Fertility and Contraception Flashcards
(180 cards)
When can investigation and referral for infertility take place?
When a couple has been trying to conceive without success for 12 months, can be reduced to 6 months if woman is older than 35.
What are common causes of infertility?
Sperm problems Ovulation problems Tubal problems Uterine problems Unexplained
What general lifestyle advice is given to couples trying to get pregnant?
Woman taking 400mcg folic acid daily
Aim for healthy BMI
Avoid smoking and drinking excessive alcohol
Reduce stress - negatively affects libido and relationship
Intercourse every 2-3 days
Avoid timed intercourse
What are the investigations for infertility?
BMI - low = anovulation, high = PCOS
Chlamydia screening
Semen analysis
Female hormone testing:
Serum LH and FSH on day 2-5 of the cycle
Serum progesterone on day 21, or 7 days before end if not a 28-day cycle
Anti-Mullerian hormone
TFTs if symptoms suggestive
Prolactin if galactorrhoea or amenorrhoea
Ultrasound pelvis looks for PCOs or structural abnormalities
Hysterosalpingogram
Laparoscopy and dye test
Semen analysis for male factor infertility
Hormonal testing, genetic testing, transrectal ultrasound, vasography, testicular biopsy
What does high FSH suggest about fertility?
Poor ovarian reserve - the number of follicles left
Pituitary gland is producing extra FSH in an attempt to stimulate follicular development.
What does high LH suggest about fertility?
May suggest polycystic ovarian syndrome.
What does Anti Mullerian hormone suggest about fertility?
Can be measured at any time during the cycle, most accurate marker of ovarian reserve, released by granulosa cells, falls as eggs are depleted
High level means good reserve
What is a hysterosalpingogram?
Assesses shape of uterus and patency of fallopian tubes
Can increase rate of conception without other intervention
Contrast medium injection, can help show tubal obstruction
Risk of infection, prophylactic abx given, screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea done beforehand
What is the management of anovulation?
Weight loss
Clomifene
Letrozole instead of clomifene - aromatase inhibitor with anti-oestrogen effects
Gonadotropins for those resistant to clomifene
Ovarian drilling
Metformin if insulin resistance and obesity
What is clomifene?
Anti-oestrogen - selective oestrogen receptor modulator
Given daily between days 2-6 of menstrual cycle
Stops negative feedback of oestrogen on hypothalamus, more GnRH release, so more FSH and LH.
How can tubal factors causing infertility be managed?
Tubal cannulation during hysterosalpingogram
Laparoscopy to remove adhesions or endometriosis
IVF
How can sperm problems causing infertility be managed?
Surgical sperm retrieval if there is a blockage - collects directly from epididymis
Surgical correction of obstruction in vas deferens
Intra-uterine insemination - collect and separate high quality sperm then inject into uterus
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection ICSI injected into the cytoplasm of an egg, then injected into uterus of woman.
Donor insemination
How should I assess a man who is concerned about infertility?
Take a full medical, sexual, and social history, including:
Children born to man (with same or different partner).
Length of time trying to conceive.
Frequency and difficulties of sexual intercourse.
Symptoms or history that may suggest primary spermatogenic failure or obstructive, including:
History of mumps, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or testicular trauma or torsion. Previous urogenital abnormality and treatment (for example undescended testis or orchidopexy). Systemic diseases (for example cardiac failure, chronic renal failure, neoplasia, uncontrolled diabetes, liver cirrhosis, or thyrotoxicosis). Previous surgery (for example hernia repair or orchidopexy).
Ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction.
Drug history.
Details of occupation, for possible exposure to hazards that can reduce fertility (such as pesticides and solvents).
Lifestyle factors - smoking, excessive, or social or occupational situations that may cause testicular hyperthermia.
Physical examination
Examine the penis, check position of urethral meatus, for structural abnormalities.
A scrotal examination may reveal lumps (cancer, varicocele, or hernia); small, soft testes (which may indicate hypogonadism); or undescended testes.
Assess secondary sexual characteristics. In hypogonadism, there may be a decrease in beard and body hair growth and a decrease in muscle mass.
Look for gynaecomastia, which may indicate hypogonadism.
What initial investigations should I arrange in a man to investigate infertility?
Semen analysis - collected after at least 2 days but no more than 7 days of sexual abstinence.
Needs to be complete, report any loss of fraction.
Screen for chlamydia
What is the treatment for an anovulatory cause of infertility?
Controlled ovarian stimulation 1st line - Gonadotrophins are first-line options for patients with hypothalamic amenorrhoea - e.g. Menotrophin
What is infertility?
Not conceiving after trying to have regular (2/3 x a week) unprotected sex for 1 year
What are the main 2 categories to think about when working out what could be reducing female fertility?
What are some other causes?
Ovulatory disorders
Tubal damage
Other - cervical mucus dysfunction, fibroids that distort uterine cavity, previous cervical surgery, chronic debilitating disease
What can cause tubal damage and therefore lead to infertility?
Adhesions: PID and endometriosis
Previous sterilisation
What are the types of ovulatory disorder and what blood results differentiate them?
1 - Hypothalmic pituitary failure
- low gonadotrophins and oestrogen
2 - HPO failure e.g. PCOS (85%)
- Raised LH, low progesterone
3 - Ovarian failure (5%)
- high gonadotrophins, low oestrogen
What are the causes of hypothalamic pituitary failure
Hypothyroid (decreases FSH and LH)
prolactinoma (inhibits GnRH so decreased LH and FSH)
What male factors can lead to infertility?
Genetic dysfunction
Varicocoele (raises testicular temperature)
Testicular cancer treatment Trauma Pituitary dysfunction Hypospadias Erection/ejaculatory failure
What general factors can lead to infertility?
Age
Stress
Obesity Smoking Alcohol Anabolic steroids Recreational drugs Tight fitting clothing
What would you ask in a history of infertility?
Previous pregnancies/fathered any children
Length of time trying
Type of contraception previously used and when stopped Coital freq. Previous STI's, fertility treatment General health - including BMI Drug Hx Female - menstrual Hx, OBGYN hx Male - mumps or measles
When would you request investigations for infertility?
After 1 year of regular intercourse