Infertility Flashcards

1
Q

What is infertility?

A

The failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after >12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is primary infertility?

A

When the person has NOT had a live birth previously

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is secondary infertility?

A

When they have had a live birth >12 months previously

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How common is infertility?

A
  • 1/7 couples affected
  • half will conceive in the following 12 months
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How often do struggling couples seek help?

A

55%*
* positive association with socioeconomic status

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the most common causes of infertility in a couple?

A
  • male factor (30%)
  • female factor (30%)
  • combined male and female factor (30%)
  • unknown factor (10%)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the impact of infertility on the couple?

A
  • psychological distress to the couple
  • no biological child
  • impact on the couples wellbeing
  • impact on the larger/extended family
  • investigations
  • treatments (can be costly, often fail)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the impact of infertility on society?

A
  • less births
  • less tax income
  • investigation costs
  • treatment costs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are pre-testicular causes of male infertility?

A

Congenital and acquired endocrinopathies

  • klinefelters
  • Y chromosome deletion
  • HPG axis, testosterone and prolactin issues
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are testicular causes of male infertility?

A
  • Congenital
  • Cryptorchidism
  • Infections (STIs)
  • Immunological (Antisperm Abs)
  • Vascular
  • Trauma/surgery
  • Toxins (Chemo, DXT, Drugs, Smoking)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are post-testicular causes of male infertility?

A
  • Congenital (no vans deferens in CF)
  • Obstructive Azoospermia
  • Erectile Dysfunction (Psychological, Retrograde Ejaculation, Mechanical Impairment)
  • Iatrogenic (Vasectomy)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is Cryptorchidism?

A

Undescended testes (90% in the inguinal canal)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the pelvic causes of infertility in women?

A

(5%)

  • endometriosis
  • adhesions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are tubal causes of infertility in women?

A
(30%)
Tubopathy due:
- infection 
- endometriosis
- trauma
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are ovarian causes of infertility in women?

A

(40%)

  • anovulation (endo)
  • corpus luteum insufficiency
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the cervical causes of infertility in women?

A

(5%)
Ineffective sperm penetration due to:
- chronic cervicitis
- immunological (antisperm Ab)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the uterine causes of infertility in women?

A
(10%)
Unfavourable endometrium due to:
- chronic endometritis (TB)
- fibroid
- adhesions (synechiae)
- congenital malformation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is endometriosis?

A

presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, that responds to Oestrogen
(5% of women)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

A
  • increased menstrual pain
  • menstrual irregularities
  • deep dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
  • infertility
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the treatments available for endometriosis?

A
  • hormonal (continuous OCP, progesterone)
  • laprascopic ablation
  • hysterectomy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are fibroids?

A
  • Benign tumours of the myometrium, responds to oestrogen
  • 1-20% of pre-menopausal women - increases with age
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

A

Usually asymptomatic

  • increased menstrual pain
  • menstrual irregularities
  • deep dyspareunia
  • inferility
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are the treatments available for fibroids?

A
  • Hormonal (continuous OCP, progesterone, continuous GnRH agonists)
  • Hysterectomy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are the secretion patterns of GnRH and LH?

A

pulsatile

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are the secretion patterns of sex steroids?

A

diurnal rhythm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What are the clinical presentations of Turners Syndrome?

A

Hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism
( high LH and FSH, low oestrogen and testosterone)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

How common is Turners Syndrome?

A

1/2500 live female births

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What are the symptoms of Turners Syndrome?

A

.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What should the history for female infertility include?

A
Hx of PC:
- duration?
PMHx:
- previous children, breastfeeding?
- pubertal milestones
- menstrual history (oligomenorrhoea, associated symptoms)
- medical and surgical history
Family Hx
Social Hx
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What should be included in an examination for female infertility?

A
  • BMI
  • sexual characteristics
  • hyperadrenogenism signs
  • pelvic exam
  • syndromic features
  • anosmia (loss of smell)
  • other endocrine signs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What are the main investigations done for female infertility?

A
Blood tests
Preganancy test (urine or serum HCG)
Urine test
Chlamydia swab
Ultrasound (transvaginal)
MRI pituitary (if low LH/FSH or high PRL)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Which blood tests should be done when concerned about female infertility?

A
  • LH, FSH, PRL
  • Oestradiol, Androgens
  • Mid-luteal progesterone
  • Iron
  • Pituitary/thyroid profile
  • Karyotyping
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

How common is PCOS?

A
  • affects 5-15% of women of reproductive age
  • family history (frequent)
  • most common endocrine disorders in women
  • most common cause of infertility in women
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Which criteria is used to diagnose PCOS?

