Infertility

Question 1

what is the definition of infertility?

Answer 1

inability to conceive within 1 year of unprotected sex

Question 2

what factors affect fertility?

Answer 2

• increased age
• obesity
• smoking
• tight-fitting undewear (males)
• excessive alcohol consumption
• anabolic steroid use
• illicit drug use

Question 3

name the genetic causes of infertility

Answer 3

• turner’s syndrome (XO)
• kleinfelter’s syndrome (XXY)

Question 4

name ovulation/endocrine disorder causes of infertility

Answer 4

• polycystic ovary syndrome
• pituitary tumours
• sheehan’s syndrome
• hyperprolactinaemia
• cushing’s syndrome
• premature ovarian failure

Question 5

name tubal abnormalities which can cause infertility

Answer 5

• congenital anatomical abnormalities
• adhesions following pelvic inflammatory disease - secondary to chlamydia or gonorrhoea

Question 6

name uterine abnormalities which can cause infertility

Answer 6

• bicornate uterus
• fibroids
• asherman’s syndrome (adhesions of the uterus)

Question 7

name cervical abnormalities which can cause infertility

Answer 7

cervical damage (e.g. after biopsy or LLETZ)

Question 8

name endometrial abnormalities which can cause infertility

Answer 8

endometriosis

Question 9

name testicular abnormalities which can cause infertility

Answer 9

• cryptorchidism
• variocele
• testicular cancer
• congenital testicular defects

Question 10

name ejaculatory disorders which can cause infertility

Answer 10

• obstruction of the ejaculatory system
• disorders of ejaculation