causes of infertility Articles

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) by Mark H. Amols, MD

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:34:50 PST

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), what is it? When you hear this term what do you think? Have you heard of this before? If you have heard of PCOS then you a probably thinking about infertility, unwanted hair growth, and the association of obesity. However, the term PCOS can encompass a spectrum of disorders and a wide range in severity from anovulation and infertility to Type II diabetes.

PCOS is primarily associated with infertility however there are real med

What Is a Sertoli Cell?

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:43:06 PST

A sertoli cell is an integral part of the male reproductive system. It is found in the seminiferous tubule, a part of the testes. A sertoli cell plays an integral role in the maturation of the sperm cells or the spermatozoa. This is vital for the sperm to attain motility and potency.

Spermatogenesis and Sertoli Cell

This process of sperm maturation is called spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis is initiated d

How Can Automimmune Disease Affect Fertility

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:36:30 PST

Fertility may be affected by several factors including certain diseases you may have. If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, you will have to discuss your options of becoming pregnant with your fertility doctor. In the past, autoimmune diseases such as lupus have made it impossible to become pregnant and doctors advised against pregnancies, but today, pregnancy is possible despite the presence of an autoimm

Understanding How PCOS Relates to Androgens

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:59:20 PST

Androgens and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) are closely related. PCOS is among the most common of female endocrine disorders. It can induce infertility.

Relationship Between PCOS & Androgens

PCOS surfaces when there is an excess synthesis of androgens among females. Please note that androgens include all male hormones, among which testosterone is considered the primary constituent. Usually, women

What Is Spermatogenesis?

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:50:47 PST

The concept of spermatogenesis is, in essence, the production of sperm cells within the male body. The biological specifics of this process are quite complicated and involve many different steps and individual mechanisms. In most healthy males, the process known as spermatogenesis begins at the time of puberty and continues through the end of life or until the man has reached a very advanced age. Unlike women, who are inca

What Is an Endometrium?

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:05:35 PST

The endometrium is an important part of every woman's reproductive system. Just as the other parts of this system are all crucial in determining a woman's fertility, so is the endometrium. This part of the body is the inner lining of the uterus. According to the hormones that are present in a woman's body and the length of time since her last menstruation, the endometrium may be thicker or thinner. Read on for a brief overview of what the endometrium

Can a CT Scan Affect Sperm?

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:04:41 PST

Sperm cells are important for fertilization and their quality may be influenced by several factors such as hot tubs or bike riding. You may wonder if a CT scan can affect sperm cells in any way. The response will depend on the dose of the radiation, but most CT scans will not harm sperm cells and will only be dangerous if repeated several times in a short amount of time.

CT Scans Effect on Sperm

A CT scan is x-ray co

What Is a Luteal Phase Defect?

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:03:45 PST

A luteal phase defect can be a cause of early miscarriage or failure to conceive. The luteal phase is the period between the day of the ovulation and the day of the menstruation. If this phase is shorter than normal, you won’t be able to sustain a pregnancy and may have a miscarriage if implantation occurs. The condition occurs in about 5% women. Once detected, the luteal phase defect can be corrected.

Understanding Luteal Phase

Understanding Your Progesterone Levels

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:02:24 PST

Progesterone levels are essential for fertility and low levels may result in an incapacity to become pregnant. In addition to estrogen, progesterone is a sexual hormone that will be secreted during the cycle. Understanding your levels of progesterone is important to detect any possible abnormalities. Progesterone supplementation is often recommended and can correct a deficit of hormones.

Progesterone Levels and Your Cycle

What is a D and C?

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:01:07 PST

A D and C stands for “dilation” and “curettage.” The procedure is performed on the uterus: the cervix is dilated and the uterine lining is scraped with a curet.

The Procedure Explained

In a D and C, an obstetrician or surgeon dilates a patient’s cervix to gain entry to her uterus. The cervix will be dilated either through medications or by inserting a series of increasingly large rods into the opening to

Pregnancy after Cancer: Is It Safe?

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:51:49 PST

Pregnancy after cancer is a topic that is questioned frequently, especially as the survival rates and cancer treatments have greatly improved. More women are now wondering whether pregnancy after cancer is safe.

Safeness of Pregnancy after Cancer

Normally, a pregnancy after cancer is safe for both the mother and the baby if the cancer was treated successfully. Most physicians, however, will want to e

Female Fertility and Chemotherapy

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:49:55 PST

If you're interested in conceiving or are planning to raise a family at some point down the line, you should be aware of potential risks to your fertility. A wide variety of health concerns may compromise female fertility, some of them easily remedied and some of them without recourse. One of the most life-altering treatment procedures that you can undergo is chemotherapy, and many women wonder if this type of cancer treatment may affect their fertili

Understanding the Function of the Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:48:02 PST

Understanding the function of luteinizing hormone (LH) and its role in reproduction will explain why an LH test is sometimes performed in cases of infertility. LH is gonadotropin. Gonadotropins are hormones that stimulate the reproductive process. LH is also known as lutropin. Production of LH begins in the anterior region of the pituitary gland. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the reproductive system of both males and females.

Understanding the Function of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HGC)

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:46:21 PST

The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone composed of two subunits, the alpha-subunit and the beta-subunit, and 244 amino acids. It is produced by the chorionic cells in the fetal part of the placenta during early pregnancy. Under abnormal circumstances, certain types of tumors such as germ cell tumors (tumors from egg or sperm), choriocarcinoma (cancer of the uterus) and testicular cancer can produce HCG.

Importance of HCG in Pregnancy
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What is Combined Infertility?

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:44:30 PST

Infertility clinics use various terms to define the kind of issues being faced by a couple. Getting acquainted with such terminology can help immensely if you are facing infertility or if you are contemplating visiting a fertility clinic. One of the commonly-used but confusing terms in this regard is Combined Infertility.

Understanding Combined Infertility

Before understanding Combined Infertility, it is better to understand the medi