Internal Male Reproductive Organs
The internal male reproductive organs consist of the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. (See Figure 3.1.) The epididymis is a long, thin, hollow coiled tubular system within the scrotum. A man has two epididymides each one sits on top of its corresponding testicle. Sperm that are still maturing leave the testicle, enter one end of the epididymis, and loop and coil along the path. The sperm's journey takes about 10 days, and by the end of...
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonists GnRHa Lupron Synarel Nafarelin Buserelin
GnRHa is not really a fertility medication however, it is often used as part of your IVF protocol. When used in this practice, GnRHa is given first to restrain your own body's hormones. Once your natural hormones have been suppressed, another medication (usually the gonadotropins discussed previously) will be given to induce ovulation. Using this protocol, the fertility specialist is able to precisely control the reproductive hormones and ovulation, thereby making conception more likely. GnRHa...
Objections To Technology
Some couples have a moral dilemma or religious objection to using any type of ART. Certainly, couples should come to terms with these concerns and apprehensions before embarking on any type of advanced fertility treatment. It helps to establish what you and your partner are willing and unwilling to do. You may find that it's easier to come to a decision when you are educated and well informed about your options. Talk openly with your fertility specialist. Many couples also benefit from talking...
Hysteroscopy
Your doctor may recommend a hysteroscopy procedure to evaluate if you could have an abnormality within your uterus. The hysteroscope is a thin telescope-like instrument that is inserted through your vagina and cervix and then into your uterus. This procedure provides the doctor with a way to view inside of your uterus and make a certain diagnosis. Sometimes, hysteroscopy is done in conjunction with a laparoscopy procedure (see below for discussion of laparoscopy). The hysteroscopy procedure has...
Why Does Icsi Work Better Than Natural Intercourse
ICSI is more effective than natural intercourse because Fertility medications are used to produce more eggs than would develop naturally. Instead of your having to wait for the eggs to ovulate naturally, with IVF the eggs are retrieved manually by your doctor. IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes because the eggs are retrieved directly from the ovaries and transferred directly into the uterus. Your eggs are treated in the laboratory, and their outside protective layer is removed to make them more...
Hysterosalpingogram
The purpose of the HSG is to check for obstructions or growths within your uterus and fallopian tubes. Conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, and adhesions may be diagnosed during the HSG procedure. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo an HSG if he or she suspects that you have an abnormality within your uterus or fallopian tubes. The HSG is performed shortly after you have completed your monthly period bleeding. The procedure is usually carried out in a hospital or an...
Potential Causes Of Recurrent Miscarriage
Recurrent miscarriage can happen because of any of many possible reasons. Lifestyle Factors We've all heard about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and street drugs. They just aren't part of a healthy lifestyle. This is especially true as you try to conceive and also during your pregnancy. If you smoke during pregnancy, you are more likely to experience vaginal bleeding and miscarriage. Women who drink excessive alcohol or engage in illicit drug use have a definite increased risk of miscarriage....
How Do Aspirin And Heparin Work
If you have had prior miscarriages, they possibly were caused by a blood-clotting problem. Aspirin and heparin are both able to thin your blood and help to prevent the formation of blood clots. Women with antiphospholipid syndrome (see Chapter 2) possess an increased tendency to form clots within their blood vessels. This is especially troublesome during pregnancy when clotting problems occur within the placenta. This places the baby at risk and increases the chance of miscarriage and or...
Selective Reduction in Multiple Pregnancies
Most women who undergo an ART procedure are thrilled and can successfully carry a twin pregnancy. However, pregnancies with triplets and especially a higher number of fetuses carry increased risks of birth defects and premature delivery. Risks for the mother include greater chance of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, uterine bleeding, and complications associated with a C-section delivery. For these reasons, most fertility clinics limit the number of embryos transferred into the...
Does Icsi Hurt And What Are The Risks
The man experiences essentially no risk or discomfort when sperm is collected, usually through masturbation or sexual intercourse with a special collection condom. However, as previously stated, in the case of severe male fertility problems, a testicular biopsy may be required to obtain sperm. Risks are infrequent with ICSI, but you need to be aware that they could occur. Risks include Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) Some fertility experts speculate that a link exists between ICSI and...
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a medical condition where the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus (also called the endometrium) spreads to other areas of your body, usually to your pelvic organs. Endometrial tissue found on your fallopian tubes or ovaries can lead to scarring, adhesions, and blockages within your pelvis. (See Figure 1.2.) Illustration copyright Nucleus Medical Art, all rights reserved, nucleusinc.com. Illustration copyright Nucleus Medical Art, all rights reserved, nucleusinc.com....
