Table of Contents
Foreword Alice D. Domar vii
Preface ix
Acknowledgements xi
Introduction David Adamson xiii
Part 1 The Basics 1
Questions 1-4 introduce the basics of human reproduction and infertility:
How does normal human reproduction work"
What is infertility"
How common is infertility"
Part 2 The Fertility Evaluation and Treatment Basics 9
Questions 5-21 review the initial infertility diagnosis process and how to begin to best determine what treatment plan is right for you:
What are typical causes of infertility"
What tests will we have to undergo as part of a fertility evaluation"
How expensive are infertility treatments"
Part 3 Specific Problems: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 45
Questions 22-26 explain the details of PCOS, a common cause of infertility:
Why are my menstrual cycles irregular"
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome" Where does it come from and how is it treated"
I have PCOS and am still not having normal cycles with metformin. What comes next"
Part 4 Specific Problems: Tubal Disease 55
Questions 27-29 review how tubal disease may contribute to your infertility:
Can fallopian tubes be repaired and why would a blocked tube be an issue if I am doing IVF anyway"
If I had my tubes tied, can I have them untied"
If I had a previous ectopic pregnancy, what should I do to avoid another one"
Part 5 Specific Problems: Male Factors 61
Questions 30-32 how to evaluate and treat male factor infertility:
Is there anything my husband can do to improve his sperm count, such as wearing boxers and not briefs, taking vitamins or undergoing surgery"
Should I consider using a sperm donor to conceive"
Part 6 Specific Problems: Endometriosis 69
Questions 33-36 how to diagnose and treat endometriosis and how it can affect fertility:
What is endometriosis and how is it diagnosed"
Does surgery for endometriosis improve pregnancy rates"
Are there medical treatments for endometriosis"
Part 7 Treatment Options: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) 75
Questions 37-45 introduce intrauterine insemination as a treatment option for infertility:
How do I know if IUI is an option for me and should I use fertility drugs in conjunction with an IUI"
What are typical pregnancy rates for IUI"
What complications can occur after IUI"
Part 8 Treatment Options: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) 87
Questions 46-47 explain In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), including eligibility, the process, and success rates:
What is IVF, and how is it performed"
How successful is IVF"
Are there age or other restrictions on who should do IVF"
Part 9 Treatment Options: Third-Party Reproduction 147
Questions 80-85 review the option of third-party reproduction and how to explore this solution to infertility:
How is donor-egg IVF performed"
Where do egg donors come from, and why would a woman want to be a donor"
What screening tests are performed on egg donors"
Part 10 Stress, Exercise, and Alternative Medications 157
Questions 86-91 discuss the effects of factors like stress, exercise, and alternative medicines on your ability to get pregnant:
What role does stress play in causing infertility"
Does being overweight have an effect on infertility or on IVF success rate"
Does smoking cause infertility"
Part 11 Pregnancy Loss 165
Questions 92-100 provide important information about miscarriage and pregnancy loss:
How common is miscarriage"
What are the genetic causes of pregnancy loss, and can they be treated"
Can an infection cause miscarriage"
Appendix A Patient Resources 175
Appendix B SART/CDC Annual Report 181
Glossary 253
Index 263
