Your frequent questions
In general
No. Infertility covers 10 to 15% of the population of reproductive age. It seems to be on the rise as more and more infertile couples seek help from gynaecologists. With reproductive technology improving day by day, the success rate of infertility treatment is increasing. Patient awareness has improved and more of them are seeking help to get rid of impotence.
An ovulated egg lives for 18 to 24 hours, while a sperm lives in the reproductive organs for up to 3 days. Therefore, it is recommended to have sex every second day of the week before ovulation, including the day of ovulation itself.
Sex hormone analysis (estrogen and progesterone), monitoring of LH (luteinizing hormone) and vaginal ultrasound can determine the day of ovulation in 90-95% of cases. In comparison, basal temperature measurement is of value in determining ovulation in 50% of cases.
Infertility is the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse. Approximately 85% to 90% of women will become pregnant after one year of such intercourse if there are no causes of infertility.
No. Because hormonal contraception (antibaby pills) prevents ovulation, reduces the frequency of benign ovarian cysts, affects cervical mucus, reduces sperm motility and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as ovarian secretion of sex hormones, many experts believe that women are more "fertile" after taking hormonal contraceptives.
Unfortunately, this "myth" is wrong. If it is used as the only explanation for the cause of infertility, it is actually counterproductive. The patient sees it as "guilt forcing" in an already stressful situation for them. Stress is and always has been a major factor in suppressing oocyte and sperm production.
No. Approximately 30 to 40% of the causes of infertility are related to problems in women. The same percentage, 30 to 40%, is attributed to male factors. In 20% of cases the cause is in both partners, while in 5% of couples the cause of infertility is unknown. For these reasons, a semen analysis (spermogram) is recommended at the beginning of infertility treatment.
Maybe. Many women delay pregnancy until their mid-30s. Significant reductions in fertility due to reduced production of quality oocytes are known from the literature. Fortunately, today we have numerous tests to determine ovarian reserve (FSH, Anti-Miller hormone, ultrasound).
Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can negatively affect the fertility of both partners and the frequency of defects in newborns. Exposure to heat reduces sperm production and quality. The same is true for exposure to radiation, in both sexes.
Long-term consumption of "hard" drugs negatively affects the production and quality of sperm and eggs. Certain cytostatics, steroid hormones in large doses, some drugs in the treatment of gastric ulcers (cimetidine), certain antibiotics and diethylstilbestrol can have the same effect. The same applies to excessive smoking, alcohol consumption and caffeine.
When used at prescribed doses and in proven anovulatory patients, these drugs are safe. If we exclude risk factors, these drugs do not have a negative health impact on the health of the woman or her offspring.
Endometriosis is a disease that affects 25-30% of women. It is characterized by the existence of uterine tissue, its inner lining (endometrium) in places outside the uterus. It is most commonly found on the ovaries, but can be diagnosed on all organs of the abdominal cavity. It is found in almost 50% of infertile women. Symptoms of this disease include painful menstruation (day 1) and also painful intercourse. How it affects fertility is being researched. Treatment is usually operative, especially if the cysts are larger than 4 cm in diameter.
According to the SART (Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology) report, the success rate of IVF procedures today is between 35 and 40%. With advances in IVF laboratory technology, this percentage has been increasing in recent years and is approaching the percentage of natural conceptions.
