Infertility
What is infertility?
Infertility is defined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability perform the basic function of reproduction. Although conceiving a child may seem to be simple and natural, the physiological process is quite complicated and depends on the proper function of many factors, including the following, as listed by the ASRM:
- production of healthy sperm by the man
- production of healthy eggs by the woman
- unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg
- the sperm's ability to fertilize the egg
- the ability of the fertilized egg to become implanted in the uterus
- adequate embryo quality
Who is affected by infertility?
Infertility affects about 12 percent of couples of childbearing age. Infertility
is not just a woman's concern. A problem with the male is the sole cause, or a contributing cause, of infertility in about 50 percent of
infertile couples. About one-third of infertile couples have more than one
cause or factor related to their inability to conceive. About 20 percent of
couples have no identifiable cause for their infertility after medical investigation.
What causes infertility?
Many different factors and problems can cause infertility, including problems in the female reproductive system, the male reproductive system, or a combination of the two. The following are some of the conditions or factors that are associated with infertility:
- female factors
- ovulation dysfunction
With this condition, the woman's reproductive system does not produce the proper amounts of hormones necessary to develop, mature, and release a healthy egg.
- anatomical problems
Abnormal development or function of the female anatomy can prevent the egg and the sperm from meeting. The most common anatomical problem is blockage of the fallopian tubes. Other anatomical problems may include the presence of pelvic scar tissue from previous surgeries or infections.
- endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus develops outside the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or in the abdominal cavity. Each month, this misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle by building up and breaking down, resulting in internal bleeding which can cause scar tissue to form and affect reproductive organ function.
- birth defects
Abnormal development and function of reproductive organs resulting from birth defects can affect fertility. One of the most common reproductive system birth defects occurs following a woman's exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol) taken by her mother during pregnancy. In years past, DES was given to women at risk for pregnancy loss. Fetal DES exposure often causes abnormal development of the uterus and cervix.
- infection
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by a type of bacteria such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. PID can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or the ovaries. It can lead to pelvic adhesions and scar tissue that develops between internal organs, causing ongoing pelvic pain and the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy (the fertilized egg becomes implanted outside the uterus).
- immunological problems
A problem with a woman's immune system can lead to pregnancy loss. Antibodies (immune or protective proteins) in a woman's system can fail to recognize a pregnancy, or there may be an abnormal immune response to the pregnancy. Women can also develop antisperm antibodies which attack and destroy sperm.
- male factors
- low or absent sperm production
Without proper numbers of healthy sperm, the chance of fertilization is decreased.
- abnormal sperm function
Sperm must have proper motility and the ability to penetrate the egg.
- varicocele
This is a condition in which varicose veins develop around the testes. It is a very common cause of male factor infertility and is usually treatable and reversible with surgery.
- lifestyle
Use of recreational drugs (i.e., marijuana, cocaine), heavy alcohol use, cigarette smoking, certain medications, and excessive heat to the genital area (as in hot tubs) can affect sperm quality and function.
- hormonal disorders
Improper male hormone or endocrine function can affect sperm production and fertilization ability.
- chromosomal defects
Certain chromosomal abnormalities are associated with male infertility.
- birth defects
Abnormalities in a man's reproductive system can occur during fetal development. Some birth defects are due to a man's exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol) taken by his mother during pregnancy.
- immunological problems
A man may have antisperm antibodies (immune or protective proteins) which attack and destroy sperm
How is infertility diagnosed?
When conception does not occur after one year of unprotected intercourse, after six months in women over age 35, or if there are known problems causing infertility, a medical evaluation of both the male and female is recommended. Some obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are able to provide basic infertility evaluation and treatment. However, many causes of infertility are best treated by a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. This is an OB/GYN who has had additional education and training in infertility and is certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the sub-specialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Generally, the OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinologist will evaluate specific situations and perform tests in both the male and female partners to determine the cause of infertility. The physician is looking for answers to the following questions:
- Is the female ovulating regularly?
- Is the male producing healthy, viable sperm?
- Are the female's egg and the male's sperm able to unite and grow normally?
- Are there any obstacles to proper implantation and maintenance of the pregnancy?
The following tests are often part of the basic medical workup for infertility.
Treatment for infertility:
Specific treatment for infertility will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disorder
- cause of the disorder
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disorder
- your opinion or preference
Once a diagnosis is made, the specialist can work with you to determine the course of treatment. According to the ASRM, most infertility cases (85 to 90 percent) are treated with conventional therapies, such as drug treatment or surgical repair of reproductive abnormalities. Depending on the cause of infertility, there are many options to offer an infertile couple.
Types of treatments for women may include the following:
- ovulation medications
These medications help regulate the timing of ovulation and stimulate the development and release of mature eggs. They can also help correct hormonal problems that can affect the lining of the uterus as it prepares to receive a fertilized egg. Ovulation medications can stimulate more than one egg to be released which increases the possibility of having twins and other multiples. Some of the common ovulation medications include the following:
- clomiphene citrate
- human menopausal gonadotropins - medications containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- surgery
Surgery may be used to treat or repair a condition that is causing infertility such as fallopian tube blockage, or endometriosis. A common surgical procedure often used as part of the diagnostic workup of infertility is the laparoscopy. In a laparoscopy, a small telescope inserted into the abdominal or pelvic cavity allows internal organs to be visualized. Some procedures to treat infertility can be performed using instruments inserted through the laparoscope.
- assisted reproductive technology (ART)
For some couples, more extensive treatment is needed. With most forms
of ART, the sperm and egg are united in the laboratory and the fertilized
egg is returned to the woman's uterus where it can implant and develop.
Although ART procedures are often costly, many are being
used with success.
These include the following:
- in vitro fertilization (IVF) - involves extracting a
woman's eggs, fertilizing the eggs in the laboratory with
sperm, and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) into
the woman's uterus through the cervix (embryo transfer) where
it can develop. Most couples transfer two embryos; however,
more may be transferred in certain cases. IVF is the most
common form of ART and it is often the treatment of choice
for a woman with blocked, severely damaged, or absent
fallopian tubes. IVF is also used for infertility caused by
endometriosis or male factor infertility. IVF is sometimes
used to treat couples with long-term unexplained infertility
who have not been able to conceive with other infertility
treatments. According to the ASRM, the average cost of one
IVF cycle in the United States is $12,400. More than
one IVF cycle, however, is usually needed.
What is unexplained infertility?
About 10 to 15 percent of couples have unexplained infertility, for which a cause, despite all investigations, is not found. Unexplained infertility does not mean there is no reason for the problem, but that the reason is unable to be identified at the present time. If you suspect you are experiencing infertility, seek medical consultation
early. The age of the woman and the duration of the couple's infertility may
influence the success of treatment. Click here to view the
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