Will taking too much emergency contraception lead to infertility?

Written by Luo Chun Yan

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on March 30, 2025

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Taking emergency contraceptive pills excessively may lead to infertility. Emergency contraceptives contain highly effective hormonal ingredients, mainly working by altering the viscosity of cervical mucus and affecting the implantation of fertilized eggs. Emergency contraceptive pills can cause menstrual irregularities and disorders, leading to irregular vaginal bleeding. Some may also affect ovulation and the motility of the fallopian tubes, while also causing symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting. Excessive use of emergency contraceptive pills can significantly affect the endocrine system, potentially leading to infertility and, in some cases, ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, emergency contraceptives should not be used as a regular method of contraception.

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Written by Yan Qiao

Obstetrics and Gynecology

50sec

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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 Kang Jian Hua

Reproductive Center

46sec

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What does infertility cos mean?

Let's take a look at what infertility COS means. Infertility COS is an abbreviation for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in English. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common disease in women, characterized by obesity, hirsutism, amenorrhea, and infertility. This disease is characterized by an excess of androgens and persistent anovulation. Ultrasound examinations did not find ovarian volumes greater than 10 ml and follicles with diameters of 2 to 9mm, with at least 12 present. People with this disease often seek treatment for infertility. Currently, the methods of treating this disease in China include medication and surgery.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 27sec

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What are the tests for infertility?

For infertility examinations, men typically undergo a routine semen analysis to check for any abnormalities. If there are abnormalities in the semen analysis, further testing might be needed for conditions such as varicocele or inflammation of the testicles and epididymis. For women, the examinations generally focus on the fallopian tubes to ensure they are patent, usually assessed through hysterosalpingography or a tubal patency test. Additionally, infertility tests include an ultrasound to monitor the follicles and check for any organic diseases in the uterus and ovaries. For women with menstrual irregularities, it's crucial to perform an endocrine test, specifically the six-item sex hormone check, as normal hormonal levels are necessary for regular menstruation and ovulation, and for the normal development of a fertilized egg. Other investigations for infertility might cover immune-related infertility among others, which require specific hospital tests. Moreover, if there has been a previous incidence of miscarriage, tests might include chromosomal analysis, tests for hemolysis, mycoplasma testing, and a set of tests for genetic counseling, all of which are part of the infertility examination process.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua

Reproductive Center

51sec

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When should infertility be investigated?

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 Zhao Min Ying

Reproductive Medicine

56sec

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Can sexual apathy cause infertility?

Sexual indifference is a matter concerning the harmony of sexual life between couples, the stability of their relationship, and the quality of life. Regarding fertility, as long as the couple can have sexual intercourse, the male can ejaculate, and the semen can be deposited into the female reproductive tract, there is a chance of pregnancy. Therefore, from this perspective, mere sexual indifference, as long as intercourse can be completed, does not affect conception. However, if sexual indifference prevents intercourse, then it does affect the possibility of pregnancy. Therefore, ultrasound monitoring of ovulation and guiding intercourse during the ovulation period can increase the chances of pregnancy. When necessary, artificial insemination can also be considered to aid conception.