2.3 controlling fertility

• What is the definition of infertility?

  Inability to conceive after one year
• What are the main causes of infertility in men?

  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Diseases (e.g., STDs, mumps)
  • Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, obesity)
• What are the main causes of infertility in women?

  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Diseases (e.g., STIs, chronic diseases)
  • Eating disorders
  • Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, cannabis)
• What are some diseases that can cause male infertility?

  STDs, mumps, testicular cancer
• What lifestyle factors can lead to male infertility?

  Smoking, stress, poor diet, obesity
• What are some causes of female infertility related to lifestyle?

  Smoking, cannabis use, poor diet
• How does smoking affect female fertility?

  Reduces oestrogen production and follicle development
• What is super-ovulation?

  Release of multiple eggs from the ovary
• What is the purpose of ovulatory drugs?

  • Stimulate ovulation
  • Prevent negative feedback of oestrogen on FSH
  • Mimic action of FSH and LH
• What is the role of FSH in ovulation?

  Stimulates follicle development in ovaries
• What is artificial insemination?

  Introduction of semen into the female reproductive tract
• When is artificial insemination particularly useful?

  When the male has a low sperm count
• How is semen collected for artificial insemination?

  Several samples collected over time
• What does ICSI stand for?

  Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
• When is ICSI particularly useful?

  When mature sperm are defective or low
• What happens during the ICSI process?

  The sperm head is injected directly into the egg
• What is the process of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?

  • Surgical removal of eggs after hormone stimulation
  • Fertilisation of eggs outside the female body
  • Transfer of embryos into the uterus
• What is the purpose of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)?

  To screen embryos for genetic disorders
• How are embryos transferred during IVF?

  Using a catheter inserted into the uterus
• What are the steps involved in IVF?

  1. Suppressing the menstrual cycle
  2. Stimulating ovulation
  3. Collecting the eggs
  4. Fertilising the eggs
  5. Transferring the embryos
• What is the role of hormone therapy in IVF?

  To stimulate the development of several follicles
• What is the significance of monitoring temperature and cervical mucus?

  To calculate fertile periods for conception
• What happens to surplus embryos in IVF?

  They are frozen for future use
• What are the effects of ovulation stimulation?

  • Multiple follicles mature
  • Increased chances of conception
  • Potential for multiple pregnancies
• What is the main goal of fertility treatments?

  To increase the chances of conception
• How can fertile periods be identified?

  By monitoring temperature and cervical mucus
• How does the fertility cycle differ between men and women?

  Men are continuously fertile; women are cyclical
• What is the purpose of using a powerful microscope in ICSI?

  To select healthy sperm and detect abnormalities
• What is the first step in the IVF process?

  Hormone therapy to stimulate follicles
• What happens after fertilisation in IVF?

  The zygotes are incubated until ready
• What is the significance of the term "in vitro"?

  It means "in glass" referring to laboratory procedures
• What is the role of the embryologist after ICSI?

  To observe the egg for fertilisation
• How does PGD enhance IVF outcomes?

  By screening embryos for genetic disorders
• What is the first step of IVF for females?

  Stimulation of ovaries by hormones
• What is the second step of IVF for females?

  The ova are surgically removed
• What happens to the ova outside the female body during IVF?

  They are mixed with sperm in a culture dish
• How are embryos transferred to the uterus for implantation?

  By inserting a catheter via the vagina
• What is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)?

  Screening embryos for genetic disorders
• What is the purpose of PGD in IVF?

  To identify single gene disorders and abnormalities
• How many healthy embryos are typically transferred into the mother’s uterus?

  Up to two healthy embryos