infertility - Sheet1 Flashcards
What is the definition of infertility?
The inability to conceive or sustain a pregnancy to birth after trying for 1 year.
What is subfertility?
A term used to describe couples who have the potential to conceive but require additional help.
What are the three primary assessments for subfertility investigation?
- Semen analysis 2. Ovulation monitoring 3. Tubal patency tests.
What instructions are given to a patient before semen analysis?
Sexual abstinence for 2-4 days prior to the test.
How is semen collected for analysis?
By ejaculation through masturbation, with the sperm examined within 1 hour of collection.
How can ovulation be monitored?
By measuring serum progesterone levels during the luteal phase or recording basal body temperature (BBT) for at least 4 months.
What methods are used to assess tubal patency?
Ultrasound, X-ray imaging, or direct visualization by hysteroscopy.
What are the key roles of nurses in fertility assessment teams?
Health assessments, patient education, counseling, and helping patients express their feelings about having a child.
What should history-taking for patients assigned female at birth include?
A detailed reproductive history, including menstrual history, previous pregnancies, illnesses, infections, surgeries, and contraceptive use.
What physical assessments are necessary for male partners in fertility evaluations?
Examination of secondary sex characteristics, genital abnormalities (e.g., vas deferens absence, undescended testes), and semen analysis.
What physical assessments are necessary for female partners in fertility evaluations?
Examination of the breasts, thyroid, and secondary sex characteristics, as well as a complete pelvic exam including a Pap smear.
What three questions does basic fertility testing aim to answer?
- Are sperm of good quality and number available? 2. Are ova available (is the patient ovulating)? 3. Can sperm and ova meet in a receptive environment?
What are common causes of male subfertility?
Disturbances in spermatogenesis, obstruction or impaired sperm motility, autoimmune responses, or problems with ejaculation.
What are common causes of female subfertility?
Anovulation, tubal transport problems, uterine concerns, and vaginal or cervical issues such as infections, scar tissue, or cancer.
What are tubal transport problems?
Issues with the fallopian tubes preventing the ovum and sperm from meeting, often caused by scarring or blockages.
What is the role of the nurse in preparing patients for fertility tests?
Preparing patients for tests, scheduling studies, and supporting them while they wait for results.
What are some factors that cause male subfertility?
Disturbances in spermatogenesis (limited sperm count), impaired sperm motility, obstruction, autoimmunity (immobilizes sperm), and ejaculation issues.
What factors cause female subfertility?
Anovulation (failure to ovulate), tubal transport problems, uterine issues, and vaginal or cervical problems such as infections, scar tissue, or cancer.
What is anovulation?
The inability to ovulate, meaning no egg is released from the ovary for fertilization.
What are uterine concerns that can cause female subfertility?
Issues such as fibroids, polyps, and other abnormalities that affect implantation or a pregnancy’s viability.
What are vaginal or cervical concerns that can cause female subfertility?
Infections, scar tissue, or cancer that may prevent sperm from reaching the cervix or impact fertilization.
