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Outline
• Introduction
• Risks
• Causes/Problems
– Physical obstructions
– Hormonal obstructions
– Fertilization
– Early stages of
development
• Treatment
• Ways to Battle Infertility
• Coping with infertility
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What is infertility?
• Couples that have been unable to conceive
a child after 12 months of regular sexual
intercourse without birth control are
infertile.
• Women who have repeated miscarriages
are also said to be infertile.
• Animation
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Infertility
• In order for a woman to become pregnant:
– Egg must be released from one of her ovaries
(ovulation)
– Egg must go through the fallopian tube toward
the uterus
– Sperm must join with the egg in the fallopian
tube (fertilization)
– Fertilized egg must attach to the uterine wall
(implantation)
• Infertility can result from problems that
interfere with any of these steps.
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You’re not alone.
• About 12% of women (7.3 million) in the
United States aged 15-44 had difficulty
getting pregnant or carrying a baby to
term in 2002.
• Ten to 15% of couples in the U.S. are
infertile.
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When should you go see a doctor?
• Women in their 30s who've been trying to
become pregnant for six months should speak
to their doctors as soon as possible.
• Women with the following issues should speak
to their doctors:
– irregular periods or no menstrual periods
– very painful periods
– Endometriosis
– pelvic inflammatory disease
– more than one miscarriage
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What Increases the Risks?
• Age
• Stress
• Poor diet
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• STDs
• Overweight
• Underweight
• Caffeine intake
• Too much exercise
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The Age Factor
• A woman's fertility
naturally starts to decline
in her late 20's.
• After age 35 a woman's
fertility decreases rapidly.
• A woman is born with all
the eggs she'll have, and
with time, the supply
diminishes.
• The remaining eggs also
age along with the rest of
the body.
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The Age Factor
• 20% of women in the United States have
their first child after age 35.
• About one third of couples over age 35
have fertility problems.
• Age decreases the woman’s ability to
conceive by:
– Ability of a woman’s ovaries to release eggs
– Increased miscarriages
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Endometriosis
• Occurs when the uterine
tissue implants and
grows outside of the
uterus, affecting the
function of the ovaries,
uterus and fallopian
tubes.
• Scar tissue can block the
fallopian tubes and
prevent the egg from
entering the uterus.
• There is a 25-35% rate
of infertility in moderate
to severe cases of
Endometriosis
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PID
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a spectrum
of infections of the female genital tract that
includes endometritis, salpingitis, tuboovarian
abscess, and peritonitis.
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Uterine Fibroids and Pelvic Adhesions
• Fibroids are benign tumors in
the wall of the uterus
• May cause infertility by
blocking the fallopian tubes
• Pelvic adhesions are bands
of scar tissue that bind
organs after pelvic infection,
appendicitis, or abdominal or
pelvic surgery
• This scar tissue formation
may impair fertility.
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Ovarian failure
• Ovarian failure can be a consequence of
medical treatments, or the complete
failure of the ovaries to develop or contain
eggs in the first place (Turner's
Syndrome).
• Ovarian failure can also occur as a result
of treatments such as chemotherapy and
pelvic radiotherapy for cancers in other
body areas. These therapies destroy eggs
in the ovary.
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Ovulation disorders
• Disruption in the part of the brain that
regulates ovulation can cause low levels
of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-
stimulating hormone (FSH).
• Even slight irregularities in the hormone
system can affect ovulation.
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Elevated prolactin
• Also called hyperprolactinemia
• Can cause irregular or no ovulation
• Irregular periods
• May cause galactorrehea, milk production
when not pregnant
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PCOS
• Polycystic ovary
syndrome
(PCOS)
• Produces too
much androgen
hormone (male
hormones)
• Causes an
irregular or no
menstrual cycle
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Early menopause
• Absence of menstruation
• Early depletion of ovarian follicles before
age 35
• Although the cause is unknown, certain
conditions are associated with early
menopause, including immune system
diseases, radiation or chemotherapy
treatment, and smoking
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Other Causes
• Medications
• Thyroid problems
• Cancer and treatment
• Other medical conditions
– conditions associated with delayed puberty or
amenorrhea, sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS,
kidney disease and diabetes
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Immune Infertility
• The developing embryo may be miscarried due
to the mother’s immune system recognizing it as
a “foreign body” and attacking it.
• Also, the woman may produce anti-sperm
antibodies (ASA) to her partner’s sperm.
• ASA neutralize sperm by clumping them
together and destroying their membranes.
• They also coat over receptors involved in sperm-
egg binding and fertilization.
