Patient's question:
I have been married to my wife for three years. In the first year, we didn't want a child, so we kept taking contraceptive measures—my wife took the pill. But later, when we wanted a child, we found that we couldn't get pregnant no matter what we did. I want to ask, what could cause infertility?Doctor's answer:
Poor Lifestyle Habits Leading to InfertilityIn fact, many cases of infertility are caused by the gradual accumulation of poor lifestyle habits, which is what is known as secondary infertility in medical terms. Currently, most cases of infertility fall into this category.
Poor Habit 1: Intercourse During Menstruation – Pelvic Inflammation – Infertility
From the perspective of female physiological health, intercourse during menstruation is not advisable. Normally, the cervix is closed, preventing bacteria from entering the pelvic cavity. However, during menstruation, the cervix becomes (loose) and its protective ability declines. If intercourse occurs at this time, it can easily allow bacteria and blood to enter the pelvic cavity, potentially causing pelvic inflammation. More seriously, it may lead to endometriosis in the future. Both conditions are major causes of infertility.
Poor Habit 2: Multiple Induced Abortions (Medical Abortions, Drug Abortions) – Cervical Adhesion, Fallopian Tube Blockage – Secondary Infertility
Many girls who experience unintended pregnancies avoid going to (standard hospitals) due to embarrassment and instead resort to buying medication or visiting private clinics. Improper induced abortions (medical abortions, drug abortions) can cause cervical adhesion, pelvic inflammation, and fallopian tube blockage, all of which are causes of secondary infertility. Experts remind women of childbearing age to adopt scientific contraception methods. If surgery is necessary, it must be performed in professional medical institutions with the appropriate facilities to minimize the harm of artificial abortion.
Poor Habit 3: Excessive Stress – Premature Ovarian Failure – Ovulation-Disorder Infertility
With increasing competition in the workplace, many working women face heightened stress. Tension, anxiety, excessive mental pressure, or prolonged states of worry, depression, or fear can cause the ovaries to stop producing female hormones or ovulating, leading to menstrual irregularities or even amenorrhea. This makes it difficult to conceive. Experts advise that if a woman experiences irregular menstruation for three consecutive months, she should seek medical attention to check her ovarian function.
Poor Habit 4: Long-Term Smoking – Endocrine Disruption – Infertility
Cigarettes contain large amounts of nicotine and tar, which, when absorbed into the body, can cause systemic vascular damage, including that of the uterine blood vessels. Long-term smoking harms the entire hormonal system, affecting ovarian function and leading to endocrine disorders that cause infertility. It can also advance menopause by 2–3 years and increase the risk of miscarriage if smoking occurs during early pregnancy.
Therefore, women with a history of smoking who are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant) should develop a smoking cessation plan under the guidance of a doctor to avoid miscarriage.
Experts remind working women that the diagnosis and treatment of infertility are complex processes that cannot be solved with a single remedy or folk remedy. The correct approach is to choose a (standard) and professional hospital for comprehensive examinations and then receive targeted treatment based on the underlying causes.