The Infertile Couple Flashcards
(35 cards)
What is the definition of infertility?
Inability of a couple to conceive after 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse.
Why is infertility considered important in some societies?
Due to religious expectations, inheritance concerns, and social status tied to childbearing.
What is the global prevalence of infertility?
Affects 10–20% of couples worldwide (~1 in 6).
Name four factors contributing to rising infertility rates.
Infections, increasing female age, sperm quality decline, environmental pollution.
List the main categories of causes of infertility.
Tubal, anovulation, fibroids, endometriosis, male, coital, unexplained.
Name three tubal causes of infertility.
Infection, tubal surgery, adhesions.
What are common causes of anovulation?
PCOS, hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, premature menopause, unexplained causes.
What are possible male causes of infertility?
Infections, surgery, congenital absence or defects.
What coital factors can lead to infertility?
Coital timing issues, anatomical or functional male/female problems.
What should the history-taking for an infertile couple include?
Age, marital status, duration of infertility, menstrual history, infections, galactorrhoea, male factors.
What should be assessed in the physical examination of a female patient?
General exam, neck, breast, abdomen, pelvic exam.
What should be assessed in the physical examination of a male patient?
Phenotype, testicle size and tenderness, penis structure.
How is semen collected for analysis?
After 2–5 days abstinence via masturbation, special condom, or interrupted intercourse; tested within 1 hour.
What is the minimum acceptable semen volume?
1.5 mL.
What is considered a normal sperm concentration?
15 million/mL.
What is the normal threshold for total sperm count?
39 million.
What progressive motility percentage is acceptable?
32% (grades A + B).
What is the minimum acceptable percentage for sperm morphology?
0.04
Name three ovulatory function tests.
Mid-luteal progesterone, FSH/LH/prolactin/TFT, folliculometry, basal body temperature, endometrial biopsy.
What hormone is typically measured in the mid-luteal phase?
Progesterone.
What ultrasound method is used to monitor follicle development?
Folliculometry.
Name four tests used to assess tubal patency.
HSG, laparoscopy with dye, sonohysterosalpingography, HYCOSY.
What baseline tests are important before fertility treatment?
FBC, blood group, rubella screen.
What microbial tests are commonly done in infertility workup?
HVS, endocervical swab, chlamydia testing.
