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In vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to treat couples who cannot become pregnant on their own, and who have not had success with conventional medical therapies or surgery.
Infertility is a disease that impairs a couple’s ability to become pregnant. The condition affects about 6.1 million couples in the US, which is about 10% of the reproductive-age population. Infertility affects men and women equally. Fortunately, 85% to 95% of cases of infertility can be treated with conventional medical therapies, such as fertility medications or surgeries to repair reproductive organs.
Reproduction requires a complicated chain of events:
If one piece of that chain is not functioning properly, infertility can result. You should schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss your fertility if you:
A fertility consultation generally includes a physical examination of both partners, which will include questions about sexual habits to determine whether intercourse is taking place properly for conception. If no cause of infertility is determined, more specific tests are ordered, including:
A number of factors contribute to infertility, including uterine fibroids , endometriosis , pelvic inflammatory disease , polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) , premature ovarian failure (POF), luteal phase defect (LPD), smoking, alcohol use, extreme underweight or overweight, strenuous exercise, eating disorders , sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), prostate surgery , and testicle injuries or problems.
In addition, advancing age is associated with declining fertility, especially in women. Fertility especially declines in women after age 35. Men, on the other hand, often remain fertile into their 60s and 70s, although advancing age can be associated with problems with the shape and movement of sperm.
References:
Assisted reproductive technologies. American Society for Reproductive Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/cgi/medlineplus/leavemedplus.pl?theURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Easrm%2Eorg%2FPatients%2Fpatientbooklets%2FART%2Epdf . Accessed August 23, 2005.
Assisted reproductive technology. National Infertility Association website. Available at: http://www.resolve.org/main/national/treatment/options/art/art.jsp?name=treatment&tag=options . Accessed August 23, 2005.
Frequently asked questions about infertility. American Society for Reproductive Medicine website. Available at: http://www.asrm.org/Patients/faqs.html . Accessed September 2, 2005.
Last reviewed June 2007 by Jeff Andrews, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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