Will menstruation ahead of schedule lead to infertility?

Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 07, 2025
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Menstruation occurring earlier than expected might lead to infertility. Generally, if a woman's period occurs every 20 days or so, it may be indicative of a shortened luteal phase, which can impact pregnancy. If menstruation consistently occurs earlier, it can affect ovulation and the development of the endometrium, which is disadvantageous for conception. If the advance in timing is significant, it usually suggests poor ovarian function, which can impact the development of follicles and the endometrium, thereby affecting pregnancy. If the cycle is very regular and involves normal follicles, the possibility of pregnancy cannot be ruled out. It is recommended to maintain a good mood and ensure adequate rest.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
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Can you have sexual intercourse before infertility examination?

There are many types of examinations for infertility. If the examination is for male infertility, such as a semen analysis, it is recommended not to have sexual intercourse three days prior to the test. For females, if the examinations involve blood tests or a gynecological ultrasound, intercourse is permissible. However, if the examination includes a routine vaginal discharge test, it is advised not to have sexual intercourse for at least three days beforehand. More stringent timing is required for examinations like hysteroscopy or a fallopian tube radiography. The principle here is to conduct these tests three to seven days after menstruation has ended, in order to complete the fallopian tube radiography and hysteroscopy effectively.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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What is infertility?

Infertility refers to the condition where, despite a couple having regular sexual intercourse without contraception for more than a year, the woman does not become pregnant, at which point infertility is diagnosed. Infertility includes primary infertility and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to those who have never been pregnant before; secondary infertility refers to individuals who have previously given birth or been pregnant but later, despite trying to conceive for over a year without contraception and having regular sexual intercourse, are unable to become pregnant.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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Infertility is divided into several types.

Common classification methods for infertility mainly include the following types: The first type is based on medical history, which can be divided into primary infertility and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to never having been pregnant; secondary infertility refers to having been pregnant before, but after trying to conceive for more than a year, despite having regular sexual intercourse without contraception, there has been no pregnancy. The second type is based on the treatment conditions, which can be divided into absolute infertility and relative infertility. Based on the results of treatment, it can further be classified into temporary infertility and permanent infertility. The third type is based on the causes of infertility, which can be divided into male infertility, female infertility, and infertility affecting both partners.

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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 Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What to eat to regulate the body for cold-induced infertility?

Cold body infertility, in traditional Chinese medicine, is mainly caused by the deficiency of spleen and kidney yang. Clinically, this will manifest as a pattern of deficiency and coldness. At this time, one should first make adjustments through diet. The diet should include more warm foods and less raw, cold, especially frozen foods, and more animal-based foods, which are beneficial for the body, such as beef, lamb, dog meat, fish, shrimp, leeks, pepper, and Sichuan pepper, etc. At the same time, one should also engage in more physical exercise to get the body moving and slightly sweating, which can improve the cold constitution and increase the chance of conception.