More and more young people are not being able to have children.
According to a previous report in The Lancet in May 2021:
The incidence of infertility in china has risen from 12% in 2007 to about 15.5% in 2010 [1,2].
In 2021, the National Bureau of Statistics data shows that the proportion of infertile families in China has climbed to 18%.
This means that one in every 6.4 couples of childbearing age faces fertility difficulties.
Compared with their parents, contemporary young people live more delicate and healthier lives, why is it more difficult to have children?
Today, we will talk about it.
Many women seem to be healthy, but in fact, there have been some pathological changes in the body, resulting in infertility.
According to statistics, the main causes of female infertility (81% of all causes) are as follows [3]:
These problems do not have obvious symptoms, many people are because of infertility to see a doctor only to find, and people with these characteristics are more likely to be "recruited":
eld
As we age, the probability of the above diseases rises and the quality of the eggs decreases, and the data shows:
The infertility rate is about 7.3% to 9.1% in women aged 15-34 years, while the infertility rate in women aged 35-39 years rises to 25% and in 30% among women aged 40-44 years [4].
The odds of natural pregnancy gradually decrease with age
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Premature and unprotected sex
Adolescent sexual behavior, lack of protective measures, etc., increase the probability of repeated abortions, reproductive tract infections, which in turn lead to thinning of the uterine lining, adhesions to the uterine cavity and pelvis, and blocked fallopian tubes [5], which will affect fertility.
Obesity or excessive weight loss
Obese girls are prone to POLYCYS, and excessive weight loss or strenuous exercise inhibit the sex hormone axis, both of which fail to ovulate normally [5].
Sex hormone axis
disease
In addition to the above diseases, thyroid disease, premature ovarian failure, chronic liver and kidney disease, etc., will also lead to non-ovulation, generally there will be irregular menstrual manifestations;
Uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, uterine cavity adhesions, etc. in some special locations can cause the fertilized egg to be unable to "take root" due to the harsh "soil" environment [5].
pressure
Excessive stress can also lead to occasional ovulation abnormalities.
drugs
Antidepressants and psychiatric drugs, glucocorticoids, and chemotherapy drugs can also affect ovulation and lead to infertility [5].
In infertile couples, nearly half of the problems are also in men[6], first roughly summarize the "culprits" that cause male infertility:
In general, diseases affecting the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, congenital chromosomal abnormalities (Kleinfeldt's syndrome), and diseases that affect testicular function such as varicocele and cryptorchidism can lead to male infertility.
In addition, some unintentional behaviors of men may also become the booster of infertility:
high temperature
The reason why the boy's two eggs are hung outside is because they are "afraid of heat".
Prolonged bathing in a hot spring sauna can overheat the local area, leading to a "strike" in the workshop that produces sperm.
Long-distance driving, long-term wearing tight pants or long-term work on a hot laptop may also increase the temperature of the scrotum and slightly reduce sperm production, but the study is inconclusive.
A disease called cryptorchidism is also due to the fact that the testicles do not descend into the scrotum and remain hidden in the hot body, losing the function of producing sperm and even becoming cancerous .[11]
Orchitis caused by viral infections such as mumps
Both the parotid glands and testicles are glands, so when the mumps virus invades the parotid glands, it is easy to run into the testicles and cause damage .[11]
Mumps that occurs after puberty is complicated by orchitis in 15 to 30 percent, mostly with high fever and swelling and pain in the testicles 5 to 10 days after the onset of mumps [12].
Although 60% to 80% only occur in one side of the testicles, if both sides are present, infertility is possible.
Infectious st. and venereal diseases
Infectious STDs may interfere with sperm production, cause a decrease in sperm quality, or create scarring that affects sperm passage.
Traditional Chinese medicine triptolide, anti-tumor chemotherapy drugs alkylating agents, diuretics such as spironolactone for heart failure and nephrotic syndrome, and antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole for tinea cephalicitis and tinea pedis, may affect male reproductive function to a certain extent [11].
Smoking, drinking, obesity
Smoking and drinking alcohol can directly damage the spermatogenesis function of the testicles, while obesity can lead to a decrease in androgens and an increase in estrogen, resulting in a decrease in spermatogenesis [11].
Toxins in the environment
Prolonged exposure to chemical agents such as pesticides (dibromochloropropane, carbon disulfide), as well as toxic substances containing heavy metals, such as hair dyes, may also lead to sterility [11].
age
Studies have shown that after the age of 40, males have an increased rate of infertility and partner miscarriage, and offspring are more prone to deformity and disease [6,13].
Marriage test pregnancy test
Not only are they free, but they also include fertility-related tests to detect diseases that can lead to infertility as early as possible.
Marriage test and pregnancy test integration table
(Remarks: The specific projects vary from place to place, please consult the local civil affairs bureau)
Conceive at the right age
The best age for a woman to conceive is 22-28 years old, at least not more than 35 years old.
This time has a high fertility rate, good egg quality, a low risk of complications during pregnancy, a good postpartum recovery, and a preference for men to have children before the age of 40 [1,6,13].
Protects the health of the testicles
Avoid testicular overheating, such as frequent hot springs, long-term proximity to heat sources, and avoid contact with toxic substances such as chemicals and dyes;
Children should be vaccinated against mumps in time, and pay attention to the development of external genitalia, and the cryptorchidism should be treated in time.
Quit smoking, quit drinking, lose weight and exercise
Alcohol, tobacco and obesity not only pose a threat to health, but also affect the fertility of both men and women.
Ensure sexual hygiene
Even if you don't want to have children for the time being, you must take protective measures, and you must wear a condom and pay attention to cleaning before and after sex.
Even if there are symptoms of infection, don't worry, treat it in time, and have the opportunity to avoid irreparable consequences.
Finally, I hope that the sisters who want children will fulfill their wishes and have a healthy little tiger baby next year!
Reviewer
Liu Haiphong | Deputy Chief Physician of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University
Peng Jing | Chief Physician of the Department of Andrology, Peking University First Hospital
bibliography
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