Infertility, TOP and Early Pregnancy Problems Flashcards
What is the definition of infertility?
A couple cannot conceive despite having regular (2/3 times a week) unprotected sex for a year. Affects 1 in 7 couples
What is primary infertility?
Someone who has not conceived in the past and is having difficulty to
What is secondary infertility?
Someone who has had 1 or more pregnancies but is now struggling to conceive
Give 4 risk factors for infertility
Age- fertility decreases after 30 years old
Weight- BMI >30 or <18
STIs
Smoking and passive smoking
Alcohol excess
Stress
Environmental factors- pesticides, solvants, metals
Give 5 potential causes for infertility in women
PCOS Premature ovarian failure Thyroid problems Phx of pelvic surgery- adhesions Cervical mucus problems Fibroids Endometriosis PID Sterilisation- hard to reverse Drugs- long term NSAIDs, chemotherapy, antipsychotics, spironolactone, illegal drugs (cocaine, marijuana)
Give 5 potential causes for infertility in a man
Low sperm count Abnormal sperm shape Testicular cancer Undescended testis Testicular injury Vasectomy Ejaculation disorder, erectile dysfunction Hypogonadism Drugs- sulfasalazine, anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, some herbal remedies, illegal drugs
How is infertility investigated in a woman?
Progesterone levels- check ovulation
Rubella status
Prolactin levels
Testosterone levels
Gonadotropin levels- FSH/LH on day 2 of cycle
Chlamydia swab
USS- look for fibroids, endometriosis + blocked fallopian tubes
Hysterosalpingogram- x-ray of uterus and fallopian tubes with dye inserted to check for blockages
How is infertility in a man investigated?
Semen analysis x2 3 months apart
If no sperm- FSH/LH/Testosterone/USS
Chlamydia test
How is infertility managed pharmacologically?
Clomifene- encourages ovulation Tamoxifen- alternative to clomifene Metformin Gonadotrophins Gonadotropin-releasing hormone + dopamine agonists
How is infertility managed surgically?
Fallopian tube surgery
Laparoscopic surgery to treat fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS
Correct epididymal blockage
Surgical extraction of sperm.
What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?
Sperm inserted into the womb via a fine blastic tube passed through the cervix
What is in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?
Eggs removed from ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a lab. Embryo then returned to woman’s womb to grow
What is an abortion?
The termination of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of a fetus from the uterus. Can be done medically or surgically. Legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, unless fetal abnormality found or severe consequences for the mother
What things are covered in the pre-assessment for an abortion?
Reasons for abortion Offer counselling Pregnancy test and ultrasound to confirm pregnancy Test for STIs Blood type Anaemia screen Antibiotics given to reduce risk of infection Sign consent form
Describe what happens in a medical abortion
Used at any time but better <7 weeks
Take the anti-progesterone Mifepristone in the hospital clinic. 24-48 hours later, Misoprostol is taken which is a prostaglandin. In 4-6 hours the womb lining breaks down and the pregnancy is lost.
Describe a vacuum/suction aspiration surgical abortion
Used up to 15 weeks
Tube inserted into the uterus and pregnancy removed via suction. Medication to relax the cervix is given beforehand.
Oral analgesia and local anaesthetic used
Describe a Dilation and evacuation (D+E) surgical abortion
Used after 15 weeks
Forceps inserted into the uterus to remove the pregnancy. The cervix is dilated for several hours before and it is done under general anaesthetic.
What advice is given to the patient after an abortion?
Symptoms:
May experience nausea and diarrhoea
GA side effects
Vaginal cramps and stomach cramps
Advice: Avoid tampons for 4 weeks Can take extra OTC analgesia Counselling available Monitor symptoms
Give 5 potential complications of abortions
Infection of uterus Failure of TOP (continuing pregnancy) Retained products of pregnancy Excessive bleeding Damage to cervix Damage to the uterus- perforation Psychological trauma
What is a spontaneous miscarriage?
Fetus dies or delivers dead before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Mainly occur before 12 weeks.
Happens to 15% of clinically recognised pregnancies