Infertility Flashcards
Definition of infertility
Causes of female infertility
Causes of Infertility in Females:
Ovulation Disorders: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, hormonal imbalances, or problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary glands.
Fallopian Tube Blockage or Damage: Conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or previous surgeries that lead to scar tissue formation.
Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities: Conditions like uterine fibroids, polyps, or structural abnormalities that interfere with implantation or sperm movement.
Endometriosis
Age-related Factors
Autoimmune Disorders
Causes of Infertility in Males:
Causes of Infertility in Males:
Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Quality
Varicocele
Erectile Dysfunction or Ejaculation Disorders
Obstruction: Blockages in the male reproductive tract, either congenital or acquired, can prevent the sperm from reaching the semen.
Testicular Factors: Conditions like undescended testicles, testicular cancer, or testicular surgery can affect fertility.
Hormonal Imbalances: Disorders that disrupt the production or regulation of hormones, such as pituitary gland or hypothalamic problems.
Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome or Y chromosome microdeletions, can lead to infertility.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins, radiation, certain medications, or excessive heat can adversely affect sperm production and function.
Treatment of female infertility
Ovulation Induction: Clomiphene citrate or letrozole may be prescribed to stimulate ovulation in women with ovulation disorders.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Surgery: Surgical procedures may be recommended to correct structural abnormalities, remove blockages in the fallopian tubes, or treat conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Hormonal Therapy: Hormone treatments, such as gonadotropins or progesterone supplements
Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, reducing stress,
and avoiding harmful substances can positively impact fertility.
Treatment of male infertility
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Surgical Interventions: Surgical procedures may be performed to correct blockages, repair varicoceles, or retrieve sperm directly from the testes.
Medications: Certain medications can improve sperm production, quality, and motility.
Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, managing weight, and avoiding excessive heat exposure can improve sperm quality.
Sperm Retrieval Techniques: Techniques like Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) or Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) can be used to retrieve sperm directly from the testes or epididymis.
