THE INFERTILE COUPLE I Flashcards
What is the definition of infertility?
Inability of a couple to achieve conception after one year of regular unprotected intercourse.
Why is childbearing considered important in many societies?
Religious, inheritance, and societal status considerations.
What percentage of couples worldwide are affected by infertility?
Between 10% and 20%.
Name two factors contributing to the increase in infertility rates.
Infection and environmental pollution affecting sperm quality.
List three classifications of infertility based on etiology.
Tubal, anovulation, fibroids, endometriosis, male factors, coital issues, and unexplained infertility.
What are the key components of infertility management?
Joint assessment, history, examination, and investigations such as semen analysis and ovulation tests.
What should be included in the history-taking for an infertile couple?
Age, marital status, occupation, duration of infertility, symptoms related to major causes, previous investigations, and treatments.
What physical examinations are performed for infertility assessment?
General examination, neck, breasts, abdomen, pelvic region, and male genital examination.
What is the purpose of semen analysis in infertility investigations?
To evaluate sperm parameters and identify male factor infertility.
What are the parameters assessed in semen analysis?
Volume (>1.5ml), concentration (>15 million/ml), total count (>39 million), progressive motility (>32%), morphology (>4%).
Name three ovulatory tests used in infertility diagnosis.
Mid-luteal phase progesterone, LH/FSH, and ultrasound folliculometry.
What are the common methods for assessing tubal patency?
HSG, laparoscopy with dye test, sonohysterography, and HyCoSy.
What is the role of hysterosalpingography (HSG) in infertility workup?
It evaluates the structure and patency of fallopian tubes and uterine cavity.
What baseline investigations are recommended for infertility?
Full blood count, blood group, rubella status, microbiology tests (e.g., HVS, ECS), and immunological tests.
Name two treatment options for anovulation.
Weight management and medications like clomiphene or letrozole.
How is tubal factor infertility managed?
Tubal surgery or IVF.
What are the available treatments for male factor infertility?
ART, IVF, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
When is in-vitro fertilization (IVF) considered in infertility treatment?
When other treatments fail or for unexplained infertility.
Name two alternative options for couples with unexplained infertility.
Surrogacy and adoption.
What controversies surround infertility treatment?
Ethical concerns about ART, cost, donor gametes, surrogacy, and cloning.
Why is the age of the female partner significant in infertility?
Fertility decreases with advancing female age.
What is the importance of understanding reproductive anatomy in infertility management?
It ensures rational management and diagnosis.
What is the role of karyotyping in infertility investigations?
To detect chromosomal abnormalities affecting fertility.
List three hormonal tests used to evaluate ovulation.
LH, FSH, prolactin.
What is the significance of folliculometry in infertility assessment?
It monitors follicle development to predict ovulation.
How is basal body temperature (BBT) used in ovulatory testing?
Tracks ovulatory patterns through temperature changes.
What is the importance of laparoscopy in infertility investigations?
Identifies pelvic abnormalities and assesses tubal patency.
Name three assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
IVF, ICSI, surrogacy.
What is the purpose of a dye patency test during laparoscopy?
Confirms the patency of fallopian tubes.
How can couples manage the emotional challenges of infertility?
Counseling and support groups.