A

The rotterdam PCOS diagnostic criteria (2/3)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What are the 3 factors of an PCOS diagnosis?

A
  • oligo or anovulation
  • clinical / biochemical hyperandrogenism
  • polycystic ovaries
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

How to assess oligo or anovulation in possible PCOS?

A

normally by menstrual frequency (oligomenorrhoea)

  • <21 days, or >35 day cycles
  • <8/9 cycles/year
  • > 90 days for any cycle

anovulation can be proved by: lack of progesterone rise or an Ultrasound

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

How to assess clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism with possible PCOS?

A
Clinical:
- acne
- hirsutism (Ferriman-Gallwey score)
- alopecia (ludwig score)
Biochemical
- raised androgen (testosterone)
38
Q

How to assess polycystic ovaries in possible PCOS?

A
  • > 20 follicles
  • > 10ml either ovary on TVUS (8MHz)

do NOT use ultrasound until 8 years post menarche due to high incidence of multi-follicular ovaries

39
Q

Which 2 red flags for PCOS have the worst metabolic risk as a combination?

A

Oligo/Anovulation, and clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism

40
Q

What are the main presentations of PCOS?

A
  • Irregular menses/amenorrhoea
  • Infertility
  • increased insulin resistance
  • impaired glucose homeostasis (T2DM, gestational DM)
  • Hirsutism
  • Increased risk of endometrial cancer risk (2-6)
41
Q

How to treat the irregular menses/amenorrhoea caused by PCOS?

A
  • Oral contraceptive pill
  • metformin
42
Q

How to treat the infertility caused by PCOS?

A
  • ovulation induction/IVF
43
Q

How to treat the increased insulin resistance caused by PCOS?

A
  • diet and lifestyle
  • metformin
44
Q

How to treat the hirsutism caused by PCOS?

A
  • cream, waxing, laser
  • anti-androgens (spironolactone)
45
Q

How to manage the increased risk of endometrial cancer caused by PCOS?

A

progesterone courses

46
Q

What is the biochemical presentation of congenital and acquired hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in females?

A
  • decreased GnRH
  • low FSH, LH (hypogonadotrophic)
  • low Oestradiol (hypogonadism)
47
Q

What is the biochemical presentation of hyperprolactinaemia in females?

A
  • decreased GnRH
  • low FSH, LH (hypogonadotrophic)
  • low Oestradiol (hypogonadism)
48
Q

What is the biochemical presentation of hypopituitarism?

A
  • low LH, FSH (hypogonadotrophic)
  • low E2 (hypogonadism)
49
Q

What is the biochemical presentation of PCOS?

A
  • high LH, FSH
  • normal/low E2
50
Q

What are the different types of congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in males?

A
  • Anosmic (Kallmann syndrome)
  • Normosmic
51
Q

What are causes of acquired hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism?

A
  • low BMI
  • excess exercise
  • stress
52
Q

What are possible causes of hypopituitarism?

A
  • tumour
  • infiltration
  • apoplexy
  • surgery
  • radiation
53
Q

What are are possible caused of acquired primary hypogonadism in females?

A
  • POI (premature ovarian insufficiency)
  • Surgery
  • Trauma
  • Chemo
  • Radiation
54
Q

What are are possible caused of congenital primary hypogonadism in females?

A
  • Turners syndrome
  • Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
55
Q

What are the symptoms of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency?

A
  • same as menopause
  • chance of conception: 20%
56
Q

How can a blood test diagnose POI?

A
  • High FSH >25iU/L
  • x 2, 4 weeks apart
57
Q

What are the causes of POI?

A
  • autoimmune
  • genetic (eg: Turners Syndrome)
  • cancer therapy (Radio/Chemo)
58
Q

What is primary amenorrhoea?

A
  • NO period ever
  • after 16 = abnormal
59
Q

What is secondary amenorrhoea?

A
  • Periods start, bu then stop for at least 6-12 months
  • normal to be irregular/anovulatory for first 18 months
60
Q

What is Amenorrhoea?

A
  • no periods for at least 3-6 months
  • < 3 periods per year
61
Q

What is Oligo-menorrhoea?

A
  • irregular of infrequent periods
  • > 35 day cycles
  • 4-9 cycles/year
62
Q

What are the possible lifestyle changes to treat male infertility?

A
  • optimise BMI
  • smoking cessation
  • alcohol reduction/cessation
63
Q

What are the specific treatments available for male infertility?

