Can infertility ovulate?

Written by Zhang Wei Wei

Integrative Medicine

Updated on December 15, 2024

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I would like to discuss the causes of female infertility. The main causes of female infertility are ovulatory disorders and fallopian tube factors. If infertility is primarily due to fallopian tube factors, the patient does not have ovulatory disorders and can ovulate normally. Many cases of infertility are due to ovulatory disorders, which may be caused by ovarian dysfunction leading to persistent anovulation. Some are due to ovarian diseases, underdeveloped ovaries, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, and functional ovarian tumors. Or it could be due to dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis causing anovulation. It could also be due to endocrine metabolic diseases, such as hyperfunction or hypofunction of the thyroid or adrenal cortex, which can lead to anovulation. Therefore, in women with infertility caused by fallopian tube factors, ovulation can occur; if it is caused by ovulatory disorders, it involves ineffective ovulation or an inability to ovulate.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

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How long does it take to be considered infertile when trying to conceive?

Pregnancy for women requires a certain amount of time to be successful, and if one cannot become pregnant in the short term, it does not necessarily mean infertility. It could be due to irregular ovulation or incorrect timing of sexual activity. In clinical practice, it is generally considered that if one has been trying to conceive normally without deliberate contraception and still cannot become pregnant after a year, then infertility should be diagnosed. For cases where conception hasn't occurred after a year of trying, examinations should be carried out for both partners to determine if there are any pathological factors. First, the male partner should have chromosome and sperm analysis; Second, the female partner should be checked for chromosomal infections, immune factors, rheumatology factors, etc. After clearly identifying the reasons, interventions should be made as much as possible to guide normal conception.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua

Reproductive Center

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When to go for infertility check-ups?

The timing of infertility examinations cannot be generalized and should be determined based on the specific test and gender. For males, the primary tests include semen analysis and sperm morphology exams. These require the male to abstain from ejaculation for 2-7 days because if the abstinence period is too short, less than 48 hours, both sperm quality and semen volume may be low, which does not reflect the true level. Conversely, if the abstinence exceeds seven days, it can also affect the results of the test. For females, if undergoing a six-item hormone test, it is best conducted during days 2-5 of the menstrual cycle. For a fallopian tube patency test, it is safer to conduct it between days 3-7 after the menstrual period has ended. The exact timing of these tests should be advised by the attending physician.

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Written by Zhao Min Ying

Reproductive Medicine

1min 36sec

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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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Written by Luo Chun Yan

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Does taking emergency contraceptive pills cause infertility?

If emergency contraception is only used occasionally, it generally has a minor impact on fertility. However, frequent use of emergency contraceptives may lead to infertility. Emergency contraception usually consists of a combination of estrogen and progestin, with a high hormonal content. Its primary functions are to alter cervical mucus viscosity, hinder sperm mobility, suppress ovulation, and modify the endometrial environment in the uterus, thereby providing a contraceptive effect. Some may cause menstrual irregularities or ovulation disorders, affecting the motility of the fallopian tubes, potentially leading to ectopic pregnancies, which can cause infertility. Thus, emergency contraception should not be used as a regular method of contraception.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

56sec

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Is secondary infertility easy to treat?

If it is infertility, treatment is relatively difficult and generally not easy. First, for secondary infertility, it depends on the cause. If it's due to fallopian tube blockage, the extent of the blockage needs to be considered. If it is because the ovaries do not ovulate, then it is necessary to go to the hospital for endocrine testing. Treatment should be based on the results of the endocrine tests, and only when hormone levels are normal will there be normal ovulation and clear fallopian tubes. Without problems related to immunity, it is possible to properly prepare for pregnancy. Therefore, if it is secondary infertility, it is essential to go to the hospital for infertility-related examinations to identify any abnormalities and treat them accordingly. Both primary and secondary infertility are difficult to treat.