Infertility is what it means.

Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
Updated on January 24, 2025
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I think it's important to first clarify the definition of infertility, which is defined as couples living together for over two years with regular sexual activity, not using contraception, and not conceiving. Those who have never conceived without contraception after marriage are defined as primary infertility, while those who have been pregnant before and then, without using contraception, have not conceived again for two years are defined as secondary infertility. According to the World Health Organization's manual on standard examinations and diagnoses for infertile couples, the clinical standard for infertility is defined as one year. However, currently, we think that individuals who have had regular sexual activity without contraception and have not conceived for over a year should be advised to visit a specialized hospital and consult the gynecology or traditional Chinese medicine departments to investigate the causes of infertility.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhao Min Ying
Reproductive Medicine
58sec home-news-image

Will infertility cause amenorrhea?

The WHO defines infertility as the condition when both the husband and wife have no desire to remain childless. If they cohabit for more than a year with normal sexual relations and without taking any contraceptive measures and still fail to conceive, they are diagnosed with infertility. Infertility and irregular menstruation are not related, nor does infertility lead to amenorrhea. Amenorrhea or irregular menstruation is due to endocrine reasons. This requires blood tests for six hormone levels, thyroid function, and some endocrine metabolism indicators. These can cause difficulty in conceiving and lead to ovulation disorders. Infertility does not cause amenorrhea, but if amenorrhea occurs, it might affect pregnancy and lead to infertility. This is the relationship between them.

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

Infertility cannot be universally treated with IVF; it requires specific analysis of each case. Before considering IVF, a pre-operative assessment is necessary to determine if the criteria for IVF are met. Infertility can be caused by male factors, female factors, or unknown reasons. Male factors can be addressed with artificial insemination or third-generation IVF. Female factors, like tubal issues, are suitable for IVF. If ovarian factors can stimulate follicle production, IVF is also possible. However, uterine factors causing infertility preclude the use of IVF.

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Written by Zhao Min Ying
Reproductive Medicine
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Where is the best place to seek treatment for infertility?

After marriage, if neither party has a desire not to have children, and they have cohabited for more than a year with normal sexual activity without using contraception yet are still unable to conceive, they are diagnosed with infertility. Infertility pertains to females, and sterility pertains to males. If infertility is confirmed, one can first visit a local reproductive center for consultation. Currently, the technology and diagnostic methods related to reproduction are mostly uniform everywhere, involving a screening process. Therefore, one can begin by screening at a local reproductive center to identify some possible causes for not conceiving, including issues like ovulatory disorders in the female, fallopian tube factors, the presence of endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, immune factors, and the normalcy of the male sperm. After screening the causes, consider monitoring ovulation and guiding intercourse, or explore assisted reproductive techniques, including artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The best hospital for assisted reproduction in the country is Peking University Third Hospital. However, the level of assisted reproduction technology is similar nationwide, and facilities are continuously learning and sharing techniques, so one can choose a local center based on personal circumstances.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
1min 5sec home-news-image

Infertility is what it means.

I think it's important to first clarify the definition of infertility, which is defined as couples living together for over two years with regular sexual activity, not using contraception, and not conceiving. Those who have never conceived without contraception after marriage are defined as primary infertility, while those who have been pregnant before and then, without using contraception, have not conceived again for two years are defined as secondary infertility. According to the World Health Organization's manual on standard examinations and diagnoses for infertile couples, the clinical standard for infertility is defined as one year. However, currently, we think that individuals who have had regular sexual activity without contraception and have not conceived for over a year should be advised to visit a specialized hospital and consult the gynecology or traditional Chinese medicine departments to investigate the causes of infertility.