Fertility Flashcards
Blood test to check if ovulation is occuring?
Serum progesterone 7 days before the end of the menstrual cycle
How if premature ovarian insufficiency diagnosed?
Symptoms of menopause (vaginal dryness, hot flushes, secondary ammrnhorea) plus two elevated FSH test 4-6 weeks apart (>30IU/l)
What drug is typically used first line for infertility in PCOS
clomifene
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potential side effect of what?
Ovulation induction in IVF
It is associated with the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to mature the follicles during the final steps of ovarian stimulation.
OHSS is provoked by the “trigger injection” of hCG 36 hours before oocyte collection.
How does ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome present?
OHSS often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea.
-Abdominal pain and bloating
-Nausea and vomiting
-Diarrhoea
-Hypotension
-Hypovolaemia
-Ascites
-Pleural effusions - SOB
-Renal failure - oliguria, Peripheral odema
-Peritonitis from rupturing follicles releasing blood
-Prothrombotic state (risk of DVT and PE) - SOB
Severity/potential complications of OHSS?
OHSS severity can range from mild to life-threatening, and can result in complications such as thromboembolism, dehydration, pulmonary oedema, and acute kidney injury (AKI).
Life-threatening OHSS tends to have a more delayed onset than milder cases.
For example, if the patient was injected with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist in the past week (i.e. as opposed to a fortnight ago), implying that her symptoms are going to be less severe.
Investigation and referral for infertility should be initiated when?
Investigation and referral for infertility should be initiated after the couple has been trying to conceive without success for 12 months. This can be reduced to 6 months if the woman is older than 35, as her ovarian stores are likely to be already reduced and time is more precious.
Causes of infertility
Sperm problems (30%)
Ovulation problems (25%)
Tubal problems (15%)
Uterine problems (10%)
Unexplained (20%)
40% of infertile couples have a mix of male and female causes.
General lifestyle advise for couples trying to get pregnant
The woman should be taking 400mcg folic acid daily
Aim for a healthy BMI
Avoid smoking and drinking excessive alcohol
Reduce stress as this may negatively affect libido and the relationship
Aim for intercourse every 2 – 3 days
Avoid timing intercourse
Timed intercourse to coincide with ovulation is not necessary or recommended as it can lead to increased stress and pressure in the relationship.
Initial infertility investigations
Body mass index (BMI) (low could indicate anovulation, high could indicate PCOS)
Chlamydia screening
Semen analysis
Female hormonal testing (LH+FSH, thyroid, progesterone, Anti-Mullerian hormone, prolactin)
Rubella immunity in the mother
Female hormone testing when investigating infertility
Serum LH and FSH on day 2 to 5 of the cycle
Serum progesterone on day 21 of the cycle (or 7 days before the end of the cycle if not a 28-day cycle).
Anti-Mullerian hormone
Thyroid function tests when symptoms are suggestive
Prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia is a cause of anovulation) when symptoms of galactorrhea or amenorrhoea
When should serum FSH and LH be measured when investigating infertility
Days 2-5
Infertility investigations: high FSH
High FSH suggests poor ovarian reserve (the number of follicles that the woman has left in her ovaries). The pituitary gland is producing extra FSH in an attempt to stimulate follicular development.
Infertility investigations: high LH
High LH may suggest polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Infertility investigations: progesterone result
A rise in progesterone on day 21 indicates that ovulation has occurred, and the corpus luteum has formed and started secreting progesterone.
Infertility investigations: Anti-Mullerian hormone result
Anti-Mullerian hormone can be measured at any time during the cycle and is the most accurate marker of ovarian reserve. It is released by the granulosa cells in the follicles and falls as the eggs are depleted. A high level indicates a good ovarian reserve.
Which hormone is the most accurate marker of ovarian reserve?
Anti-Mullerian hormone
Secondary care infertility investigations
Ultrasound pelvis to look for polycystic ovaries or any structural abnormalities in the uterus
Hysterosalpingogram to look at the patency of the Fallopian tubes
Laparoscopy and dye test to look at the patency of the fallopian tubes, adhesions and endometriosis
What is a hysterosalpingogram and what does it involve?