• An estimated 12 to 15 percent of unexplained
infertility in women is linked to ASA.
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Membrane Proteins
• Receptin, an oocyte membrane protein, is
responsible for binding sperm with the
egg.
• If this protein is not receptive or present,
fertilization cannot occur.
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Development Problems
• Hard Eggs
• Teratogens
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Hard Eggs
• If your egg is too 'hard', then the embryo
cannot hatch out of the zona pellucida and
it dies.
• To fix this problem, scientists can make a
tiny hole in the egg to give it a head start.
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Teratogens
• Damage from external sources, including
viral infections, x-rays and other radation,
and poor nutrition
• Depending on the stage of development at
which the exposure to the teratogen takes
place, a variation of developmental
malformations may occur.
– Week 8= stunting of the fingers and toes
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Treatment
• Infertility can be treated with medicine,
surgery, artificial insemination or assisted
reproductive technology.
– Stimulate ovulation with fertility drugs
• About two-thirds of couples who are
treated for infertility are able to have a
baby.
• In most cases, infertility is treated with
drugs or surgery.
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Assisted reproductive technology
(ART)
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
– Most effective
– Recommended when both
fallopian tubes are blocked
• ART works best when the
woman has a healthy
uterus, responds well to
fertility drugs, and
ovulates naturally or uses
donor eggs.
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Complications
• Multiple pregnancy
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
– Ovaries may enlarge and cause pain and bloating
– Higher risk in PCOS women
• Bleeding or infection
• Low birth weight
• Birth defects
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Ways to Battle Infertility
• Regular exercise
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics
• Limit caffeine
– No more than 250 mg per day
• Limit medications
• Eat a balanced diet
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Coping with Infertility
• Consider other
options
– Adoption, donor sperm
or egg
• Talk about your
feelings
– To each other
– Support groups
– Counseling services
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Coping with Infertility
• Acupuncture
• Practice relaxation
• Stay in touch with
loved ones
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Notes de l'éditeur
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates there are 6.1 million people dealing with infertility in the United States -- that's roughly 10% of those trying to conceive. Fortunately, there are many tests and procedures that can identify and treat the causes of infertility. Ten percent to 15 percent of couples in the United States are infertile. Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year. One in six couples is infertile. In 40 per cent of cases the problem rests with the male, in 40 per cent with the female, ten per cent with both partners, and in a further ten per cent of cases, the cause is unknown. Fertility problems strike one in three women over 35. One in 25 males has a low sperm count and one in 35 is sterile. For healthy couples in their twenties having regular unprotected sex, the chance of becoming pregnant each month is 25 per cent. The chance of conceiving in an IVF cycle is on average around 20 per cent (but varies due to individual circumstances).
Many of the risk factors for both male and female infertility are the same. They include: Age. After about age 32, a woman's fertility potential gradually declines. Infertility in older women may be due to a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities that occur in the eggs as they age. Older women are also more likely to have health problems that may interfere with fertility. The risk of miscarriage also increases with a woman's age. A gradual decline in fertility is possible in men older than 35. Tobacco smoking. Men and women who smoke tobacco may reduce their chances of becoming pregnant and reduce the possible benefit of fertility treatment. Miscarriages are more frequent in women who smoke. Alcohol use. For women, there's no safe level of alcohol use during conception or pregnancy. Moderate alcohol use does not appear to decrease male fertility. Being overweight. Among American women, infertility often is due to a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight. Being underweight. Women at risk include those with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, and women following a very low-calorie or restrictive diet. Strict vegetarians also may experience infertility problems due to a lack of important nutrients such as vitamin B-12, zinc, iron and folic acid. Too much exercise. In some studies, exercising more than seven hours a week has been associated with ovulation problems. Strenuous exercise may also affect success of in vitro fertilization. On the other hand, not enough exercise can contribute to obesity, which also increases infertility. Caffeine intake. Studies are mixed on whether drinking too much caffeine may be associated with decreased fertility. Some studies have shown a decrease in fertility with increased caffeine use while others have not shown adverse effects. If there are effects, it's likely that caffeine has a greater impact on a woman's fertility than on a man's. High caffeine intake does appear to increase the risk of miscarriage.
After about age 32, a woman's fertility potential gradually declines. Infertility in older women may be due to a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities that occur in the eggs as they age. Older women are also more likely to have health problems that may interfere with fertility. The risk of miscarriage also increases with a woman's age. A gradual decline in fertility is possible in men older than 35. The reason is straightforward. A woman is born with all the eggs she'll have. And with time, the supply diminishes. The remaining eggs also age along with the rest of the body.
