The difference between infertility and sterility

Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
Updated on December 14, 2024
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In clinical practice, we often mention infertility and sterility, so what is the difference between them? Let us take a look. Infertility refers to a condition where a couple has regular sexual intercourse, does not take any contraceptive measures, and the duration reaches over a year, yet the female cannot become pregnant; this is called infertility. If the male can cause the female to become pregnant, or has previously impregnated a woman, but she cannot carry a baby to term, we call this sterility. This is the difference between infertility and sterility.

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Why does endometriosis cause infertility?

Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility. The reasons endometriosis leads to infertility mainly include the following aspects: First, if endometriosis occurs above the ovaries, this condition is referred to as ovarian chocolate cysts. This disease can cause ovarian ovulation disorders. Second, endometriosis easily leads to pelvic adhesions, which can affect the function of the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the fimbrial end of the tubes to capture eggs. Endometriosis is very common among women with infertility; therefore, a thorough examination is essential when screening for causes of infertility. If endometriosis is present, surgical or medical treatment should be chosen to improve the symptoms of endometriosis as much as possible and alleviate the causes of infertility.

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What are the causes of male infertility?

There are many diseases or factors that can lead to male infertility, leading to azoospermia, severe oligospermia, and oligozoospermia, as well as normospermic infertility, polyspermia, asthenospermia, etc. The main causes can be summarized in the following points: First, male sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and anejaculation, can all cause male infertility. Second, abnormalities in sperm structure and seminal plasma can affect sperm motility, capacity, and reaction. Third, obstruction of the vas deferens affects the transport of sperm. Fourth, infection of the reproductive tract. Fifth, endocrine disorders, including deficiencies in gonadotropins. Sixth, chromosomal abnormalities, including the common pseudohermaphroditism chromosome.

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Can infertile people get married?

On a voluntary basis, infertile patients who do not have legally specified diseases that impede or postpone marriage can marry. However, marriage is unsuitable in cases such as severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, severe intellectual disabilities such as dementia, and during an active phase of certain communicable diseases. This includes untreated syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS, Hepatitis A, open tuberculosis, leprosy, and others. These diseases may potentially harm the other party, and in such cases, one should not marry or should postpone marriage.

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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.

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Does abortion pills cause infertility?

In clinical practice, there are many types of abortion drugs. Their primary purpose is to kill the embryo or fetus and then promote uterine contractions to expel the fetus from the uterus. From the perspective of the drugs alone, abortion drugs do not cause infertility because the drugs are metabolized quickly. However, if abortions are performed repeatedly multiple times, this may potentially lead to infertility. The cause of infertility in such cases is not related to the drugs but due to the repeated abortions, which could affect the woman's endometrium, cervix, and fallopian tubes. Therefore, it is advisable for women to minimize unnecessary abortions to reduce the risk of infertility caused by the abortions.