Patient's question:
I recently don't know what's going on, my lower body is very uncomfortable, and I'm not getting morning erections anymore. Could you please explain the difference between infertility and impotence?Doctor's answer:
Infertility and sterility are distinct concepts. Infertility refers to a situation where a couple of reproductive age has been living together for a long time, maintains normal sexual activity, and fails to conceive without contraception. The primary causes are abnormalities in sperm or eggs, or obstacles in the reproductive tract, preventing sperm from meeting, combining with, and implanting in the egg.Sterility, on the other hand, refers to a condition where, despite previous pregnancies, all outcomes have been miscarriages, premature births, stillbirths, or neonatal deaths, resulting in the couple never having a live birth. Therefore, sterility occurs when sperm and eggs have combined and implanted in the endometrium, but the embryo or fetus fails to develop properly, or delivery is obstructed, or the newborn dies, preventing a live birth.
Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish between infertility and sterility, and they are often broadly referred to as infertility disorders.
Traditionally, infertility caused by female factors is termed female infertility, while infertility caused by male factors is called male infertility.
The incidence of infertility accounts for approximately 8% to 17% of women of reproductive age, with an average of around 10%. Thus, infertility is not uncommon but rather a relatively prevalent condition. Recent studies have shown that the incidence of infertility has been increasing due to factors such as environmental pollution. In the United States, one in seven couples faces fertility challenges at some point during their reproductive years. Some data indicate that the incidence of infertility abroad is around 15% to 20%, while in China, it is approximately 5%. With advancements in medical science, the pregnancy rates for infertile couples can reach 30% to 50% or higher. Therefore, it is essential to have a correct understanding of infertility, actively seek diagnosis and treatment, and improve the chances of conception.
Having children is a responsibility for both men and women. However, in infertile couples, the issue may stem from both partners, but more often, it is due to a problem with one partner. Some statistical data show that one-third of infertility cases are due to male factors, two-thirds to female factors; another study indicates that 40% of infertility is caused by male factors, 40% by female factors, 10% by both, and in about 10% of cases, no cause is identified. Some data also suggest that male factors account for 20% to 40%, while female factors account for 60% to 75%. Despite variations in statistics, these findings demonstrate that infertility can result from both male and female factors, and infertile couples should seek simultaneous medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause, which facilitates early treatment and the goal of achieving a pregnancy.
You may have noticed that male infertility seems to be increasing in recent years, and fertility clinics specializing in male infertility have been popping up like mushrooms after rain across the country. Advertising for these clinics is everywhere in newspapers and magazines. What is going on?
Due to past misconceptions, infertility was often attributed to women, with little recognition of male infertility. As a result, the concept of "male infertility" was not well-established. With advancements in medicine and increased awareness, people have gradually recognized the existence of male infertility, leading to its widespread acceptance and dissemination. Consequently, male infertility has gone from "non-existent" to "present," appearing as if it has "increased." This is a change brought about by medical progress.
Infertile couples should not seek treatment from unqualified practitioners, as improper treatment not only fails to alleviate the condition but may worsen it or delay the best time for treatment.
Infertile couples often face significant social and familial pressure, leading to heavy mental burdens. In their haste, they may seek treatment from unqualified sources, delaying diagnosis and treatment and potentially resulting in permanent infertility. Infertility is closely related to age and the duration of infertility, with various causes such as gynecological infections, endocrine disorders, reproductive tumors, immune diseases, and abnormal reproductive organ development. Conditions like congenital abnormalities or the absence of a uterus make pregnancy impossible. Blindly pursuing treatment in such cases wastes money and loses the opportunity for a cure.
Therefore, patients must choose professional obstetrics and gynecology clinics in hospitals and seek timely, scientific treatment.