Module 05: Fertility Concepts and Pathology

A series of 50 flashcards covering key concepts, terminology, and definitions related to fertility concepts and pathology, designed to aid in exam preparation.

Fertility

The natural capability to produce offspring.

Infertility

The incapacity to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse.

Subfertility

Any form of reduced fertility with a prolonged time to achieve conception.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

The total number of children born to a woman in her lifetime based on current age-specific fertility rates.

Birth Rate

The total number of live births per 1,000 individuals in a population in a year.

Idiopathic Infertility

Infertility with no identifiable cause despite testing.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Medically assisted methods to achieve pregnancy, including IVF and IUI.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

A procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterine cavity.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A process where eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to form an embryo.

Menopause

The cessation of ovarian function and menstruation, typically occurring between ages 45-55.

Congenital Disorder

A physical abnormality present from birth that can affect reproductive function.

Fecundity

The potential reproductive output of an organism, typically measured by the number of gametes.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause infertility.

Chlamydia

A common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to infertility if untreated.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and can affect fertility.

Oocyte Quality

The health and viability of an egg, which declines with age.

Semen Analysis

A test to evaluate male fertility through assessment of sperm quality.

Testicular Biopsy

A procedure to extract tissue from the testes to assess male fertility causes.

Hormonal Tests

Laboratory tests to measure levels of reproductive hormones.

Down's Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Any damage to the spinal cord that can impact sexual and reproductive function.

Age-related Fertility Decline

The decrease in reproductive capacity associated with aging in both sexes.

Genetic Testing

Testing to identify genetic disorders affecting fertility.

Hysterosalpingography

An X-ray procedure to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Subfertility factors

Conditions or abnormalities that contribute to reduced fertility.

Fertility Rate

The average number of children a woman would have in her lifetime.

Primary Infertility

Infertility in couples who have never achieved a pregnancy.

Secondary Infertility

Infertility in couples who have previously been pregnant but cannot conceive again.

Lifestyle Factors

Modifiable personal behaviors that can impact fertility, such as diet and exercise.

Ovulation Induction

The use of medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.

Ovarian Reserve

The capacity of the ovaries to produce a viable egg for fertilization.

Embryo Transfer

The process of placing embryos into the uterus after fertilization.

Sperm Retrieval

Acquisition of sperm from a male for use in ART.

HCG Injection

A hormone injection used to trigger ovulation.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly series of changes in the female reproductive system.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

A protein that binds to sex hormones, affecting their availability.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

A condition arising from excessive response to ovulation induction.

Gonadotropins

Hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of progesterone.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Anorchia

A condition where a genetic male is born without testes.

Cryptorchidism

A condition in which one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum.

Psychogenic Erection

An erection initiated by erotic thought rather than direct physical stimulation.

Reflexogenic Erection

An erection triggered by direct physical stimulation of the genital area.

Embryo Donation

The process of donating embryos for use by other couples or individuals.

Third Party Reproduction

Assisted reproduction involving a donor or surrogate.