Can infertility be inherited?

Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
Updated on March 07, 2025
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Regarding the question of whether infertility is hereditary, we cannot generalize. We should analyze specific situations individually. For infertility caused by chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, it may be inherited by offspring. In such cases, one should choose targeted treatments under the guidance of a specialist. However, infertility due to non-genetic factors can often be cured through proactive treatment. Usually, the female can conceive and the condition will not be passed on to the offspring. For better treatment and diagnosis, it is recommended to visit a reputable public hospital locally to get a clear diagnosis and treatment, which can save both time and money.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhao Min Ying
Reproductive Medicine
1min 16sec home-news-image

How to diagnose infertility

When a couple lives together, has regular sexual intercourse without contraception for over a year, and does not conceive, it is termed infertility. If it concerns the female, it is called infertility, and if it concerns the male, it is called sterility. If a woman has previously been pregnant or has a history of childbirth or pregnancy, it is known as secondary infertility. If she has never been pregnant or had a childbirth, it is considered primary infertility. The same categories apply to males: those with a history of fathering a child, regardless of with which partner, are described as having secondary sterility, whereas those who have never impregnated a woman suffer from primary sterility. To diagnose infertility or sterility, one needs to undergo relevant medical checks at a hospital's reproductive medicine department. These examinations include ovulation monitoring, endocrine tests, gynecological examinations for women, and semen analyses and fallopian tube inspections for men, among others.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of infertility?

There are many causes of infertility, so depending on different reasons, the clinical manifestations also vary. For instance, some women suffer from infertility due to abnormal ovulation, which could manifest as abnormalities in the menstrual cycle such as prolonged absence of menstruation, like in polycystic ovary syndrome, or irregular vaginal bleeding. Some women have uterine factors that cause infertility, such as common post-multiple intrauterine operations leading to intrauterine adhesions, where a woman might experience reduced menstrual flow or even amenorrhea, accompanied by painful menstruation. Additionally, infertility in some women might be due to cervical factors, possibly presenting with thick vaginal discharge, contact bleeding, or blood-tinged discharge. Partially, some women might have ovarian endometriomas, which can cause severe painful menstruation and increased menstrual volume, among other symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can a cold uterus and overall body coldness lead to infertility?

Cold womb and overall bodily coldness can lead to infertility. Since a cold womb and overall coldness can cause menstrual irregularities, scanty menstrual flow, and painful menstruation, it is essential to expel the cold promptly. Firstly, drinking ginger water can warm the womb and dispel coldness, or drinking brown sugar water can also effectively regulate these conditions. Moreover, it is important to avoid cold and raw foods in your diet; instead, focus on consuming warm foods and drink plenty of plain hot water to accelerate the healing process.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Is infertility immunotherapy effective?

Infertility immunotherapy is effective, first looking at the cause of infertility. If infertility arises due to immune dysfunction, immunotherapy can be employed for targeted treatment at that time. If it is caused by fallopian tube blockage, tubal hydrotubation can be performed, followed by further fallopian tube treatment. Furthermore, if infertility is caused by anovulation of the ovaries, initially monitor the follicles via ultrasound. If indeed the follicles are not ovulating, medication can be used to stimulate ovulation. If infertility is caused by endocrine disorders, it is essential to regulate the endocrine system accordingly. Therefore, whether infertility immunotherapy is useful depends on the cause. If infertility occurs due to immune dysfunction, immunotherapy can be effective. If infertility is caused by other reasons, immunotherapy will be ineffective, hence it is crucial to evaluate the situation accordingly.

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Written by Zhao Min Ying
Reproductive Medicine
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How is infertility defined?

If a couple is under 35 years old, cohabiting, having regular sexual intercourse, and has not used any contraception for over a year, the woman is diagnosed with infertility and the man with male infertility. For couples over 35 years old, cohabiting, having regular sexual intercourse, and not using any contraception for over half a year, the woman is diagnosed with infertility. After a diagnosis of infertility or sterility, it is necessary to visit a local reproductive center for further infertility-related examinations, including semen analysis for the man, ovulation monitoring for the woman, endocrine tests, and fallopian tube examinations, among others.