Infertility

Stephanie R. Fugate D.O. Dewitt Army Community Hospital Department of OB/GYN

Objectives
Define primary and secondary infertility
Describe the causes of infertility Diagnosis and management of infertility

Requirements for Conception

Production of healthy egg and sperm Unblocked tubes that allow sperm to reach the egg The sperms ability to penetrate and fertilize the egg Implantation of the embryo into the uterus Finally a healthy pregnancy

Infertility
The inability to conceive following unprotected sexual intercourse
1 year (age < 35) or 6 months (age >35) Affects 15% of reproductive couples
6.1 million couples

Men and women equally affected

Infertility
Reproductive age for women
Generally 15-44 years of age Fertility is approximately halved between 37th and 45th year due to alterations in ovulation 20% of women have their first child after age 30 1/3 of couples over 35 have fertility problems
Health problems develop Ovulation decreases Health of the egg declines SAB

With the proper treatment 85% of infertile couples can expect to have a child

Infertility
Primary infertility
a couple that has never conceived

Secondary infertility
infertility that occurs after previous pregnancy regardless of outcome

Conception rates for fertile couples

Percent of Couples Conceiving
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 6 12 18 24 Months of Treatment (cycles)

Age and Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Rates %

Cycle number

Age and related miscarriage

Causes for infertility

Male
ETOH Drugs Tobacco Health problems Radiation/Chemotherapy Age Enviromental factors
Pesticides Lead

Female
Age Stress Poor diet Athletic training Over/underweight Tobacco ETOH STDs Health problems

Causes of Infertility
Anovulation (10-20%) Anatomic defects of the female genital tract (30%) Abnormal spermatogenesis (40%) Unexplained (10%-20%)

Evaluation of the Infertile couple

History and Physical exam Semen analysis Thyroid and prolactin evaluation Determination of ovulation
Basal body temperature record Serum progesterone Ovarian reserve testing

Hysterosalpingogram

Abnormalities of Spermatogenesis

Male Factor
40% of the cause for infertility Sperm is constantly produced by the germinal epithelium of the testicle
Sperm generation time 73 days Sperm production is thermoregulated
1 F less than body temperature

Both men and women can produce anti-sperm antibodies which interfere with the penetration of the cervical mucus

Semen Analysis (SA)

Obtained by masturbation Provides immediate information
Morphology Quantity Quality Motility Density of the sperm

Abstain from coitus 2 to 3 days Collect all the ejaculate Analyze within 1 hour A normal semen analysis excludes male factor 90% of the time

Normal Values for SA

Volume Sperm Concentration Motility
Viscosity Morphology pH WBC

2.0 ml or more 20 million/ml or more 50% forward progression 25% rapid progression Liquification in 30-60 min 30% or more normal forms 7.2-7.8 Fewer than 1 million/ml

Causes for male infertility

42% varicocele
repair if there is a low count or decreased motility

22% idiopathic 14% obstruction 20% other (genetic abnormalities)

Abnormal Semen Analysis

Azospermia
Klinefelters (1 in 500) Hypogonadotropichypogonadism Ductal obstruction (absence of the Vas deferens)

Oligospermia
Anatomic defects Endocrinopathies Genetic factors Exogenous (e.g. heat)

Abnormal volume
Retrograde ejaculation Infection Ejaculatory failure

Evaluation of Abnormal SA
Repeat semen analysis in 30 days Physical examination
Testicular size Varicocele

Laboratory tests
Testosterone level FSH (spermatogenesis- Sertoli cells) LH (testosterone- Leydig cells)

Referral to urology

Evaluation of Ovulation

Menstruation
Ovulation occurs 13-14 times per year Menstrual cycles on average are Q 28 days with ovulation around day 14 Luteal phase
dominated by the secretion of progesterone released by the corpus luteum

Progesterone causes
Thickening of the endocervical mucus Increases the basal body temperature (0.6 F)

Involution of the corpus luteum causes a fall in progesterone and the onset of menses

