Infertility
TERMS
□ Basal body temperature (BBT)
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Infertility is the inability to conceive a child after one year of regular sexual intercourse without using any method of contraception. Included in this definition is also the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.
Infertility can affect both genders (females and males). There are many risk factors that can affect infertility in both men and women.
Laboratory and diagnostic tests as well as treatment modalities are available to the infertile couple.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after 1 year of regular sexual intercourse without using any method of contraception or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. Secondary infertility is when a woman who has been pregnant previously cannot conceive. All infertility affects approximately 6.1 million Americans, or 10% of the population that has reached the reproductive age.
A normal fertile couple has a 20% chance of conceiving during each ovulatory cycle. As a woman ages, infertility increases; therefore women older than age 40 have a 50% decrease in fertility rate. The societal trend to delay pregnancy until later in life increases infertility because the prevalence of diseases such as ovulatory dysfunction and endometriosis increases.
In about 30% of the couples it is the male who is infertile. Another 20% of women have tubal, vaginal, or uterine problems as the cause of infertility. There can also be a combined infertility (both male and female factors) or unexplained infertility.
RISK FACTORSSome of the risk factors for infertility in women are as follows:
History of pelvic inflammatory disease
Hormonal imbalances leading to irregular ovulation
Fallopian tube blockages
Fibroid tumors
Sexually transmitted infections
Age older than 35
Overweight or underweight (disrupts hormonal functions)
Chronic diseases (diabetes and thyroid malfunction)
Multiple abortions (miscarriages)
Smoking and alcohol consumption
Stress (psychological)
Endocrine changes (begins 10 to 15 years before menopause)
Endometriosis and sexually transmitted infections are two of the risk factors for female infertility.Some of the infertility risk factors for men are as follows:
Undescended testicles and testicular disorders (surgery and trauma)
Tight jeans or other tight-fitting pants
Overuse of hot tubs or saunas (high temperatures)
Mumps after puberty
Exposure to toxic substances (x-rays, mercury, and lead)
Heavy alcohol consumption
Sexually transmitted infections
Cigarette smoking
Extended periods of bike riding
Heavy alcohol consumption is a risk factor for male infertility.In the female any irregularities that lead to hormonal imbalance (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian cycle) may alter ovulation. Appropriate ovarian function may be affected by excessive exercise, stress, inadequate nutrition, poor health, and inappropriate levels of pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal hormones. Abnormalities in the structure of the fallopian tubes (narrowing, blockage, congenital defects, infections, and endometriosis) can lead to infertility or tubal pregnancies. Abnormalities in the uterus (fibroid tumors, congenital malformations, inadequate endometrium, and endometriosis) can also lead to infertility. Bicornuate uterus, septal uterus, and unicornuate uterus are examples of congenital malformations of the uterus. Endometriosis is the implantation of uterine endometrium outside the uterus. The most common sites for endometriosis are the lower pelvis and bowel. Inadequate endometrium (thinning of the uterine lining after surgical procedures and inadequate hormonal production) can lead to infertility.
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