ASRM Patient Education Fact Sheets and Information Booklets are available in both HTML to view on the web and as PDFs to download.
Menstruation is considered normal when uterine bleeding occurs every 21 to 35 days and is not excessive. The normal duration of menstrual bleeding is between two and seven days. Abnormal uterine bleeding occurs when either the frequency or quantity of uterine bleeding differs from that mentioned above or the woman has spotting or bleeding between her menstrual periods.
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Like other organs in the body, a woman’s reproductive organs take shape when she is still a fetus inside her mother’s uterus. These organs include the uterus and fallopian tubes, which develop from two ducts known as the müllerian ducts.
When the abdomen (belly) is injured because of disease or surgery, adhesions (scar tissue) can form.
Adoption is an important family-building option to consider as an alternative to infertility therapy. Some couples explore adoption only after infertility treatment has proven unsuccessful. Others couples choose to forego treatment in favor of adoption. Still others have both adopted and biological children.
Many infertile couples choose adoption rather than infertility treatments, or they decide to adopt after infertility treatments have failed. If you are considering adoption, you have many options from which to choose, including private, public, domestic, or international adoption. Each type of adoption has different requirements, but some issues are common to all types. Below are some general guidelines to help you learn about adoption. Familiarizing yourself with the issues unique to adoption will help you make the best decisions each step of the way.
Fertility changes with age. Both males and females become fertile in their teens following puberty. For girls, the beginning of their reproductive years is marked by the onset of ovulation and menstruation. It is commonly understood that after menopause women are no longer able to become pregnant. Generally, reproductive potential decreases as women get older, and fertility can be expected to end 5 to 10 years before menopause.
In the United States there are approximately 800,000 reproductive-aged men and women who have cancer, many of whom have concerns about their fertility. Lifesaving cancer treatments may reduce fertility by destroying eggs and sperm.
There are many psychological, social, and economic issues associated with multiple pregnancies.
Women who can get pregnant without fertility drugs or medical procedures usually have only one baby. Women who need fertility treatment are at higher risk to get pregnant with twins, and rarely with triplets or more. This is called multiple gestation. Multiple gestation can increase the risk of pregnancy for the mother and for all the babies.
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The fallopian tube connects the ovary (where the egg is released) to the uterus (womb), where the fertilized egg develops into a fetus. Fertilization, the process in which the man's sperm joins the egg, takes place in the fallopian tube. If your fallopian tubes are the reason of why you cannot get pregnant, your doctor may discuss surgery as an option to fix your tubes.
Surgery can be used to treat problems with your ovaries or fallopian tubes such as cysts, endometriosis or infections. Adnexal surgery involves any of the organs that are on the sides of (“next to”) the uterus (womb), such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Are parenting concerns of heterosexual couples different than those of gay or lesbian couples? .
An evaluation of a woman for infertility is appropriate for women who have not become pregnant after having 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse.
When a couple has trouble having a baby, there's about a 50-50 chance that the man has a problem contributing to the pregnancy.
"Dilation and curettage" (D&C) is a minor (short) surgical procedure that removes tissue from your uterus (womb). You may need this procedure if you have unexplained bleeding between periods or if you have delivered a baby and placental tissue remains in your womb.
When you become pregnant, the embryo (fertilized egg) travels from your fallopian tube to your uterus (womb) where the embryo implants (sticks) and grows into a fetus. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo grows outside of the uterus.
Egg donation is when a woman (donor) gives her eggs to another woman (recipient) to allow the recipient to have a baby.
After the removal and fertilization of eggs with the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF), some women with multiple embryos (fertilized eggs) may decide to have a single embryo transferred to the womb even when multiple embryos are available (elective single embryo transfereSET).
In the current practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF), some patients may create more embryos (fertilized eggs) than they need. The extra embryos may be cryopreserved (frozen) so that they can be transferred later. However, sometimes these embryos may not be used. These patients have the option to have their embryos discarded, donated to research or donated to another woman to achieve pregnancy.
Endometrial ablation is a medical procedure that removes the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium.
Women with endometriosis may experience infertility, pelvic pain, or both. This booklet will describe options for diagnosing and treating pain or infertility that may be attributed to endometriosis.
When the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus, it is termed “endometriosis.”
When the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus, it is termed “endometriosis.” Endometriosis may grow on the outside of your uterus, ovaries, and tubes and even on your bladder or intestines. This tissue can irritate structures that it touches, causing pain and adhesions (scar tissue) on these organs.
If you are trying to get pregnant for more than one year (or six months if you are 35 years or older) and have not been successful, a series of tests will be performed to fine the cause of your infertility. Your doctor will test your reproductive organs (fallopian tubes and uterus), your partner's sperm, and possible blood tests to check for hormonal problems.