Menstrual Cycle

Ovulation
A history of regular menstruation suggests regular ovulation The majority of ovulatory women experience
fullness of the breasts decreased vaginal secretions abdominal bloating

mild peripheral edema slight weight gain depression

Absence of PMS symptoms may suggest anovulation

Diagnostic studies to confirm Ovulation

Basal body temperature
Inexpensive Accurate

Serum progesterone
After ovulation rises Can be measured

Endometrial biopsy
Expensive Static information

Urinary ovulationdetection kits

Measures changes in urinary LH Predicts ovulation but does not confirm it

Basal Body Temperature

Excellent screening tool for ovulation
Biphasic shift occurs in 90% of ovulating women

Temperature
drops at the time of menses rises two days after the lutenizing hormone (LH) surge

Ovum released one day prior to the first rise Temperature elevation of more than 16 days suggests pregnancy

Serum Progesterone
Progesterone starts rising with the LH surge
drawn between day 21-24

Mid-luteal phase
>10 ng/ml suggests ovulation

Anovulation

Anovulation Symptoms Evaluation*

Irregular menstrual cycles Amenorrhea Hirsuitism Acne Galactorrhea Increased vaginal secretions Follicle stimulating hormone Lutenizing hormone Thyroid stimulating hormone Prolactin Androstenedione Total testosterone DHEAS

*Order the appropriate tests based on the clinical indications

Anatomic Disorders of the Female Genital Tract

Sperm transport, Fertilization, & Implantation

The female genital tract is not just a conduit
facilitates sperm transport cervical mucus traps the coagulated ejaculate the fallopian tube picks up the egg

Fertilization must occur in the proximal portion of the tube

the fertilized oocyte cleaves and forms a zygote enters the endometrial cavity at 3 to 5 days

Implants into the secretory endometrium for growth and development

Acquired Disorders
Acute salpingitis
Alters the functional integrity of the fallopian tube
N. gonorrhea and C. trachomatis

Intrauterine scarring
Can be caused by curettage

Endometriosis, scarring from surgery, tumors of the uterus and ovary

Fibroids, endometriomas

Trauma

Congenital Anatomic Abnormalities

Hysterosalpingogram
An X-ray that evaluates the internal female genital tract
architecture and integrity of the system

Performed between the 7th and 11th day of the cycle Diagnostic accuracy of 70%

Hysterosalpingogram
The endometrial cavity
Smooth Symmetrical

Fallopian tubes
Proximal 2/3 slender Ampulla is dilated

Dye should spill promptly

Unexplained infertility
10% of infertile couples will have a completely normal workup
Pregnancy rates in unexplained infertility
no treatment 1.3-4.1% clomid and intrauterine insemination 8.3% gonadotropins and intrauterine insemination 17.1%

Treatment of the Infertile Couple

Inadequate Spermatogenesis
Eliminate alterations of thermoregulation Clomiphene citrate is occasionally used for induction of spermatogenesis
20% success

In vitro fertilization may facilitate fertilization Artificial insemination with donor sperm is often successful

Anovulation
Restore ovulation
Administer ovulation inducing agents

Clomiphene citrate
Antiestrogen Combines and blocks estrogen receptors at the hypothalamus and pituitary causing a negative feedback Increases FSH production
stimulates the ovary to make follicles

Clomid
Given for 5 days in the early part of the cycle Maximum dose is usually 150mg
50mg dose - 50% ovulate 100mg -25% more ovulate 150mg lower numbers of ovulation

No changes in birth defects If no pregnancy in 6 months refer for advanced therapies

7% risk of twins 0.3% triplets SAB rate 15%

Superovulatory Medications
If no response with clomid then gonadotropinsFSH (e.g. pergonal) can be administered intramuscularly
This is usually given under the guidance of someone who specializes in infertility

This therapy is expensive and patients need to be followed closely Adverse effects
Hyperstimulation of the ovaries Multiple gestation Fetal wastage

