagnostic test for syphilis, used in cases of infertility. Typically, general hospitals do not include syphilis testing. If there is a high risk of syphilis, such as if either partner has a history of unprotected sexual intercourse, or if syphilis is suspected during pre-marital, prenatal, or pre-pregnancy examinations finding TP positive, a request can be made for TPPA testing. Diagnosis of syphilis requires both TPPA and RPR titers; the condition is assessed based on these two indicators.

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Can qi and blood deficiency lead to infertility?

Insufficient qi and blood can indirectly cause infertility. Symptoms of insufficient qi and blood include dizziness, weakness, poor sleep quality, and pale complexion. These conditions can lead to changes in menstruation, such as delays in the onset of periods and reduced menstrual flow; the color may also become lighter. There is a direct relationship between menstruation and infertility, which suggests that women with insufficient qi and blood may experience infertility symptoms due to this deficiency.

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How many people are infertile?

The infertility rate in our country is around 12%. According to the data released by the China Population Association and the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the infertility rate among couples of childbearing age in China has climbed from 2.5%-3% twenty years ago to about 12%-15% this year, with the number of affected individuals exceeding 50 million. Among these 50 million patients, 50% are women, 40% are men, and about 10% are cases involving both partners. With increasing environmental pollution, delayed childbearing age, and growing life pressures, the number of couples experiencing infertility continues to rise.