New technology lets your doctor remove and freeze some cells, tissues, or fertilized eggs (embryos) before treating your cancer. This way you may be able to have children after your treatment. This process is called cryopreservation or freezing. The kind of cancer that you have determines what your options are.
Infertility treatments that cause multiple eggs to develop make it more likely that you will become pregnant with twins, triplets, or more.
Vasectomy is currently one of the most common methods of sterilization in the United States. After your vasectomy, if you change your mind about having children, there are two procedures that can help you have a child with your partner. The two options are: a vasectomy reversal or sperm aspiration prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are benign (noncancerous) tumors of muscle tissue that can change the shape or size of the uterus and sometimes the cervix. They start in the smooth muscle cells inside the wall of the uterus (myometrium).
When a couple is unable to get pregnant on their own, sometimes they use a donor's egg or sperm. This is called "gamete donation". When a child is conceived this way, parents must decide whether to tell their child or keep this information private.
Birth defects, which occur in nearly one in 20 pregnancies, range in severity from minor anatomic abnormalities to extensive genetic disorders or mental retardation. Some couples have a greater than average risk of having a child with a birth defect. Genetic screening refers to the use of specific tests to determine which members of a population are at increased risk for an inherited condition.
A gestational carrier (GC), also called a gestational surrogate, is an arrangement where a woman carries and delivers a child for another couple or person (intended parent[s]).
Hormonal contraceptives contain a progestin (progesterone medicine) with or without an estrogen. Both progestin and estrogen are made in a laboratory and are similar to the hormones that all women naturally produce. These two hormones together, or the progestin alone, work in several ways to prevent a pregnancy.
An old infection can cause the tubes to fill with fluid and enlarge (dilate). When this happens, the tube is called a hydrosalpinx. A normal pregnancy in the uterus cannot occur because the tube may be severely damaged and blocked. A blockage will not allow the egg and sperm to meet.
Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, the gland that sits at the bottom of the brain. Though prolactin plays a role in the growth and development of your breasts, its primary function is in milk production after a child is born.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than it should.
A hysterosalpingogram or HSG is an x-ray procedure performed to determine whether the fallopian tubes are patent (open) and to see if the shape of the uterine cavity is normal.
Infertility is a medical condition that touches all aspects of your life. It may affect your relationships with others, your perspective on life, and how you feel about yourself. How you deal with these feelings will depend on your personality and life experiences. Most people can benefit from the support of family, friends, medical caregivers, and professional counselors. When considering infertility treatment options such as sperm, egg, and embryo donation or gestational carriers, it may be especially helpful to gain the assistance of an infertility counselor.
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. If you have been trying to conceive for a year or more, you should consider an infertility evaluation. However, if you are 35 years or older, you should begin the infertility evaluation after about six months of unprotected intercourse rather than a year, so as not to delay potentially needed treatment. If you have a reason to suspect an underlying problem, you should seek care earlier.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder, affecting 5% to10% of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS have a number of conditions that may include irregular menstrual cycles, an increase in facial and body hair, increased weight, and infertility. Diagnosis is made on a combination of clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound findings.
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help fertilize the egg by injecting the sperm directly into the egg.
Injury to and/or infection of the endometrium may damage the lining and cause formation of adhesions (scar tissue) between the inner walls of the uterus. Asherman syndrome is the term used to describe adhesions inside the uterus. The scarring can be mild with thin stretchy bands of scar tissue or more severe with formation of thick bands. In the most severe cases, partial or total destruction of the inside of the uterus can occur.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that bypasses the cervix and places sperm into a woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation.
Many women have pain in their pelvis (lower part of the belly) from time to time, usually during their period. However, if you have daily pelvic pain, it could be a sign of a bigger problem with your bladder, bowels, reproductive organs, or pelvic muscles. Many conditions cause pelvic pain, including endometriosis, adhesions, chronic appendicitis, or hernias.
Approximately 25% of infertile women have problems with ovulation. These include the inability to produce fully matured eggs or failure to “ovulate” (release) an egg. The inability to produce and/or release eggs is called anovulation. Fertility specialists use a group of medications, often called “fertility drugs,” to temporarily correct ovulatory problems and increase a woman’s chance for pregnancy. Fertility drugs may be used to correct other fertility problems such as improving the lining of the uterus (endometrium) in addition to inducing ovulation. In certain circumstances, these medications also may be used to stimulate the development of multiple eggs, such as in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. This booklet explains the basics of normal ovulation and the diagnosis and treatment of ovulatory problems. The specific uses for several types of ovulation drugs are presented, along with the intended results and possible side effects of each drug.
