Frequently Asked Questions about infertility and its treatment

Welcome to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section of IVF-infertility.com. We have included questions and accompanying answers related to infertility.

What can cause infertility?

There are several causes of infertility. These are explained in full in the causes of infertility section.

How can infertility be investigated?

Infertility can be investigated in a number of ways. These are explained in full in the infertility investigations section.

I am 36 year old and my hobby is 41 and we have been trying to have a baby for a year. Should we see a specialist?

The simple answer is yes. The specialsi will investigate you for the possible cause of your infertility and the treatment options will depend on the results of this evaluation. Infertility can be investigated in a number of ways. These are explained in full in the infertility investigations section.

I am 32 year old and my partner is a 43 year old and had vasectomy, we would like to have another child. What are our options?

For a couple who desire a biologic child , vasectomy reversal or surgical sperm retrieval combined with IVF and ICSI are the only available options. Donor insemination is an option if biological child is not desired. These are explained in full in the vasectomy reversal. section.

One of my ovaries has been removed because of a cyst. Would that reduce my chance of pregnancy?

The simple answer is no.

My doctor told me that I am not ovulating. What are the causes of failure of ovulation?

There are several causes of ovulation failure. These are explained in full in the causes of ovulation failure section.

I was diagnosed as having tubal damage. What are the causes?

There are several causes of tubal damage. These are explained in full in the causes of tubal damage section.

I have been told that my cervix is producing antibodies that are killing the sperm preventing me from getting pregnant. Can anything be done?

Such infertility is said to be caused by cervical mucus hostility. Its treatment is detailed in the treatment of cervical mucus hostility section.

Does ovulation occur from alternate ovaries in alternate months?

No. Which ovary ovulates in a given month is entirely random.

My uterus is tilted backwards. Is this stopping me getting pregnant?

No. One in four fertile women have a uterus that is tilted backwards. A tilted uterus does not impair a woman's fertility.

I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries. What does this mean?

This is detailed fully in the polycystic ovaries page.

We have been classified as unexplained infertility. What does this mean?

This is detailed fully in the unexplained infertility page.

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I am 35 year old and my partner is a 43 year old and I had tubal ligation. We would like to have another child. What are our options?

there are two options reversal of sterilisation or IVF. Success rates after reversal depends on many factors such as the method used for sterilisation and if the male partner has a sperm problem. These are explained in full in the Reversal of female sterilization. section.

My husband was told that he tested positive for antisperm antibodies. What does this mean?

Antisperm antibodies indicate an immunological basis for infertility. This is fully described in immunological causes for infertility.

I had a laparoscopy, which diagnosed pelvic adhesions and scar tissues. What does this mean and what are the treatment options?

Pelvic adhesions and scar tissues are described in detail in the tubal infertility section.

Is there is a greater risk of cancer in women who have fertility treatment?

There are controversial studies linking ovarian stimulation drugs to ovarian cancer. It is important to note that achieving a pregnancy reduces the life time risk of developing ovarian cancer. This is explained in greater detail in the cancer as a complication section.

My doctor told me I have no sperm in my semen, is this because I used to masturbate a lot?

Masturbation is a normal activity which most males indulge while young and does not cause them to run out of sperm. This is because the testicles constantly produce sperm.

How can I determine my fertile period?

The fertile period is the time during which sex can lead to a pregnancy. Most pregnancies can be attributed to sexual intercourse during a 6-day period ending the day of ovulation. There a different methods used to detect ovulations which are explained in full in the investigation of ovulation.

After having sex I note that most of the semen leaks out of my vagina. Could this be the cause of my infertility?

Loss of semen from the vagina is quite normal after intercourse. Although semen leaks out of the vagina, enough remains to swim up to the Fallopian tube.

My wife is frigid. Could this be the reason for infertility?

There is no connection between sexual pleasure and fertility.

I just had a laparoscopy, and my doctor told me my tubes were blocked. How did they get blocked if I never had symptoms of pelvic infection?

Most pelvic infections have no symptoms at all.

My doctor advised me to have fertility tablets and I am concerned about the risk of multiple pregnancy.

Most fertility drugs increase the risk of multiple pregnancy. However, the majority of women who conceive after taking fertility drugs have a singleton pregnancy. The risk of multiple pregnancy is reduced by careful monitoring by ultrasound scans and blood tests.

I have no problem having sex every other day. How can my sperm count be zero?

There is no correlation between male fertility and virility. The reason for this is that the testis has two functions: a delicate component producing the sperm, and the other, more resilient, producing the male hormone. The latter can continue to function in most men with testicular failure.

How long does it take to complete an infertility investigation workup?

This can usually be completed in a months time. Semen analysis any day during menstruation. On day 2 to 4 of the menstruation the wife has blood hormone tests. This is followed 4 to 5 days later by a test to check the tubes by hysterosalpingograms or laparoscopy. Thereafter ultrasound scans are performed to check the development of the follicles and endometrium. post-coital test is performed around the time of ovulation, and a week later a blood test to check for progesterone levels.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis refers to a benign and common disease in which cells similar to the ones that line the inside of the womb, are established outside the womb. This is fully described in the endometriosis section.

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