A hysterosalpingogram is a type of scan used to assess the shape of the uterus and the patency of the fallopian tubes. Not only does it help with diagnosis, but it also has therapeutic benefit. It seems to increase the rate of conception without any other intervention. Tubal cannulation under xray guidance can be performed during the procedure to open up the tubes.
A small tube is inserted into the cervix. A contrast medium is injected through the tube and fills the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. Xray images are taken, and the contrast shows up on the xray giving an outline of the uterus and tubes. If the dye does not fill one of the tubes, this will be seen on an xray and suggests a tubal obstruction.
What is a key risk of performing a hysterosalpingogram and how can it be minimised?
There is a risk of infection with the procedure, and often antibiotics are given prophylactically for patients with dilated tubes or a history of pelvic infection.
Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea should be done before the procedure.
What is the laparoscopy and dye test used to investigate infertility in secondary care
The patient is admitted for laparoscopy.
During the procedure, dye is injected into the uterus and should be seen entering the fallopian tubes and spilling out at the ends of the tubes.
This will not be seen when there is tubal obstruction.
During laparoscopy, the surgeon can also assess for endometriosis or pelvic adhesions and treat these.
What can be used to treat infertility caused by anovulation?
Weight loss for overweight patients with PCOS can restore ovulation
Clomifene may be used to stimulate ovulation
Letrozole may be used instead of clomifene to stimulate ovulation (aromatase inhibitor with anti-oestrogen effects)
Gonadotropins may be used to stimulate ovulation in women resistant to clomifene
Ovarian drilling may be used in polycystic ovarian syndrome
Metformin may be used when there is insulin insensitivity and obesity (usually associated with PCOS)
What is clomifene, and how and when does it work to treat infertility secondary to anovulation?
Clomifene is an anti-oestrogen (a selective oestrogen receptor modulator).
It is given on days 2 to 6 of the menstrual cycle.
It stops the negative feedback of oestrogen on the hypothalamus, resulting in a greater release of GnRH and subsequently FSH and LH.
What is ovarian drilling and how can it manage infertility secondary to anovulation?
Ovarian drilling involves laparoscopic surgery.
The surgeon punctures multiple holes in the ovaries using diathermy or laser therapy.
This can improve the woman’s hormonal profile and result in regular ovulation and fertility.
How can infertility due to tubal factors be managed?
Tubal cannulation during a hysterosalpingogram
Laparoscopy to remove adhesions or endometriosis
In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
How can infertility due to uterine factors be managed?
Surgery may be used to correct polyps, adhesions or structural abnormalities affecting fertility.
How can infertility due to sperm issues be managed?
Surgical sperm retrieval is used when there is a blockage somewhere along the vas deferens preventing sperm from reaching the ejaculated semen. A needle and syringe is used to collect sperm directly from the epididymis through the scrotum.
Surgical correction of an obstruction in the vas deferens may restore male fertility.
Intra-uterine insemination involves collecting and separating out high-quality sperm, then injecting them directly into the uterus to give them the best chance of success. It is unclear whether this is any better than normal intercourse.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involves injecting sperm directly into the cytoplasm of an egg. These fertilised eggs become embryos, and are injected into the uterus of the woman. This is useful when there are significant motility issues, a very low sperm count and other issues with the sperm.
Donor insemination with sperm from a donor is another option for male factor infertility.
What is semen analysis used for?
Semen analysis is used to examine the quantity and quality of semen and sperm. It assesses for male factor infertility.
Instructions for men providing a sperm sample
Abstain from ejaculation for at least 3 days and at most 7 days
Avoid hot baths, sauna and tight underwear during the lead up to providing a sample
Attempt to catch the full sample
Deliver the sample to the lab within 1 hour of ejaculation
Keep the sample warm (e.g. in underwear) before delivery
Lifestyle factors that may decrease quality and quantity of semen
Hot baths
Tight underwear
Smoking
Alcohol
Raised BMI
Caffeine
Why and when might repeat semen samples be indicated?
A repeat sample is indicated after 3 months in borderline results or earlier (2 – 4 weeks) with very abnormal results.