Fertility and Pregnancy - Female Fertility Flashcards
Q: What are the key factors required for successful conception?
A:
Healthy oocyte release
Functional sperm (motility, DNA integrity, count, morphology)
Proper transport of egg and sperm to fallopian tubes
Sperm penetration into oocyte
Embryo implantation in a healthy uterine lining
Normal embryonic development
Q: What is cervical stenosis and how does it affect fertility?
A: It is a narrowing or closure of the cervix that can prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
Q: How can a uterine septum affect implantation?
A: Poor blood supply leads to a less favourable environment for embryo implantation.
Q: What are common causes of fallopian tube obstruction?
A: Pelvic inflammatory disease, STDs (e.g., chlamydia), endometriosis, prior surgeries, ectopic pregnancies.
Q: How can uterine polyps and fibroids impact fertility?
A: They may disrupt implantation, often linked to oestrogen dominance.
Q: How does PCOS affect fertility?
A: It causes anovulation, elevated androgens, irregular cycles, and implantation issues.
Q: How can thyroid dysfunction affect female fertility?
A: Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can lead to irregular cycles, miscarriage, and complications like pre-eclampsia.
Q: What are common causes of amenorrhoea?
A: Hypothalamic dysfunction, pituitary tumours, excessive exercise, undereating, stress, low BMI.
Q: How does obesity affect female fertility?
A: It contributes to insulin resistance and elevated androgens, often leading to anovulation.
Q: When is oestrogen highest during the menstrual cycle, and what does it do?
A: First half; promotes proliferative endometrium and supports ovulation.
Q: When is progesterone highest during the cycle, and what is its function?
A: Second half; maintains the secretory endometrium and supports implantation.
Q: Where are oestrogen and progesterone produced and stored?
A: Produced in ovaries, adrenals, and placenta; stored in fat tissue.
Q: List symptoms of oestrogen dominance.
A: Fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, heavy bleeding, PMS, fibrocystic breasts, headaches, brain fog, fatigue, miscarriage, etc.
Q: What are some signs of progesterone dominance?
A: Water retention, bloating, dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, long luteal phase, light periods, decreased libido.
Q: How can you optimise oestrogen/progesterone balance?
A:
Reduce stress
Support liver detox
Avoid alcohol and endocrine disruptors
Maintain healthy weight
Support digestion
Consider herbs like Vitex agnus castus
Q: Name 3 drugs that can negatively impact female fertility.
A:
NSAIDs (ovulation suppression)
Chemotherapy (oocyte damage)
Antipsychotics (↑ prolactin = anovulation)
Q: How do corticosteroids and antihistamines affect fertility?
A: Corticosteroids suppress immunity and gut health; antihistamines dry mucous membranes.
Q: What environmental factors can negatively impact fertility?
A:
Radiation exposure
Toxins (lead, mercury, phthalates)
Chronic alcohol & caffeine
Xenoestrogens (plastics, pesticides)
Q: Why must the maternal immune system adapt during pregnancy?
A: The foetus is genetically different from the mother; immune tolerance is needed to prevent rejection.
Q: What are high uterine NK cells associated with?
A: Increased TNF-alpha, cytokines, and early pregnancy loss.
Q: What are anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs), and how do they affect fertility?
A: The immune system attacks sperm, leading to fertilisation difficulties or miscarriage.
Q: What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome and its impact on pregnancy?
A: An autoimmune condition that increases clotting risk and miscarriage/stillbirth.
Q: How do thyroid antibodies affect fertility?
A: Can lead to autoimmune thyroiditis, increasing miscarriage and preterm birth risk.
Q: What do ovarian antibodies do?
A: Disrupt egg/embryo development and reduce fertilisation and implantation success.
