28 Infertility Lieu Flashcards
What is Fecundability?
Monthly probability of conception. Approximately 20-25% in normal couples actively attempting to achieve pregnancy
What is Primary Infertility?
Lack of conception after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse
What is Secondary Infertility?
Conception occurred previously, even if pregnancy was not successful (previous children, ectopic pregnancies, abortions)
What is recurrent pregnancy loss?
Two or more failed pregnancies
What is Subfertility?
Most eventually able to conceive
Usually evaluations for infertility are done after one year of not conceiving, when does the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommend evaluation and treatment before 12 months?
Female > 35 years (after 6 months). History of oligoamenorrhea or amenorrhea. Known or suspected uterine or tubal disease or endometriosis. Male known to be subfertile
What is Endometriosis?
Endometrial implants outside of the uterus. Each month, endometrial implants break down and bleed but have no way of being expelled from the body
What history in females can lead to infertility?
Aging (decreases number/quality of eggs). Onset of menses. Length/frequency of cycle. Contraception. Coital history. Previous pregnancies or abortions. Pelvic surgery, PID, endometriosis, STDs. Systemic illnesses
What history in males can lead to infertility?
Pubertal development. Systemic illness. Previous surgery or injury. Medications. Drug/alcohol use. Prior conceptions achieved
When should a Semen Analysis (SA) be obtained?
Abstain from ejaculation 3-7 days before. SA looks at volume, count, motility, morphology
What is ovulation prediction?
Most fertile time: from 2 days (up to 5 days) before ovulation to 24 hours (or so) after ovulation
What does a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) look at?
Uterine capacity. Tubal patency
How does basal body temperature charting work?
Take first measurement on first day of menstrual period. Take temp for at least 5 minutes, each AM upon awakening, before any activity or getting out of bed. Measure to nearest 0.1 degree. Chart temperatures daily. Temp: lower before vs. after ovulation (biphasic)
What is the Nadir on temperature charting?
At least 0.1 degree lower than previous six days. Signals approach of ovulation; rise of 0.4-0.6 degrees between 2 consecutive days indicates that ovulation has occurred
What are the potential problems with basal body temperature charting?
Accuracy of reading. Cycle variability. Illness, febrile episodes. Medications. Alterations in sleeping pattern. Daily lifestyle fluctuation. Missing measurements
When should ovulation tests be done?
Begin testing 3-4 days before expected day of ovulation (around day 10). Test uterine daily at same time of day until color change is seen. Stop testing for cycle after (+) color change. Predict ovulation 24-40 hours after distinct color change. Timing crucial - may require stopwatch or watch w/ second hand for testing procedures
What does an Ovulation Microscope do?
Detect hormone changes that occur prior to and during ovulation. Test first thing in the morning; never after eating, drinking, or brushing teeth at least 2-3 hours before taking test. Look for “ferning” or crystal patterns produced by increase in estrogen that takes place prior to ovulation. With positive “ferning” pattern, ovulation likely to occur within 24-72 hours
How does the OV-Watch Fertility Predictor work?
Worn on wrist while sleeping. Measures changes in chloride ion levels secreted in perspiration every 30 minutes. Identifies 4-5 day fertility window when pregnancy is possible. Detects chloride surge 3 days prior to estrogen surge, 4 days prior to LH surge, 5 days prior to ovulation
How does SpermCheck Fertility work?
Positive result: sperm count above 20 million sperm per mL of semen (“normal” sperm count). Negative result: sperm count below 20 million sperm per mL
How can Omega-3 FA: DHA, at least 200 mg/day help pregnant women?
Baby: improve brain function, eye function. Mother: decrease risk of preterm delivery, post-partum depression
What OTC medication should be avoided especially before/around ovulation?
NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors. Impair fertilization, embryo development, implantation, continuing pregnancy
Why does the male need to have a healthy BMI as well to help with fertility?
Overweight men have lower testosterone levels and abnormal semen analysis
What are some factors that impair spermatogenesis?
Alcohol. Caffeine. Cell phone radiation. Thermal exposure (i.e. hot tubs). Anabolic/Androgenic steroids
How can antioxidants help with fertility for men?
Men who presented with high levels of DNA damage or oxidative stress may factor in early recurrent embryo loss. Recommend: increase intake of antioxidant-rich foods (vit C, vit E, B-carotenes, zinc) for at least three months
What is ProXeed Plus?
Special blend to optimize sperm health, reduce oxidative damage, support formation and maturation of sperm. Initial results may be seen in as few as 3 months; take for at least 6 months for optimal results. Take as long as attempting to conceive
What do you want to minimize with infertility treatment?
Risks: ovarian hyperstimulation, multiple gestation. Physical discomfort. Psychological stress. Financial costs
What is the treatment of infertility dependent on?
Female age. Male partner status. Ovarian status. Tubal status. Uterine status. Peritoneal status
What are the different treatment strategies for infertility?
Expectant management. Surgical. Medical. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) w/ timed intrauterine insemination (IUI). Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures