Care of Couples with Problems of Infertility

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the care of couples facing infertility and associated health issues.

Infertility

Inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple to achieve pregnancy in one year.

Subfertility

The potential to conceive but with less ability to do so; takes longer than average to conceive.

Primary subfertility

No previous conceptions.

Secondary subfertility

Previous viable pregnancy but unable to conceive currently.

Sterility

Inability to conceive due to a known condition, such as the absence of a uterus.

Spermatogenesis

The production of sperm cells.

Normal sperm count

20 million per milliliter of seminal fluid; 50 million per ejaculation, with 50% motile and 30% normal in shape.

Varicocele

Enlargement of veins in the testicles affecting sperm production.

Anovulation

Faulty or inadequate production of ova.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Condition marked by irregular periods, excess androgen, and polycystic ovaries.

Hyperprolactinemia

Increased prolactin levels that inhibit follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and disrupt ovarian function.

Tubal transport problems

Issues in the fallopian tubes that affect the transportation of ova, often due to scarring or infection.

Endometriosis

Condition of tissue growing outside the uterus causing pain and fertility issues.

Hysterosalpingography

Radiologic examination of the fallopian tubes using a radiopaque medium.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Assisted reproductive technique where eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory for fertilization.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

Procedure where gametes are placed in the fallopian tubes for fertilization to occur naturally.

Surrogate motherhood

Arrangement where a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for another couple.

Neural tube defects (NTD)

Congenital malformations of the brain and spinal cord due to failure of the neural tube to close.

Hirschsprung’s disease

Congenital condition causing an absence of nerve cells in parts of the colon leading to severe constipation.

Hydrocephalus

Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Otitis media

Infection in the middle ear commonly seen in children.

Febrile seizures

Seizures that can happen in response to fever in children.

Cleft lip and palate

Birth defects where a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly during pregnancy.

Failure to thrive (FTT)

Condition where children do not gain weight or grow normally.