Chapter 14: Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Question 1

Infertility

Answer 1

Unable to achieve pregnancy

Question 2

Sperm fertility for fertilisation

Answer 2

1. Enough sperm count.
2. Able to move forward (motility).
3. Able to penetrate corona radiata & zona pellucida. If isn’t able to penetrate due to atomorphology (abnormal sperm) and specialisation issues.

Question 3

Male causes of infertility

Answer 3

1. Semen (sperm flow to bladder instead out to urethra.
2. Males immune system produces antibodies inhibiting own sperm.
3. Blocks in reproductive tract by infections.
4. Hormonal imbalances alters sex drive, sperm production.

Question 4

Female causes of infertility

Answer 4

1. Ovulation: As age increases healthy eggs numbers decreases (36yo = greatly reduced pregnancy).
2. PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome): Hormonal condition results partially developed follicles don’t mature → eggs don’t release = no fertilisation.
3. Menopause: No longer ovulates (old age) = pregnancy unable.

Question 5

Female causes of infertility pt 2

Answer 5

4. Endometriosis: Painful condition, endometrium grows beyond uterus to uterine tubes results scarring, blocking uterine tubes = blocks eggs.
5. Others: Fibroids (benign growths may block uterine tubes), blockages (STIs), menstrual cycle problems (affecting implantation), hormonal imbalance (affecting endometrium).