, about 20 percent of women in the United States now have their first child after age 35. So age is an increasingly common cause of fertility problems. About one third of couples in which the woman is over 35 have fertility problems. Aging decreases a woman's chances of having a baby in the following ways: The ability of a woman's ovaries to release eggs ready for fertilization declines with age. The health of a woman's eggs declines with age. As a woman ages she is more likely to have health problems that can interfere with fertility. As a women ages, her risk of having a miscarriage increases.
The normal tissue lining the uterine cavity is called the endometrium. Endometriosis is a condition in which the presence of this endometrial tissue moves outside the uterus. The most common places for implantation are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and intestines, uterine wall, and the lining of the pelvis. In very rare cases it may be found in the lungs, surgical wounds (cesarean section scars), brain tissue and the vaginal wall. Can Endometriosis cause infertility? Adhesions (scar tissue) can block the fallopian tubes and prevent the egg from entering the uterus. There is a 25-35% rate of infertility in moderate to severe cases of Endometriosis, resulting primarly from damage incurred to the ovaries and fallopian tubes. http://www.alternativesurgery.com/education/endometriosis.php
Endometritis (Inflammation of the endometrium). , salpingitis ( Inflammation of the uterine tube). , tuboovarian abscess (A large abscess involving a uterine tube and an adherent ovary, resulting from extension of purulent inflammation of the tube.) , and peritonitis( Inflammation of the peritoneum .) infection of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) and other reproductive organs. It is a common and serious complication of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially chlamydia and gonorrhea . PID can damage the fallopian tubes and tissues in and near the uterus and ovaries. Untreated PID can lead to serious consequences including infertility, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in the fallopian tube or elsewhere outside of the womb), abscess formation, and chronic pelvic pain.
A delicate balance of sex hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone) is needed for the timely growth and release of the egg from the ovary (ovulation). Hormone imbalances can cause ovulation disorders in women and are the most common cause of infertility in women.
Hyperprolactinemia (excessive prolactin) can cause irregular or no ovulation, resulting in infertility. Women who have this disorder often have irregular periods, and may also experience galactorrhea (ga-LAK-to-RE-ah) - milk production when not pregnant
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. Women with PCOS have these characteristics: high levels of male hormones, also called androgens an irregular or no menstrual cycle may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age. An estimated five to ten percent of them have PCOS. In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.
Medications. Temporary infertility may occur with the use of certain medications. In most cases, fertility is restored when the medication is stopped. Thyroid problems. Disorders of the thyroid gland, either too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism), can interrupt the menstrual cycle and cause infertility. Cancer and its treatment. Certain cancers — particularly female reproductive cancers — often severely impair female fertility. Both radiation and chemotherapy may affect a woman's ability to reproduce. Chemotherapy may impair reproductive function and fertility in men and women. Other medical conditions. Medical conditions associated with delayed puberty or amenorrhea, such as Cushing's disease, sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease and diabetes, can affect a woman's fertility. Caffeine intake. Excessive caffeine consumption reduces fertility in the female.
In women with anti-sperm antibodies ASA, the antibodies gather sperm together and poke holes in their membranes, rendering them useless for conception. It makes it impossible for the sperm to penetrate correctly into the egg.
A sperm–egg interaction begins after sperm capacitation. A sperm first penetrates the cumulus oophorus ( a ), consisting of cumulus cells (somatic cells from the ovarian follicle) embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM). The sperm then contacts the zona pellucida ( b ), where the acrosome reaction is triggered by ZP3. Acrosome-reacted sperm penetrate the zona pellucida, enter the perivitelline space, then adhere to ( c ) and fuse with ( d ) the plasma membrane of the egg. The egg has extruded the first polar body (PB1) and progressed to metaphase II. In most mammals, sperm–egg fusion triggers the completion of meiosis. This model is based on in vitro studies of gamete interactions and is consistent with in vivo fertilization, which occurs in the oviduct.
damage from external sources ( teratogens ) including viral infections such as rubella, x-rays and other radiation, and poor nutrition. In Week 3 we see the formation of the heart, the beginning development of the brain and spinal cord, and the beginning of the gastrointestinal tract. Teratogens introduced during this period may cause severe problems such as the absence of one or more limbs or a heart that is outside of the chest cavity at birth.
