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 to 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.

 

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), certified nurse midwifes (CNMs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) 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 doctor 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.

 

Both partners

 

Medical and sexual history (to evaluate possible physical causes of infertility and if sexual intercourse has been appropriately timed)

 

Female

 

Physical examination. A complete physical examination (including a Pap smear and testing for infection) will be necessary.

 

Ovulation evaluation. An evaluation of ovulation function using an analysis of body temperatures and ovulation called the basal body temperature chart, or with ovulation prediction methods using urine samples, may be recommended.

 

Hormone testing. Hormone testing may be recommended, as certain hormones increase and decrease in production at various times in the monthly cycle.

 

Ultrasound. Ultrasound can show the presence of follicles (the sacs containing developing eggs) and the thickness of the uterine tissues. Ultrasound can also show abnormal conditions, such as ovarian cysts or fibroids (benign tumors in the uterus).

 

X-rays. A hysterosalpingogram may be recommended. This test uses a radio-opaque dye injected into the cervical opening to visualize the inside of the uterus and determine if the fallopian tubes are open.

 

Male

 

Semen analysis. A collection of a semen sample obtained by masturbation that is analyzed in the laboratory for the sperm count, sperm motility, sperm shape, quantity, and evaluation of the ejaculate liquid may be recommended.

 

Other tests may be performed that evaluate the sperm's ability to penetrate the egg, as well as male hormone testing.

 

Men may be referred to a urologist for further evaluation.