A
  • dopamine agonist (hyperPRL)
  • Gonadotrophin treatment for fertility (will increase testosterone)
  • Testosterone (for symptoms, NO fertility necessary)
  • Surgery (Micro Testicular sperm extraction)
64
Q

What should be part of a history for male infertility?

A
Hx of PC:
- duration
- associated symptoms (PRL, T deficiency, CHH features)
PMHx:
- previous children
- pubertal milestones
- medications and drug
Family Hx
Social Hx
65
Q

What is included in an examination for suspected male infertility?

A
  • BMI
  • sexual characteristics
  • testicular volume
  • epididymal hardness
  • presence of vans deferens
  • syndromic features
  • anosmia
  • other endocrine signs
66
Q

What are the main investigations done when male infertility is suspected?

A
  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Chlamydia swab
  • Semen analysis
  • Scrotal Ultrasound / Doppler (obstruction, testicular volume)
  • MRI pituitary (if low LH, FSH or high PRL)
67
Q

What is involved in a blood test for possible male infertility?

A
  • LH, FSH, PRL
  • Morning fasting testosterone
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
  • Albumin
  • Iron
  • Pituitary/Thyroid profile
  • Karyotyping
68
Q

What is Azospermia?

A

No sperm

69
Q

What is Oligospermia?

A

Low/Reduced sperm

70
Q

What is the biochemical presentation of Klinefelters Syndrome?

A
  • High LH, FSH (hypergonadotrophism)
  • Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism)
  • trisomy XXY
71
Q

How common is Klinefelters Syndrome?

A

1/1100 live male births

72
Q

What are the symptoms of Klinefelters Syndrome?

A

.

73
Q

What is the impact of hyperprolactinaemia?

A

inhibits kisspeptin release, therefore reducing downstream GnRH, LH, FSH, Testosterone and Oestrogen

74
Q

What can hyperprolactinaemia cause?

A
  • Oligo/Amenorrhoea
  • Low libido
  • Infertility
  • Osteoporosis
75
Q

What is the treatment for hyperprolactinaemia?

A
  • Dopamine agonist (Cabergoline)
  • Surgery/DXT
76
Q

What is Kallmann syndrome?

A

The failure of the migration of GnRH neurons with olfactory fibres

77
Q

What are the symptoms of Kallmann Syndrome?

A
  • Anosmia
  • Cryptochidism
  • Failure of puberty
  • Lack of testicle development
  • Micropenis
  • Primary Amenorrhoea
  • Infertility
78
Q

What are the biochemical features of Kallmann Syndrome?

A
  • Reduced GnRH
  • Low LH, FSH (hypogonadotrophic)
  • Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
79
Q

What are the biochemical characteristics of congenital primary hypogonadism in males?

A
  • high LH and FSH (hypergonadotrophic)
  • low testosterone (hypogonadism)
80
Q

What are the biochemical characteristics of acquired primary hypogonadism in males?

A
  • high LH and FSH (hypergonadotrophic)
  • low testosterone (hypogonadism)
81
Q

What are the causes of acquired primary hypogonadism in males?

A
  • Cryptorchidism
  • Trauma
  • Chemo
  • Radiation
82
Q

What are the causes of congenital primary hypogonadism in males?

A
  • Klinefelters (47XXY)
83
Q

What are the biochemical characteristics of hypopituitarism in males?

A
  • low LH, FSH (hypogonadotrophic)
  • low testosterone (hypogonadism)
84
Q

What are the causes of hypopituitarism in men?

A
  • tumour
  • infiltration
  • apoplexy
  • surgery
  • radiation
85
Q

What are the biochemical characteristics of congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in males?

A
  • Reduced GnRH
  • Reduced LH, FSH (hypogonadotrophic)
  • Reduced testosterone
    (hypogonadism)
86
Q

What are the biochemical characteristics of acquired hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in males?

A
  • Reduced GnRH
  • Reduced LH, FSH (hypogonadotrophic)
  • Reduced testosterone
    (hypogonadism)
87
Q

What are the biochemical characteristics of hyperprolactinaemia in males in respect to infertility?

A
  • Reduced GnRH
  • Reduced LH, FSH (hypogonadotrophic)
  • Reduced testosterone
    (hypogonadism)
88
Q

What causes congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in males?

A
  • Anosmic (Kallmann Syndrome)
  • Normosmic
89
Q

What causes acquired hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in males?

A
  • Low BMI
  • Excess exercise
  • Stress
90
Q

What is Turner’s Syndrome?

A

45 X0 (missing an X chromosome)

91
Q

What is Klinefelters Syndrome?

A

47XXY (extra X chromosome)