General Infertility Flashcards
Incidence of infertility?
1 in 6 (15%)
What is primary infertility?
Couple can’t conceive and have never conceived previously despite having regular sexual intercourse
What is secondary infertility?
Have conceived in the past, including miscarriage, ectopic and termination, but now can’t conceive
What are some factors that affect infertility?
Older age
BMI and diet
Smoking
Alcohol
Recreational drug use
Caffeine intake
Sexual intercourse for <2 years
Causes of female infertility?
Ovulatory disorders - endocrine, iatrogenic, PCOS, POF, anorexia
Tubal disease - iatrogenic, infections, congenital, endometriosis
Uterine abnormalities
Psychosexual problems
Unexplained infertility
Age related
Weight related
What are some physiological causes of anovulation?
Before puberty
Pregnancy
Lactation
Menopause
What are causes of female tubal disease?
Infective:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Following a procedure e.g. IUD insertion
Non-infective:
- Endometriosis
- Surgical
- Fibroids
- Congenital abnormalities
What are some causes of male infertility?
Pre-testicular (hormonal abnormalities) - anorexia, pituitary disease, thyroid disease, drugs
Testicular - varicoceles, trauma, chemo, drugs
Post-testicular (obstruction) - CF, sexual dysfunction, infection, vasectomy
Unexplained infertility
What is unexplained infertility?
Inability to conceive for 2 years but all investigations are normal
What are some drugs that can cause infertility?
Chemotherapy
Antipsychotics
Anabolic steroids
Contraception
Tricyclic antidepressants
Testosterone
Beta blockers (can affect sexual function)
Sulfasalazine
Recommended healthy BMI?
18.5-25
Needs to be <30 for NHS funded IVF
Recommended amount of caffeine intake?
Max 2 cups of coffee per day
What is the usual recommended dose of folic acid supplements?
400mcg daily
If higher risk of spina bifida give 5mg daily
What is the recommended dose of vitamin D supplements?
10mcg daily
How many times a week would be regular sexual intercourse?
2-3 times a week/ every 2-3 days
