Recording-2025-02-23T23:57:15.228Z

Infertility Overview

  • Definition: Infertility is a reproductive disease characterized by failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sex.

  • Causes: Often no obvious cause; can be due to infections or inflammation.

Causes of Infertility

  • Female Infertility: Various causes, including ovulation issues and hormonal imbalances.

  • Male Infertility: Low sperm count due to stress, drug, or alcohol use.

  • Combined Infertility: Both partners may be fertile individually but face challenges together, often due to genetic or immunological factors.

  • Assistance: Fertility specialists can offer solutions to help couples conceive.

Fertility Procedures

  • Artificial Insemination: Introduction of sperm into the vagina or uterus around ovulation.

  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs are harvested and fertilized outside the body. Multiple fertilized eggs may be transferred to increase chances of pregnancy.

  • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single healthy sperm is injected directly into a mature egg for fertilization.

Pregnancy Complications

  • Miscarriage: Common occurrence usually due to chromosomal defects, leading to loss of pregnancy.

  • Ectopic Pregnancy: Occurs in about 2% of pregnancies; the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.

Placental Disorders

  • Placenta Accreta: Placenta grows into the myometrium, potentially causing severe bleeding during childbirth.

  • Placenta Previa: Placenta covers the cervix, leading to painless bleeding and necessitating cesarean delivery.

  • Placental Abruption: Sudden detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall, dangerous for both mother and baby.

Other Pregnancy Conditions

  • Hyperemesis Gravidum: Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy; can lead to dehydration and weakness.

  • Preeclampsia: Characterized by high blood pressure, protein in urine, and swelling; may progress to eclampsia, which can include seizures.

  • Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy; may resolve after childbirth but can lead to type 2 diabetes later.

  • Molar Pregnancy: Characterized by abnormal tissue growth (hydatiform moles) requiring surgical removal if diagnosed.

  • Retained Placenta: Can lead to infection if placental tissue remains after birth; symptoms include fever and abdominal pain; treated with antibiotics.