Infertility Flashcards
What is infertility?
Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
What are the two types of infertility?
Primary infertility (no prior pregnancies) and secondary infertility (difficulty conceiving after previous successful pregnancy).
What are the most common causes of female infertility?
Causes include ovulatory disorders, tubal damage, endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, and age-related decline in fertility.
What are the most common causes of male infertility?
Causes include low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, and conditions like varicocele or hypogonadism.
What are the key risk factors for infertility?
Risk factors include advanced maternal age, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and a history of pelvic infections or surgeries.
How is ovulatory dysfunction assessed in infertility?
Ovulatory dysfunction is assessed using menstrual history, serum progesterone levels, and ovulation tracking methods like basal body temperature.
What investigations are used to assess female infertility?
Investigations include pelvic ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, hormonal profile (FSH, LH, estradiol), and AMH levels.
What is the role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in infertility?
AMH indicates ovarian reserve and helps guide decisions regarding fertility treatment.
What investigations are used to assess male infertility?
Investigations include semen analysis, hormonal tests (testosterone, FSH, LH), and scrotal ultrasound.
What is semen analysis, and what does it assess?
Semen analysis evaluates sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume to identify potential male infertility issues.
What is the role of hysterosalpingography in infertility?
Hysterosalpingography assesses the patency of the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity abnormalities.
What are the symptoms of ovulatory disorders?
Symptoms include irregular or absent menstrual cycles, heavy or light bleeding, and sometimes signs of underlying conditions like PCOS.
What lifestyle modifications can help improve fertility?
Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, managing stress, and optimising timing of intercourse.
What medical treatments are available for ovulatory disorders?
Treatments include ovulation induction with medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole, and managing underlying endocrine conditions.
What is the role of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in infertility?
IUI involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus and is used for mild male infertility or unexplained infertility.
What is in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)?
IVF involves retrieving eggs and sperm, fertilising them outside the body, and transferring embryos into the uterus.
What are common complications of IVF?
Complications include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, and emotional stress.
How does age affect fertility?
Fertility declines with age, particularly after 35, due to a decrease in ovarian reserve and egg quality.
What is unexplained infertility?
Unexplained infertility is diagnosed when no identifiable cause is found after thorough evaluation of both partners.
What are the psychological impacts of infertility?
Impacts include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and feelings of inadequacy.
What surgical options are available for infertility?
Surgical options include tubal surgery, hysteroscopic correction of uterine abnormalities, and varicocele repair in men.
What is the role of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in infertility?
ART includes methods like IVF, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), and cryopreservation to help achieve pregnancy.
What is the prognosis for infertility treatment?
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause, age, and treatment type, with ART offering high success rates for many couples.
How can infertility awareness be improved?
Awareness can be improved through education on fertility health, promoting early evaluation, and reducing stigma around infertility.
