Infertility Flashcards
Define ovarian reserve.
Number of eggs remaining (quantity).
Give 2 things which are measured to determine ovarian reserve.
Early follicular FSH. Antral follicle count (AF). Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). Response during an Assisted Reproductive Technology cycle.
Give 2 causes of infertility in females.
Infection e.g. pelvic inflammatory disease. Previous ectopic pregnancy (where the fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb, in one of the fallopian tubes). Endometriosis (where the tissue that lines the womb is found outside the womb). Scar tissue from surgery.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
It’s where the fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb, in one of the fallopian tubes.
Define Endometriosis.
It’s where the tissue that lines the womb is found outside the womb.
Give 2 causes of anovulation.
Pituitary dysfunction. Hypothalamic dysfunction. Hyperprolactinaemia. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Thyroid dysfunction. Premature ovarian failure. Obesity.
What hormone does prolactin inhibit?
GnRH.
How does hyperprolactinaemia result in female infertility?
Hyperprolactinemia inhibits the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus (by increasing the release of dopamine), which in turn inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. Results in diminished gonadal sex hormone production (termed hypogonadism).
Give 2 symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian syndrome.
Infertility. Amenorrhea (absence of regular menstrual cycle). Abnormal hair growth. Acne. Absent ovulation.
Give 2 causes of infertility in males.
Abnormal sperm production - diabetes, infection undescended testes. Cancer (from radiotherapy). Problems with delivery of sperm due to e.g. cystic fibrosis, premature ejaculation.
Define Azoospermia.
A medical condition of a man whose semen contains no sperm.
What hormones are gonadotrophins?
LH and FSH.
Why is clomiphene citrate used in treating Polycystic Ovarian syndrome?
It triggers the brain pituitary gland to secrete more FSH and LH.
Define Obstructive Azoospermia.
Sperm being produced inside testicle, BUT blockage in reproductive tubing. E.g. due to post vasectomy, congenital absence of vas deferens.
Define Non-obstructive Azoospermia.
Problem with sperm production (no sperm/low sperm produced), therefore sperm can’t make it out testes. E.g. due to small testes (testicular failure).
