Does having hypothyroidism mean lifelong infertility?

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on April 21, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
54sec home-news-image

How to treat infertility?

The treatment methods for infertility primarily include medication, surgical treatment, and assisted reproductive technologies. For couples with infertility, it is essential to adopt appropriate treatment methods based on different causes and conditions. Medication is a commonly used method, mainly targeting conditions such as oligospermia, asthenozoospermia, and reproductive tract infections in men, as well as menstrual disorders and reproductive tract infections in women. Surgical treatment mainly targets conditions such as varicocele and vas deferens obstruction in men, and uterine fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome in women. Assisted reproductive technologies are mainly used for some patients who do not respond well to medication or surgery, such as men with idiopathic oligospermia and women with blocked fallopian tubes, requiring these technologies for treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
50sec home-news-image

Can you have sexual intercourse before infertility examination?

There are many types of examinations for infertility. If the examination is for male infertility, such as a semen analysis, it is recommended not to have sexual intercourse three days prior to the test. For females, if the examinations involve blood tests or a gynecological ultrasound, intercourse is permissible. However, if the examination includes a routine vaginal discharge test, it is advised not to have sexual intercourse for at least three days beforehand. More stringent timing is required for examinations like hysteroscopy or a fallopian tube radiography. The principle here is to conduct these tests three to seven days after menstruation has ended, in order to complete the fallopian tube radiography and hysteroscopy effectively.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 17sec home-news-image

Secondary infertility refers to a condition where a person is unable to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term following the birth of one or more biological children.

Infertility is divided into primary infertility and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to never having been pregnant before, which is called primary infertility. Secondary infertility generally occurs in individuals who have had children or a history of miscarriage and have been unable to conceive again after trying for a year, thus constituting secondary infertility. It is essential for those with secondary infertility to undergo relevant fertility tests at a hospital. Typically, the clinical evaluation includes a semen analysis for the male partner, and for the female partner, tests such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia detection, endocrine examinations, immunological tests, and assessments for fallopian tube patency and related endocrine tests. Generally, through these tests, the cause of secondary infertility can be identified, and treatment can be tailored based on the results. In cases of secondary infertility, the vast majority can achieve conception through targeted treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
44sec home-news-image

Can infertility be inherited?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
42sec home-news-image

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.