Definition is determined by the fact that any couple trying to conceive for one year or more having regular intercourse without the use of any birth control methods.
It is estimated that around 10-15% of the general population are infertile.
Incidence of causes is divided into 25% idiopathic - unknown cause, 25% related to ovulation problem, 30% male factor, 20% due to anatomical, hormonal or immunological factors.
The younger the woman the better chance to conceive as the number and the quality of eggs decrease after the age of 32-35. Also men's fertility declines with age as poor quantity and quality of sperm production. Other factors can effect fertility including obesity, alcohol, smoking, drugs and general health.
At London Obs & Gynae Clinic we start by taking a detailed medical history for both partners concentrating on menstrual cycles and any gynaecological problems and past history of surgery, drug use, smoking etc.
Following detailed medical history and physical examination a pelvic ultrasound scan is performed. Laboratory tests for hormone profile are carried out and for male partner semen analysis is requested.
Following simple basic tests and depending on other possible factors hysteroscopy and laparoscopy could be performed. Fallopian tube patency can be checked by hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or laparoscopy.
Mainly performed during the period time these are FSH, LH, oestrogen, prolactin, progesterone Day 21 and thyroid function tests. Antimullarian hormone (AMH) is also requested to tell us about ovarian reserve and indicates possible polycystic ovaries (PCO) or not.
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