14) Subfertility - Overview & ART Flashcards
Definition of subfertility
Unwanted delay in conception after 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse (or 6 cycles of IUI)
Incidence of subfertility
15%
What are the overall outcomes for subfertile couples?
15% subfertile.
50% of these will conceive spontaneously (or with simple advice).
8% remain sub fertile and require more complex treatment (4% primary, 4% secondary).
Only 4% of population remain involuntarily childless.
What is the rate of conception in the first month of trying and what is the monthly conception rate after 1 year?
Most likely to conceive in first month - 15-20% conception rate.
After 1 year, 5% per cycle.
In an unselected population, what percentage of couples will have conceived after 6 months, 1 year, 2 years?
6 months: 60%
12 months: 85%
24 months: 95%
In a woman aged 19-26 what is her 1 year and 2 year chance of conception, compared to a woman 35-39 years?
19-26: 1 year 92%, 2 years 98%.
35-39: 1 year 82%, 2 years 90%.
What proportion of women in their 40s are able to conceive?
50%
When during the menstrual cycle is conception most likely to occur?
Probability rises from 6d pre-ovulation, peaks 2d pre-ovulation and falls by the day of ovulation.
What are the incidences of the different causes of subfertility?
40% - both male and female component 30% - male factor 25% - ovulation disorders 25% - unexplained 20% - tubal damage 5-10% - endometriosis
How to investigate a sub fertile couple?
1) Sperm analysis
2) D21 progesterone
3) Assessment of tubal function
For how long should a man be abstinent prior to sperm sample?
2-3 days
What is the normal value for sperm volume?
> 1.5mL
What is the normal value for sperm pH?
> 7.2
What is the normal value for sperm concentration?
> 15million/mL
What is the normal value for sperm number?
> 39 million
What is the normal value for sperm motility?
> 40% (>32% progressive)
What is the normal value for sperm vitality?
> 58%
What is the normal value for sperm morphology?
> 4%
What to do if the sperm sample is abnormal?
Repeat in 3 months (or if grossly abnormal repeat ASAP)
Options for assessment of tubal function
HSG (if not known to have co-morbidities)
HyCoSy (ultrasound) is an alternative to HSG
Lap + dye if thought co-morbidities
When to test thyroid in sub fertility patients?
If symptomatic
When to test prolactin in fertility patients?
If ovulatory disorder, galactorrhea or pituitary tumour
When to test FSH/LH in fertility patients?
Irregular menstrual cycles
What tests are used to predict likely ovarian response to gonadotrophin stimulation in IVF?
Total antral follicle count (done on D2-D5 via TVUS)
- low response <4, high response >16.
AMH - low response <5.4, high response >25
FSH (D2-D5 of cycle) - low response >8.9, high response <4