Infertility

Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to viability after at least 1 year of regular sexual intercourse with out contraception.

Primary infertility- is an inability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to viability with no previous history of pregnancy carried to alive birth.

Secondary infertility- is an inability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to alive birth following one or more successful pregnancies.

Although often used interchangeably the term infertility and sterility are not synonymous. Sterility denotes a total and irreversible inability to conceive. Broadly defined infertility includes the inability to carry a pregnancy to viability.

Causes of infertility

Female

·        Vaginal - abnormalities

-                  infectious

-                  highly acidic vaginal PH

·        Cervical - Hostile environment (insufficient oestrogen or infection)

-                  Incompetent cervix

-                  Hostile environmental for implantation and survival of blastocyst

·        Tubal

-                  Adhesions

-                  Scar tissue due to PID

-                  Endometriosis

·        Ovarian - an ovulation

-                  Irregular or infrequent ovulation

-                  Secretary dysfunction

-                  Inadequate luteal phase

Male

·        Anatomical abnormalities / congenital factor

·        Inadequate sperm production / Maturation

·        Varicose

·        Testicular inflammation

·        Heat exposure

·        Sexually transmitted disease

·        Radiation exposure

·        Stress

·        Certain drugs

·        Inadequate motility of sperm

·        Blockage of sperm in male reproductive tract

Diagnosis

·        History and physical examination

·        Semen analysis

·        The postcoital test

·        Basal body temperature recording

·        Serum progesterone test

·        Endometrial Biopsy

·        Hysterosalpingogram

·        Laparoscopy and culdoscopy

Treatment- On a diagnosis of the cause of the infertility, it hasbeen made to involve the male partner, the female partner, or both may be initiated.