Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment

Purpose of Fertility Assessment

Infertility is a common issue affecting individuals and couples worldwide. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Definition:

Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.

Types of Infertility

Primary infertility: No previous pregnancies.

Secondary infertility: Previous pregnancy, but unable to conceive again.

Male infertility: Issues with sperm production or function.

Female infertility: Issues with ovulation, egg quality, or uterine factors.

Unexplained infertility: No identifiable cause.

Causes of Infertility

Male Factors (30-40%):

Low sperm count

Poor sperm motility

Abnormal sperm morphology

Varicocele

Hormonal imbalances

Female Factors (50-60%):

Ovulation disorders

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Endometriosis

Tubal damage or blockage

Uterine abnormalities

Combined Factors (10-20%):

Age-related decline

Lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, stress)

Genetic disorders

Medical conditions (diabetes, thyroid issues)

Environmental toxins

Symptoms

Irregular menstrual cycles

Painful intercourse

Difficulty getting pregnant

Recurrent miscarriages

Low sperm count

Diagnosis

Medical history

Physical examination

Semen analysis

Hormone testing

Laparoscopy or hysteroscopy

Imaging tests (ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram)

Treatment Options:

Medications (clomiphene, letrozole)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Donor sperm or eggs

Surrogacy

Adoption