"Inability of a person, animal, or plant to reproduce by natural means."
Understanding the various causes of infertility and treatments for infertility, including assisted reproductive technologies, is important in helping patients achieve successful pregnancies.
The menstrual cycle: The hormonal changes and physiological events that occur during a menstrual cycle, including follicular and luteal phases.
Fertility and infertility: The basics of fertility and the causes of infertility, including male and female factors.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal disorder that can result in infertility, and its diagnosis and treatment.
Endometriosis: A common condition characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, its diagnosis and treatment.
Thyroid disease: The effects of thyroid hormone on reproduction, and thyroid disorders that can affect fertility.
Male infertility: The causes and treatment of male infertility, including semen analysis and sperm function tests.
Ovulation induction: Techniques used to stimulate ovulation and improve the chances of conceiving, including medications and assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
In vitro fertilization (IVF): The procedure used to conceive children through the combination of sperm and eggs in a laboratory environment.
Egg freezing: The process of extracting and freezing a woman's eggs for later use to enhance fertility and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): The use of genetic testing to determine the suitability of embryos for implantation.
Recurrent pregnancy loss: The diagnosis and treatment of repeated pregnancy loss, including genetic testing and uterine anomalies.
Perimenopause and menopause: The hormonal changes and physiological events that occur during perimenopause and menopause, and their effects on fertility and reproductive health.
Fetal and maternal health: The effects of maternal health on fetal development, including the risks of gestational diabetes and hypertension.
Genetic counseling: Counseling for couples who are at risk of transmitting inherited disorders to their offspring.
Reproductive aging: The natural decline in reproductive function with age, and the diagnosis and treatment of age-related infertility.
Infertility evaluation and treatment: This includes evaluating both partners for any underlying conditions or obstacles to pregnancy, and developing a treatment plan.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): A process by which eggs are harvested from the woman, fertilized in a laboratory, and then implanted back into the uterus.
Ovulation induction: A method of stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs, often through the use of medication.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A technique used during IVF in which a single sperm is injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization.
Artificial insemination: A technique in which sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the likelihood of fertilization.
Donor sperm or egg: The use of donated sperm or eggs to achieve conception.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): A technique used to identify genetic abnormalities in embryos prior to implantation.
Fertility preservation: Techniques used to protect a person's fertility before undergoing cancer treatment or other medical procedures that may affect fertility.
Uterine inversion and adhesion correction: A surgical procedure to correct conditions that can obstruct the uterus and prevent pregnancy.
Recurrent miscarriage evaluation: An evaluation to determine the underlying causes of recurrent miscarriage and develop a treatment plan.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) evaluation and treatment: A condition characterized by hormonal imbalances that can result in infertility.
Male infertility evaluation and treatment: An evaluation of the male partner to determine any underlying conditions that may be causing infertility.
Endometriosis evaluation and treatment: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, which can cause infertility.
Reproductive surgery: Surgical procedures to address conditions that may be preventing pregnancy or causing infertility.
"It is usually not the natural state of a healthy adult."
"Certain eusocial species (mostly haplodiploid insects)."
"The inability to become pregnant after one year of unprotected and regular sexual intercourse involving a male and female partner."
"Estimates from 1997 suggest that worldwide about five percent of all heterosexual couples have an unresolved problem with infertility."
"Estimates range from 12% to 28%."
"The main cause of infertility in humans is age."
"An advanced maternal age can raise the probability of suffering a spontaneous abortion during pregnancy."
"Male infertility is responsible for 20–30% of infertility cases."
"20–35% are due to female infertility."
"25–40% are due to combined problems in both parts."
"In 10–20% of cases, no cause is found."
"The most common cause of female infertility is age."
"Age generally manifests in sparse or absent menstrual periods."
"Semen quality is used as a surrogate measure of male fecundity."
"Women who are fertile experience a period of fertility before and during ovulation."
"Fertility awareness methods are used to discern when these changes occur by tracking changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature."
"It is usually diagnosed after one year of unprotected and regular sexual intercourse."
"There are many causes of infertility, including some that medical intervention can treat."
"Estimates suggest that worldwide about five percent of all heterosexual couples have an unresolved problem with infertility."