Human Fertility and Infertility Flashcards
What are some key points of human fertility?
20% at peak - contraception at cycle
Declines with age
Inefficient reproductive system compared to other mammals
Why does female age matter in human fertility?
Egg count is determined at birth so over lifespan fertility declines as egg number declines
After 40 - fertility is very low
What 4 factors contribute to conception?
Ovulation
Sperm production
Fertilisation
Implantation
What factors need to be working for normal ovulation to happen?
Functioning of hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries and the hormones
Ovulation happens due to LH surge mid cycle and after ovulation progesterone increases
What is the diagnostic test used for ovulation?
Progesterone levels
What are the ovarian and the menstrual cycles?
Ovarian - follicle development
Menstrual - uterine lining development
What factors have to be working for normal sperm production?
Hypothalamus, FSH and LH from anterior pituitary, testes and the outflow tract of the male reproductive system
Describe fertilisation factors
Egg released from ovary then fimbriae end of fallopian tubes pick up the egg
Fertilisation happens in fallopian tube so needs to be patent
Tubal function needs to drive embryo into uterine cavity
Endometrium has to be prepared by oestrogen and progesterone
What does natural conception rely on?
Functioning hormonal axis and gonads
Ovarian reserve
Regular ovulation
Normal sperm production
Fertilisation - egg and sperm interaction and patent fallopian tubes
Normal uterine cavity for implantation
What are lifestyle factors that can affect fertility?
Age, BMI, smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs and stress
What is the clinical definition of infertility?
Inability to conceive over a 12 month period despite exposure to regular unprotected intercourse
Diagnosis provides practical guidance on when to initiate investigation
What are global infertility trends?
1 in 7 couples in western world and 1 in 4 couples in developing countries are affected
When should a couple be referred for fertility problems?
No conception after one year of regular unprotected intercourse
Age over 35 years and if have known cause of infertility get referred earlier
What is primary infertility?
Never managed to have a pregnancy before or the man has never had a child
What is secondary infertility?
Have had a previous child or in a previous relation but can not get pregnanct