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Problems with Conceiving |
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In today's modern society, the inability to conceive is a major problem. FMGC offers the basic assessment of couples with this problem. This includes seminal analysis, history and examination of the woman. Gynaecological examination with ultrasound is usually done to exclude some of the causes of sub-fertility. Where indicated ultrasound (hysterosonosalpingography) can be used to check for tubal patency.
The centre offers basic management of sub-fertility including ovulation induction, follicular tracking, endometrial assessment and intra-uterine insemination (IUI).
What is sub-fertility?
Sub-fertiliity is the inability to conceive a pregnancy after two years of unprotected sex (i.e. without contraceptive precautions or family planning). There are two types of sub-fertility: "primary", where no previous pregnancy has occurred, or "secondary" where there has been a previous documented pregnancy. The previous pregnancy may be a live birth, or even a failed pregnancy such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
How common is sub-fertility?
Sub-fertility is a common condition, which affects approximately 10-15 % of couples worldwide. The incidence of sub-infertility seems to be increasing worldwide, and may affect as many as 1 in 5 couples of reproductive age. One of the main reasons for this is the effect of increasing maternal age due to women delaying childbearing. However, there is also evidence that sperm count is deteriorating, causing an increase in male sub-fertility.
What are my chances of conceiving?
75% of couples will successfully achieve pregnancy within a year of unprotected sex. A further 10-15% will become pregnant in the following year. However, after the second year, the chance of conceiving is approximately 2% monthly.
For every cycle, the likelihood of conceiving is only 25 % in normal couples. Humans, therefore, have a low peak fertility rate (maximum 25%) monthly and this rapidly declines to 2% after the second year.
What are the causes of sub-fertility?
The main causes of infertility and their relative incidence are shown in the chart.
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