Multiple pregnancy. The most common complication of ART is multiple pregnancy. The number of quality embryos kept and matured to fetuses and birth ultimately is a decision made by the couple. If too many babies are conceived, the removal of one or more fetuses (multifetal pregnancy reduction) is possible to improve survival odds for the other fetuses. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). If overstimulated, a woman's ovaries may enlarge and cause pain and bloating. Mild to moderate symptoms often resolve without treatment, although pregnancy may delay recovery. Rarely, fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity and chest, causing abdominal swelling and shortness of breath. This accumulation of fluid can deplete blood volume and lower blood pressure. Severe cases require emergency treatment. Younger women and those who have polycystic ovary syndrome have a higher risk of developing OHSS than do other women. Bleeding or infection. As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of bleeding or infection with assisted reproductive technology. Low birth weight. The greatest risk factor for low birth weight is a multiple pregnancy. In single live births, there may be a greater chance of low birth weight associated with ART. Birth defects. There is some concern about the possible relationship between ART and birth defects. More research is necessary to confirm this possible connection. Weigh this factor if you're considering whether to take advantage of this treatment. ART is the most successful fertility-enhancing therapy to date
Exercise moderately. Regular exercise is important, but if you're exercising so intensely that your periods are infrequent or absent, your fertility may be impaired. Avoid weight extremes. Being overweight or underweight can affect your hormone production and cause infertility. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and street drugs. These substances may impair your ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. Don't drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Avoid illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. Limit caffeine. Women trying to get pregnant may want to limit caffeine intake to no more than 250 milligrams of caffeine a day (one or two cups of coffee). Limit medications. The use of both prescription and nonprescription drugs can decrease your chance of getting pregnant or keeping a pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about any medications you take regularly.
Coping with infertility can be difficult. It's an issue of the unknown — you can't predict how long it will last or what the outcome will be. Infertility isn't necessarily solved with hard work. The emotional burden on a couple is considerable, and plans for coping can help. Planning for emotional turmoil Set limits. Decide in advance how many and what kind of procedures are emotionally and financially acceptable for you and your partner and attempt to determine a final limit. Fertility treatments may be expensive and often not covered by insurance companies, and a successful pregnancy often depends on repeated attempts. Some couples become so focused on treatment that they continue with fertility procedures until they are emotionally and financially drained. Consider other options. Determine alternatives — adoption, donor sperm or egg, or even having no children — as early as possible in the fertility process. This can reduce anxiety during treatments and feelings of hopelessness if conception doesn't occur Talk about your feelings. Locate support groups or counseling services for help before and after treatment to help endure the process and ease the grief should treatment fail. Managing emotional stress during treatment Acupuncture. This ancient therapy may benefit some couples who are undergoing fertility treatment. Although it's not clear exactly how acupuncture may improve fertility, it's thought that acupuncture reduces stress. Practice relaxation. Cognitive behavior therapy, which uses methods that include relaxation training and stress management, has been associated with higher pregnancy rates. Express yourself. Reach out to others rather than repressing guilt or anger. Stay in touch with loved ones. Talking to your partner, family and friends can be very beneficial. The best support often comes from loved ones and those closest to you. Managing emotional effects of the outcome Failure. The emotional stress of failure can be devastating even on the most loving and affectionate relationships and for people who've prepared well for the possibility of failure. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if the emotional burdens become too heavy for you or your partner. Success. Some studies have indicated that even if fertility treatment is successful, women experience increased stress and fear of failure during pregnancy. Other research suggests that women who achieved pregnancy using fertility treatments felt increasingly better and had higher self-esteem and less anxiety as the pregnancy progressed than did women whose pregnancies didn't involve medical intervention. Multiple births. A successful pregnancy that results in multiple births introduces new complexities and emotional problems. The risk of depression is higher in women who have multiple births. Parenting. Once a child arrives, parents are more likely to be more anxious and have less confidence and self-esteem. Discuss becoming parents with your partner and plan for the many changes — challenging and rewarding — that a child will bring to your lives.
Finding out that either you or your partner is infertile, or sub-fertile, can be a traumatic experience. One or both of you may experience feelings of blame, anger, denial, guilt, self-pity or jealously, this may place stress on your relationship. These feelings are common and IVF clinics provide counselling services to help you deal with them. Going through infertility treatments can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially for patients who fail to become pregnant after a number of cycles. The beginning of a cycle is full of hope, anticipation and the anxiety of wondering "am I pregnant?" This can be quickly followed by dealing with the disappointment and despair of 'failed' cycles. It may take a while before a couple undergoing infertility treatments becomes pregnant. It is hard to pinpoint why an IVF cycle doesn't work as there are many factors to take into consideration. Ultimately, the prospect of never having children may have to be faced. Many couples find fertility support groups useful for sharing coping strategies and experiences.