Objectives :
know definitions of primary and secondary infertility
• understand the causes of infertility
• know the initial investigations of the infertile couple
Investigate male factor
• Test for ovulation
• Test for tubal patency
• Investigation role of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy
Infertility is a common condition with important psychologic, economic, demographic, and medical implications.
Infertility is a unique medical condition because it involves a couple, rather than a single individual.
It is defined as inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of regular intercourse without use of contraception in women less than 35 years of age; and
after six months in women 35 years and older.
Some clinicians use the term subfertility to describe this failure to conceive unless the couple has been proven to be sterile.
The basic infertility evaluation of all couples consists of:
Semen analysis
Assessment of ovulatory function
Determination of tubal patency and presence or absence of abnormalities of the uterine cavity,usually by HSG.
Diagnostic laparoscopy is indicated for women with suspected endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.
Ovarian reserve is assessed with day 3 (FSH) and estradiol levels in women over 35 years of age and in younger women with risk factors for premature ovarian failure.
.Lecture for medical students and postgraduates