What is female infertility?

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 08, 2025
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Infertility is a reproductive disorder caused by various etiologies, representing an adverse reproductive health event for couples of childbearing age. For women, if there is no contraception and they have had sexual intercourse for at least 12 months without conceiving, a diagnosis of infertility can be made. In men, this condition is referred to as sterility. Infertility can be divided into two main categories: primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility is when a person has never conceived despite not using contraception, whereas secondary infertility occurs when a person has previously been pregnant but fails to conceive again after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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Where is a good place to treat infertility?

The best treatment for infertility is to visit reputable public hospitals or specialized reproductive medicine institutions in your area. Treating infertility often isn't a matter of days, nor can it be resolved simply with medication or injections. It requires a clear diagnosis of the cause, and treatment should be targeted accordingly. For instance, if the cause is related to the male partner, he should receive treatment; if it's related to the female partner, she should be treated. Therefore, choosing these reputable reproductive medical institutions for effective examinations and accurate diagnoses is vital for effective treatment and to avoid wasting time and money.

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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 Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can cold in the uterus cause infertility?

Cold in the uterus can lead to infertility. It can affect the vitality of sperm and create an environment unsuitable for fetal development. Women with cold in the uterus should avoid getting cold, especially avoid eating cold drinks and cold foods during menstruation and can eat more blood-nourishing foods like donkey-hide gelatin and deer antler glue after menstruation. There are many treatment methods for cold in the uterus, including using Chinese medicine to warm the kidneys and dispel cold, as well as external application of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. During menstruation, patients with cold in the uterus should eat more walnuts, dates, and peanuts to nourish qi and warm the body.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
50sec home-news-image

What is female infertility?

Infertility is a reproductive disorder caused by various etiologies, representing an adverse reproductive health event for couples of childbearing age. For women, if there is no contraception and they have had sexual intercourse for at least 12 months without conceiving, a diagnosis of infertility can be made. In men, this condition is referred to as sterility. Infertility can be divided into two main categories: primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility is when a person has never conceived despite not using contraception, whereas secondary infertility occurs when a person has previously been pregnant but fails to conceive again after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Does having hypothyroidism mean lifelong infertility?

Having hypothyroidism does not necessarily mean permanent infertility. Hypothyroidism primarily involves reduced secretion of thyroid hormones in the body, leading to slowed metabolism. For women, symptoms such as reduced menstrual flow, amenorrhea, or even infertility may occur. However, if diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it is advisable to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly for thyroid hormone replacement therapy. It is recommended to monitor the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) during treatment; many patients with TSH levels below 2.5 can consider pregnancy. Moreover, it is crucial to continue taking thyroid hormones during pregnancy to avoid affecting the fetus.