Anatomic Abnormalities
Surgical treatments
Lysis of adhesions Septoplasty Tuboplasty Myomectomy

Surgery may be performed

laparoscopically hysteroscopically

If the fallopian tubes are beyond repair one must consider in vitro fertilization

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Explosion of ART has occurred in the last decade. Theses technologies help provide infertile couples with tools to bypass the normal mechanisms of gamete transportation. Probability of pregnancy in healthy couples is 30-40% per cycle, live birth rate 25%.
this varies depending on age

Primary Diagnosis of Women Undergoing ART- 1998

12%

15% 9%

27%

2% 9% 26%

Tubal factor Male factor Ovulation dysfxn Endometriosis Unexplained Uterine factor Other

Emotional Impact
Infertility places a great emotional burden on the infertile couple. The quest for having a child becomes the driving force of the couples relationship. The mental anguish that arises from infertility is nearly as incapacitating as the pain of other diseases. It is important to address the emotional needs of these patients.

Conclusion
Infertility should be evaluated after one year of unprotected intercourse. History and Physical examination usually will help to identify the etiology. If patients fail the initial therapies then the proper referral should be made to a reproductive specialist.

Test Question Case 1

A couple in their late 20s with primary infertility for 18 months. The women has regular monthly cycles. The husband has never fathered a child. Neither partner has a history of STDs or major illness. No difficulties with erection or ejaculation. Which is the most likely cause of their infertility?
A. Anovulation B. Abnormality of Spermatogenesis C. Female Anatomic disorder D. Immunologic disorder

Case 1
Spermatogenesis- causes 40% infertility, anovulation-1020% and anatomic defects- 30-40%-the majority of which being from salpingititis. Given the history of regular menstrual cycles and no infections, anovulation and anatomic defects is unlikely.

Which study would not be indicated as part of the initial evaluation? A. Basal Body temperature record B. Semen Analysis C. Hysterosalpingogram D. Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Case 1
Diagnostic Laparoscopy- This should be reserved until the initial tests are completed. All the other tests are used in the initial workup.

Anovulation is found in the female partner, despite her regular cycles. The next step is?

A. Induce ovulation with clomid B. Perform artificial insemination C. Induce ovulation with gonadotropins (pergonal) D. Perform diagnostic laparoscopy to rule out other causes

Case 1
Induce ovulation with clomid- Gonadotropins would be used if the patient failed clomid. Artificial insemination and laparoscopy are not indicated yet.

Case 2
A 37 yo women with a history of gonococcal salpingitis presents with her spouse for evaluation of infertility. What study is most indicated on the initial evaluation?
A. Basal body temperature record B. Semen analysis C. Hysterosalpingogram D. Endometrial Biopsy

Case 2
Without evidence of anovulation the endometrial bx is not indicated. The couple should have A, B, and C.

The HSG reveals bilateral tubal obstruction. A consultant recommends she not have surgery because of the poor prognosis of pregnancy. What should be recommended next?
A. B. C. D. Intrauterine insemination In vitro fertilization No therapy at all Adoption

Case 2
Because of the obstruction in the tubes the only appropriate therapy would be in vitro fertilization. Insemination would not get the sperm past the obstruction. Adoption is also and option.

Questions?

Causes for Abnormal SA

Abnormal Count No sperm
Klinefelters syndrome Sertoli only syndrome Ductal obstruction Hypogonadotropichypogonadism

Few sperm
Genetic disorder Endocrinopathies Varicocele Exogenous (e.g., Heat)

Cont. causes for abnormal SA

Abnormal Morphology
Varicocele Stress Infection (mumps)

Abnormal Volume
No ejaculate
Ductal obstruction Retrograde ejaculation Ejaculatory failure Hypogonadism

Abnormal Motility
Immunologic factors Infection Defect in sperm structure Poor liquefaction Varicocele

Low Volume
Obstruction of ducts Absence of vas deferens Absence of seminal vesicle Partial retrograde ejaculation Infection