Did you know that a woman’s uterus is her second heart?
The uterus, often called a woman’s “second heart,” is vital for reproduction and susceptible to certain conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, cervical cancer, and ovarian tumors. Uterine fibroids, one of the most common benign tumors in women, are linked to hormones. Their size and location can affect embryo implantation, making fibroid evaluation important before IVF. Common symptoms include heavy or prolonged periods, dysmenorrhea, frequent urination, constipation, and lower abdominal pain. Women over 25, especially pre-menopausal women, have higher risk; some fibroids shrink naturally after menopause. Treatment depends on fertility goals: those not seeking pregnancy may opt for removal to prevent recurrence, while those wanting children focus on preserving the uterus and relieving symptoms. Fibroids over 4 cm are generally recommended for removal; smaller ones should be discussed with a doctor. Prompt medical attention is advised to avoid delayed treatment.
How much do you know about your sperm?
Many women come alone for infertility consultations, assuming the issue lies with them, but if a couple has tried for over a year without contraception and no pregnancy, the male partner should also be tested. Semen analysis is the most basic male fertility test. Huayu uses a Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) system to assess sperm count, morphology, and motility. Men should abstain for 3–5 days before testing, and samples can be collected in-clinic or delivered within one hour at room temperature. Normal semen parameters include: concentration ≥15 million/cc, total sperm count ≥39 million, volume 2–5 ml, motility ≥40% (Grade A is rapid forward), normal morphology, liquefaction within 15–30 minutes, and milky-white color. Fertility is a shared responsibility; male testing is quick and essential.
何謂凍卵?卵子存量與年齡相關?血液可以篩檢卵子存量？-英文版
以為35歲前生育還算年輕？當心不良作息讓卵巢早衰！破解不孕3大迷思！掌握個人化排卵治療新趨勢-英文版
What Is Infertility? What Tests Are Needed?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after more than six months of unprotected intercourse. It does not mean pregnancy is impossible, only that the chances are reduced. Common causes include female factors (ovulation issues, hormonal imbalances, uterine or fallopian tube abnormalities), male factors (low sperm count, poor motility, sperm production or transport issues, sexual dysfunction), combined factors, and unexplained infertility. The cause distribution is approximately 30% female, 30% male, and 40% combined or unexplained. Initial evaluations can include ovarian reserve testing (AMH), hysterosalpingography or hysteroscopy for women, and semen analysis for men (recommended after 3–5 days of abstinence) to determine the cause and guide treatment.
IUI Procedure Overview
The intrauterine insemination (IUI) process consists of three steps: Step 1, ovulation induction (menstrual cycle days 1–3), using injections or oral medication to stimulate ovulation, with possible blood tests and vaginal ultrasounds as advised by the doctor. Step 2, monitoring follicle maturation (cycle days 8–12, about three visits), through blood tests and ultrasounds to assess development and determine the optimal timing for insemination. Step 3, insemination (cycle days 13–15), with the male partner abstaining for two days before sperm collection. After processing, the most motile sperm are placed into the uterine cavity. The procedure takes only a few minutes, requires no anesthesia, and is followed by 30 minutes of rest. A pregnancy blood test is done 14 days later.
Difference Between IUI and IVF
With the trend of late marriage and childbearing, egg quality declines with age, leading to more couples facing infertility. The ovaries are key to female fertility; in addition to early egg freezing to reduce future difficulty in conceiving, modern medicine offers assisted reproductive technologies to increase pregnancy rates. Assisted reproduction includes intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). IUI involves inducing ovulation, monitoring follicle maturity, and placing processed sperm directly into the uterus. IVF involves stimulating ovulation, retrieving eggs and sperm, fertilizing them in the lab, and transferring embryos or blastocysts. Since July 1, 2021, the government has provided IVF subsidies for infertile couples, with up to NT$100,000 for the first child.