How many people are infertile?

Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
Updated on September 02, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Can acute salpingitis cause infertility?

If there is inflammation in the fallopian tubes, it can potentially lead to infertility. Inflammation causes the fallopian tubes to thicken, affecting their function. Firstly, the function of the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube is impacted, which affects the tube's ability to capture eggs. Secondly, the inflammation can affect the union of sperm and egg within the fallopian tube, making fertilization difficult. Moreover, inflammation of the fallopian tubes can also increase the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy. This happens because when the fallopian tubes are inflamed, their ability to transport the fertilized egg to the uterus is impaired, leading to ectopic pregnancies. Therefore, it is crucial for women with fallopian tube inflammation to undergo adequate anti-inflammatory treatment before trying to conceive. Commonly used medications include cephalosporins and penicillin.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of infertility

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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Is soaking feet useful for infertility?

Whether soaking feet is beneficial for patients with infertility should be analyzed based on specific circumstances, rather than generalized. For patients with a cold uterus, soaking feet can increase blood circulation, relieve the coldness of the uterus, and facilitate the implantation of the embryo. However, the duration of soaking should not be too long, nor should the water be too hot, as this may affect the survival and development of the embryo. For patients who do not have a cold uterus, there is no need to soak their feet. It is advisable to consult a professional doctor about whether to soak feet or not. Ideally, consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to diagnose your physical condition before deciding if you should soak your feet and for how long.

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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.