Can infertility be cured?

Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
Updated on December 30, 2024
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Infertility cannot be universally treated; it requires a specific analysis of each case. For instance, infertility caused by congenital factors, like congenital absence of testicles or uterus, is often difficult to treat. However, infertility resulting from acquired causes, such as sexual dysfunction, abnormal male semen, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts in females, can often be treated with medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilization, and in many cases can be cured.

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Where to apply moxibustion for infertility?

The principle of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for infertility mainly involves nourishing kidney qi, benefiting essence and blood, nurturing the Conception and Thoroughfare Vessels, and regulating menstruation as the general principle, through which syndrome differentiation and treatment are applied to treat the condition accordingly. For infertility moxibustion, the following acupuncture points can be selected: The first one is the Guanyuan point, also known as Dantian, located 3 inches below the navel. The second is the Qihai point, located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 1.5 inches below the center of the navel. The third is the Uterus point, located on the lower abdomen, 4 inches below the center of the navel and 3 inches aside from the midline. The fourth is the Sanyinjiao point, located on the inner side of the lower leg, 3 inches above the tip of the medial malleolus. The fifth is the Zusanli point, located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee. These are the main acupuncture points.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
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"What does infertility OC mean?"

Infertility OC refers to the ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization (IVF), commonly divided into long and short protocols. Ovarian stimulation in IVF is done to obtain more eggs for better results. The choice between protocols is not determined by time, but by assessing the patient’s ovarian function. Patients with good ovarian function use the long protocol, while those with poor ovarian function use the short protocol. Although the long protocol takes more time, it provides better ovulation results and a more consistent ovarian response, preventing premature ovulation. The short protocol, although quicker, often has less effective stimulation results and an inconsistent ovarian response, which frequently leads to premature ovulation. Thus, the long protocol is the standard for ovarian stimulation, while the short protocol is a contingency plan used when there is concern that poor ovarian function might prevent follicle development with the long protocol.

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Written by Zhao Min Ying
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Where is the best place to seek treatment for infertility?

After marriage, if neither party has a desire not to have children, and they have cohabited for more than a year with normal sexual activity without using contraception yet are still unable to conceive, they are diagnosed with infertility. Infertility pertains to females, and sterility pertains to males. If infertility is confirmed, one can first visit a local reproductive center for consultation. Currently, the technology and diagnostic methods related to reproduction are mostly uniform everywhere, involving a screening process. Therefore, one can begin by screening at a local reproductive center to identify some possible causes for not conceiving, including issues like ovulatory disorders in the female, fallopian tube factors, the presence of endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, immune factors, and the normalcy of the male sperm. After screening the causes, consider monitoring ovulation and guiding intercourse, or explore assisted reproductive techniques, including artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The best hospital for assisted reproduction in the country is Peking University Third Hospital. However, the level of assisted reproduction technology is similar nationwide, and facilities are continuously learning and sharing techniques, so one can choose a local center based on personal circumstances.

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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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When should immune infertility be investigated?

Immunological infertility can be tested by blood draw at the hospital at any time, and it has no relation to menstruation. If a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year without contraception and has not become pregnant, they should visit the hospital for examination. If the examination shows normal ovulation, reproductive tract function, and no pathological factors are found, and the male partner’s semen analysis is within the normal range, then immunological infertility should be considered. Tests related to immunological infertility should be conducted. If there are issues, isolated treatment methods can be used for three to six months. If necessary, under the guidance of a doctor, oral immunological agents or a combination of traditional Chinese medicine can be used for treatment.