You may wonder how any surgery can be called "minimally invasive," but this type of surgery features small or no incisions. Surgeons view your body's organs with the help of small telescopes and tiny cameras. Surgical repairs are made with tiny instruments. Often, problems can be diagnosed and treated as part of one procedure.
Most women will use birth control pills at some time in their lives. But many women don’t know that birth control pills also can be used to treat a variety of female problems and can have some surprising health benefits.
Contraceptive agents work in many ways to prevent a pregnancy. They are usually divided into those that are either hormonal or nonhormonal. Most of the hormonal contraceptives work by changing a woman's hormone levels to mimic a pregnancy, therefore preventing eggs from being able to be released from the ovary. In contrast, nonhormonal contraceptive agents or devices work by preventing a man's sperm from joining a woman's egg.
Puberty refers to the specific physical changes that happen as a child develops into an adult. Though they happen in different areas of the body, these changes are all related to each other.
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant).
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass which leads to weakening of the bones. Osteopenia is a disease where the bone density is lower than average and can be a precursor to osteoporosis.
The use of a surgical procedure called ovarian drilling can help promote normal menstrual cycles and lower testosterone levels. This may make it easier for you to get pregnant.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is an exaggerated response to the use of ovulation induction medications, especially during the use of injectable gonadotropin agents
Ovulation, the release of an egg from its follicle in one of a woman’s two ovaries, is one of the most important factors in conceiving a child.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects 5-10% of women.
Approximately one-third of couples in which the female partner is age 35 or older will have problems with fertility. Several tests may be useful in assessing fertility potential (ovarian reserve) in women.
When a woman’s ovaries stop working before age 40, she is said to have premature ovarian failure (POF).
Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to allow a fertilized egg (embryo) to stick or implant. If a pregnancy does not take place, progesterone levels will fall and you will have your period. If an embryo implants into the lining of the uterus, the ovary will produce progesterone until eight weeks into the pregnancy. After that time, progesterone will be produced by the placenta throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a disease distinct from infertility, defined by two or more failed pregnancies.
Your reproductive system ages faster than you may realize. Some women, after completing college, settling into a career, or waiting for the right partner, find that they have problems getting pregnant due to age-related infertility.
Serious complications from the medications and procedures required for in vitro fertilization (IVF) are rare. However, as with all medical treatments, there are some risks.
Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery, usually performed in an outpatient setting. Small incisions about a half inch each are made in the abdomen that allow a surgeon to place a laparoscope (lighted camera) and surgical instruments through surgical incisions below the belly button.
Saline infusion sonohysterography (SHG or SIS) consists of imaging the uterus and uterine cavity using ultrasonography while sterile saline is instilled into the uterine cavity. The purpose of sonohysterography is to detect abnormalities of the uterus and endometrial (uterine lining) cavity.
You probably don't realize how many people have problems having sex. But sexual dysfunction is common: 43% of women and 31% of men report having at least one symptom.
Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH).
The health risks of tobacco smoking are well known with regard to diseases of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Substantial harmful effects of cigarette smoke on fertility have become apparent, but are not generally appreciated.
There are more than 10,000 spinal cord injuries per year in the United States. The majority of these injuries occur in healthy men of reproductive age. Spinal cord injury may produce both sexual and reproductive problems.
For many years, experts have focused on semen analysis, but research studies show that the number of sperm (count) and the movement of sperm (motility) do not always predict fertility very well by themselves. It may also be useful to look at the shape of the sperm (morphology), which is also one of the important parts of the semen evaluation.
Stem cells are special cells found in very early stage embryos (i.e., 5 days after fertilization of an egg) and in some types of adult tissue.
Stress can come from just about anything that you feel is threatening or harmful. A single event (or your worry about it) can produce stress. So can the little things that worry you all day long.
During the menopause transition, the length of menstrual cycles often changes and women may skip their menstrual periods more often. The duration of the menopausal transition varies from woman to woman but averages about five years.
Fibroids usually do not require treatment because most patients with fibroids do not have symptoms.
This information sheet briefly outlines examples of the three major types of clinical studies in use, their advantages and their shortcomings.
The veins in your testes -- like those in your legs -- have valves that help blood to flow upward toward your heart. If the valves stop working, blood pools in the veins, which bulge or dilate. This is called a varicocele and varicoceles may make it difficult for you and your partner to have a baby.
Many women in the underweight, overweight, and obese categories will not have a problem becoming pregnant. But women who are not an ideal body weight may have problems with ovulation. This could lead to problems with fertility.
Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are benign (non-cancerous) tumors of muscle tissue that can enlarge and/or distort the uterus (womb) and sometimes the cervix.