infertility - Sheet1

Question 1

What is the definition of infertility?

Answer 1

The inability to conceive or sustain a pregnancy to birth after trying for 1 year.

Question 2

What is subfertility?

Answer 2

A term used to describe couples who have the potential to conceive but require additional help.

Question 3

What are the three primary assessments for subfertility investigation?

Answer 3

1. Semen analysis 2. Ovulation monitoring 3. Tubal patency tests.

Question 4

What instructions are given to a patient before semen analysis?

Answer 4

Sexual abstinence for 2-4 days prior to the test.

Question 5

How is semen collected for analysis?

Answer 5

By ejaculation through masturbation, with the sperm examined within 1 hour of collection.

Question 6

How can ovulation be monitored?

Answer 6

By measuring serum progesterone levels during the luteal phase or recording basal body temperature (BBT) for at least 4 months.

Question 7

What methods are used to assess tubal patency?

Answer 7

Ultrasound, X-ray imaging, or direct visualization by hysteroscopy.

Question 8

What are the key roles of nurses in fertility assessment teams?

Answer 8

Health assessments, patient education, counseling, and helping patients express their feelings about having a child.

Question 9

What should history-taking for patients assigned female at birth include?

Answer 9

A detailed reproductive history, including menstrual history, previous pregnancies, illnesses, infections, surgeries, and contraceptive use.

Question 10

What physical assessments are necessary for male partners in fertility evaluations?

Answer 10

Examination of secondary sex characteristics, genital abnormalities (e.g., vas deferens absence, undescended testes), and semen analysis.

Question 11

What physical assessments are necessary for female partners in fertility evaluations?

Answer 11

Examination of the breasts, thyroid, and secondary sex characteristics, as well as a complete pelvic exam including a Pap smear.

Question 12

What three questions does basic fertility testing aim to answer?

Answer 12

1. 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?

Question 13

What are common causes of male subfertility?

Answer 13

Disturbances in spermatogenesis, obstruction or impaired sperm motility, autoimmune responses, or problems with ejaculation.

Question 14

What are common causes of female subfertility?

Answer 14

Anovulation, tubal transport problems, uterine concerns, and vaginal or cervical issues such as infections, scar tissue, or cancer.

Question 15

What are tubal transport problems?

Answer 15

Issues with the fallopian tubes preventing the ovum and sperm from meeting, often caused by scarring or blockages.

Question 16

What is the role of the nurse in preparing patients for fertility tests?

Answer 16

Preparing patients for tests, scheduling studies, and supporting them while they wait for results.

Question 17

What are some factors that cause male subfertility?

Answer 17

Disturbances in spermatogenesis (limited sperm count), impaired sperm motility, obstruction, autoimmunity (immobilizes sperm), and ejaculation issues.

Question 18

What factors cause female subfertility?

Answer 18

Anovulation (failure to ovulate), tubal transport problems, uterine issues, and vaginal or cervical problems such as infections, scar tissue, or cancer.

Question 19

What is anovulation?

Answer 19

The inability to ovulate, meaning no egg is released from the ovary for fertilization.

Question 20

What are uterine concerns that can cause female subfertility?

Answer 20

Issues such as fibroids, polyps, and other abnormalities that affect implantation or a pregnancy’s viability.

Question 21

What are vaginal or cervical concerns that can cause female subfertility?

Answer 21

Infections, scar tissue, or cancer that may prevent sperm from reaching the cervix or impact fertilization.