1. What is infertility?
It's the inability to conceive naturally after a year of frequent sexual intercourse without using contraceptive methods.
Primary sterility refers to couples who have never been able to conceive.
2. What does the basic study of an infertile couple involve?
Basic studies are straightforward and aimed at finding the cause of unsuccessful pregnancy attempts or guiding towards the most suitable Assisted Reproduction treatment to achieve pregnancy in the shortest possible time with minimal emotional strain.
This assessment is comprehensive and is carried out on both the man and the woman.
3. What tests are performed at the first consultation?
Systematically, a detailed integral assessment of the couple's clinical history is made. The studies in women involve a vaginal ultrasound, which allows the evaluation of the pelvic organs, primarily the uterus and ovaries. In the case of the ovaries, it helps to determine the follicular reserve, which is directly related to fertility. Among the hormonal studies, the most important for assessing follicular reserve are the Ovarian Profile (FSH, LH, Estradiol, and Anti-Müllerian Hormone), as well as the thyroid profile and prolactin levels. To evaluate whether the fallopian tubes are permeable, a study with a contrast medium called Hysterosalpingography is necessary.
For men, the main study is the semen analysis, which assesses sperm concentration, motility, and the percentage of sperm with a normal shape. Additionally, a functional study is important to precisely determine the number of functional sperm (REM – Motile Sperm Recovery).
4. Can I get pregnant again if I have had a tubal ligation?
Reversing tubal ligation has a high rate of complications (including a high risk of ectopic pregnancy) and is generally not very successful. The most recommended option, for those who wish to have more children is to turn to Assisted Reproduction techniques such as in vitro fertilization, which have high success rates.
5. Can I have more children if I have undergone a vasectomy?
Similar to the reversal of tubal ligation, reconnection after a vasectomy has low success rates. In these cases, the most recommended approach is to perform a Testicular Biopsy or Epididymal Aspiration to extract sperm from the testicle and use them in an in vitro fertilization cycle.
6. Does obesity affect my fertility?
Obesity is not an impediment to achieving pregnancy with Assisted Reproduction treatment.
7. What is an assisted reproduction clinic?
It's a highly specialized medical center focused on diagnostic methods and treatments for infertility issues.
Jofrefiv is a private institution dedicated to providing assisted reproduction treatments and comprehensive care for women, adhering to the highest standards of quality, technology, and honesty, through specialized medical expertise and excellent patient care.
8. My gynecologist told me I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Can it affect my fertility?
Having polycystic ovaries can sometimes mean a greater difficulty in achieving pregnancy as it is associated with challenges in ovulation, menstrual cycle delays, and poor egg quality.
9. What are the main causes of female infertility?
- Ovulation disorders and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
- Tubal obstruction.
- Endometriosis.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Advanced age.
10. What are the main causes of male infertility?
They are related to alterations in sperm production (oligozoospermia), motility (asthenozoospermia), and sperm shape (teratozoospermia). Male infertility can sometimes be linked to varicocele, heavy smoking, exposure to toxins and pesticides, as well as environmental pollution, all of which can affect both the production and motility of sperm.
11. What are recurrent miscarriages?
It is believed that about 60% of miscarriages have a genetic cause.
If a couple has experienced two or more miscarriages, the chances of a repeat miscarriage are higher than in the general population.
There are infectious, immunological, coagulation, and lastly, genetic causes. At ClinicaJofrefiv, we offer PGS (preimplantation genetic screening), the highest technology in assisted reproduction, which allows us to analyze embryos chromosomically before transferring them to the uterus. This way, we transfer normal embryos with the lowest risk of miscarriage.
12. How does age affect women's fertility?
Women have a genetically predetermined start and cessation of fertility, with the peak fertility period being from 20 to 35 years. From age 30, the number of eggs decreases due to gradual loss, which becomes more evident after age 35. Additionally, the quality of the eggs decreases, leading to an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Therefore, if you are over 35 and have not achieved pregnancy, schedule an evaluation appointment with us to help you achieve your dream of having a baby at home.
13. What happens if my husband has no sperm in his semen sample?
This condition is known as Azoospermia and can be due to two causes:
- Obstructive, due to the absence of the vas deferens or by the ligature of these (vasectomy), meaning the sperm are produced in the testicle but do not come out in the ejaculate. In these cases, the most advisable approach is to perform a Testicular Biopsy or Epididymal Aspiration to extract sperm from the testicle and use them in an in vitro fertilization cycle.
- Secretory, absence of sperm production by the testicle either due to a deficiency in the production of FSH at the brain level or due to testicular damage (infections, etc).
14. What can I do if I am very young and do not want to get pregnant yet?
At Jofrefiv, we have a fertility preservation program. We can vitrify your eggs after controlled ovarian stimulation, so that in the near future you can use them in case you have difficulty getting pregnant spontaneously and without the need for donor eggs.
15. Do I have chances if I was diagnosed with cancer and will undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
These types of treatments lead to an irreversible loss of egg reserve, as well as an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. At Jofrefiv, we have a fertility preservation program. We can vitrify your eggs after controlled ovarian stimulation, before undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, so that in the near future you can use these eggs in an In Vitro Fertilization treatment and thus have a baby at home without having to resort to donor eggs.