Infertility:The inability to get pregnant.

•Usually after one year with no contraceptives•15% of couples•50% of cases are due to male infertility or a combination of male and female factors

Women•Not ovulating (releasing eggs) regularly•Endometriosis leading to blocked fallopian tubes or ovarian cysts (non-cancerous tumors)• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)- hormone imbalance leading to cysts on the ovaries•Smoking

Common Causes

Common CausesMenLow sperm count, poor movement of sperm, or unusual shape of sperm

•# at least 40 million•# at least 75% should be alive (normal for up to 25% dead).•# at least 30% should be of normal shape and form.•# at least 25% should be swimming forward rapidly.•# at least 50% should be swimming forward, even if slowly.

Men•Varicose veins (poor blood supply)•Injury•Hormone imbalance•Infection•Immune System disorders (his own antibodies attack his sperm)•Exposure to certain medications•Genetics (runs in families)

Common Causes

Treatment OptionsOvulation Drugs

•Medications that cause a woman to release (sometimes) several eggs with each cycle

Artificial Insemination•Sperm is placed directly in the uterus through a catheter (syringe)•Used primarily for male infertility (low sperm count or poor sperm movement)•Often used with ovulation drugs to increase odds of pregnancy

Surgery

In Vitro Fertilization:•Infertility treatment where a woman’s eggs are removed and then mixed with her partner’s sperm.•Typically, 2-6 fertilized eggs are then transferred back into her uterus to produce a pregnancy.

Embryo•Fertilized egg

8 cellsIf one cell is removed, it is possible to find out the gender and any genetic problems