Infertility and Fertility Treatments

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to infertility and fertility treatments.

What does infertility mean?

A disease of the reproductive system characterized by failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

What are two female causes of infertility?

1. Cervical Mucus defect (too thick) 2. Failure to ovulate.

What are two male causes of infertility?

1. Low sperm count 2. Low sperm quality.

Which factors can cause infertility in both males and females?

Cancer treatments/medication, stress, alcohol, smoking, drug abuse.

List an emotional effect of infertility on couples.

Infertility can cause depression, stress, tension, arguments, or even marriage splits.

What is GIFT (gamete intra-Fallopian transfer)?

A fertility treatment where eggs and sperm are placed into the woman's fallopian tube for fertilization to occur naturally.

What is ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)?

A fertility treatment that involves injecting a single sperm into an egg, used when sperm cannot penetrate the egg naturally.

What is the purpose of fertility medicines?

To stimulate the production of eggs in the ovaries for assisted conception.

What is IVF (in-vitro fertilization)?

A process where fertilization occurs outside the woman's body in a glass dish; eggs are mixed with sperm, and one or two embryos are placed in the woman's uterus.

What is IUI (intrauterine insemination)?

A fertility treatment where the partner's sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation.