Infertility Flashcards
What is infertility?
The inability of a couple to conceive after 12months of regular intercourse without the use of contraception.
What must be covered in a female history during an infertility consultation?
Duration of infertility Previous contraception Fertility in previous relationships Previous pregnancies/complications Menstrual history Medical and surgical history Sexual history Previous investigations Psychological assessment
What should be involved in a female examination when investigating infertility?
Weight Height BMI Fat and Hair distribution Galactorrhoea Abdominal examination Pelvic examination
What is a more serious cause of hirsutism?
Androgen secreting tumours - ovarian or adrenal.
If Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate is greater than 700mcg/dL then adrenal CT is recommended to look for tumours.
They are rare especially in premenopausal women however when found most are already malignant.
What is a sign if androgen excess?
Acanthosis nigricans -
darkening of under arms, dark line on back of neck.
What are you looking for during a pelvic examination?
Masses e.g uterine fibroids, enlarged Fallopian tubes etc Pelvic distortion Tenderness Vaginal septum Cervical abnormalities
What are some signs of fibroids?
Pressure symptoms
Period problems
Infertility
What are some baseline investigations for testing the female partner’s fertility?
Rubella immunity
Chlamydia
TSH
If periods are regular - mid luteal progesterone (7days prior to expected period).
If irregular periods then do a day 1-5 FSH, LH, PRL, TSH , Testosterone
What are some baseline investigations when testing the male partner’s fertility?
Semen analysis
What is Hysterosalpingography?
Radiological procedure to examine the shape of the uterine cavity. It uses a dye to look at the womb and Fallopian tubes.
Good for screening for tubal occlusion.
What is Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography? (HyCoSy)
Ultrasound procedure of the female reproductive system. Used to diagnose structural defects. Fluid is inserted into Fallopian tubes to provide a contrast medium.
What is involved in a male fertility examination?
Weight Height BMI Fat and Hair distribution Abdominal and inguinal examination Genital examination of epididymis, testes, vas deferent and varicocele if present.
What are some conditions that cause epididymitis?
Chlamydia trachoma’s
Gonorrhoea
Tuberculosis
Mumps
Causes seminiferous tubular necrosis and disrupts spermatogenesis.
What is a Varicocele?
Dilation of the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic veins in the scrotum.
How may a varicocele affect male fertility?
Normally have abnormal semen parameters, including low sperm concentration.
Should not be offered surgery for varicoceles as fertility treatment as it does not improve pregnancy outcomes.