When should infertility be investigated?

Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
Updated on May 02, 2025
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There are many reasons for infertility, involving factors from the male, the female, or both. The specific timing for testing cannot be generalized and should be determined based on the test required. For male factors, if a semen analysis is needed, it is best to abstain from ejaculation for two to seven days and conduct the test in the morning. If testing involves blood work for six sexual hormones, it should be done in the morning on an empty stomach. A prostate examination requires urine retention before the test. For female factors causing infertility, blood tests should also be done in the morning on an empty stomach. Hysterosalpingography should be scheduled to avoid the menstrual period, ideally two to seven days after the period ends. Consult a professional physician for other specific tests.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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Infertility blood tests test for what?

Patients with infertility undergo numerous blood tests. Firstly, these tests can determine the blood types and general blood profiles of both partners. Secondly, the tests examine the sex hormones of both individuals to check for any endocrine abnormalities. Thirdly, they can detect infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and herpes zoster. Lastly, the tests can assess the chromosomes of both partners to identify any genetic issues.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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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Written by Gan Hai Ying
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why does premature ovarian failure cause infertility?

The primary reason that premature ovarian failure leads to infertility is due to the decline in ovarian function it causes. Reduced ovarian function results in insufficient secretion of estrogen levels within the body. Consequently, the follicles on the ovaries do not develop and mature, and without mature egg cells, the sperm and egg cannot meet, which leads to infertility. Additionally, women with premature ovarian failure experience low hormone levels that prevent changes in the uterine lining, making it unsuitable for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterine cavity, which also causes infertility. Premature ovarian failure in women often leads to infertility. Therefore, it is difficult for women with this condition to conceive. If childbearing is desired, after treatment to regulate menstruation, it may be necessary to use assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization to achieve pregnancy.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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Treatment methods for infertility

The main treatment methods for infertility include medication, surgical treatment, and assisted reproductive technologies. Medication can target endocrine abnormalities and reproductive tract infections in both males and females. Surgical treatment can be aimed at conditions such as varicocele in males and uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts in females. Assisted reproductive technologies primarily address severe oligospermia in males and tubal blockages in females, among other common diseases. It is recommended to visit the reproductive medicine department of a local public hospital to clarify the cause of infertility and receive targeted treatment. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.