Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of couples in the UK experience difficulty conceiving at some point in their reproductive life?
What percentage of couples in the UK experience difficulty conceiving at some point in their reproductive life?
- One in five
- One in ten
- One in seven (correct)
- One in three
What percentage of infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction have a combination of male and female factors affecting fertility?
What percentage of infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction have a combination of male and female factors affecting fertility?
- 20%
- 30%
- 40% (correct)
- 50%
According to long-term data from the HFEA, what is the trend in the percentage of infertility attributable to male factors?
According to long-term data from the HFEA, what is the trend in the percentage of infertility attributable to male factors?
- It has remained constant
- It has increased (correct)
- It is unknown
- It has decreased
What was considered an idiopathic and incurable condition for several decades?
What was considered an idiopathic and incurable condition for several decades?
What percentage of couples will fail to conceive after 1 year of trying?
What percentage of couples will fail to conceive after 1 year of trying?
Who published the first 'normal' reference values for semen quality?
Who published the first 'normal' reference values for semen quality?
What is thought to contribute to up to 30% of infertility cases?
What is thought to contribute to up to 30% of infertility cases?
What has increased, potentially leading to an increase in couples seeking advice and treatment?
What has increased, potentially leading to an increase in couples seeking advice and treatment?
What is a limitation of medical treatments for male infertility?
What is a limitation of medical treatments for male infertility?
What is a major factor in determining the available options for assisted conception?
What is a major factor in determining the available options for assisted conception?
What is a potential ethical concern related to ICSI?
What is a potential ethical concern related to ICSI?
What is a potential impact of lifestyle factors on male fertility?
What is a potential impact of lifestyle factors on male fertility?
What is a common underlying cause of male infertility?
What is a common underlying cause of male infertility?
What is a type of assisted reproductive technology mentioned in the content?
What is a type of assisted reproductive technology mentioned in the content?
What is a potential future development in assisted reproductive technology?
What is a potential future development in assisted reproductive technology?
What is the primary goal of investigating the infertile male?
What is the primary goal of investigating the infertile male?
What percentage of subfertile couples is attributed to male factors?
What percentage of subfertile couples is attributed to male factors?
What is a concern regarding in vitro fertilisation?
What is a concern regarding in vitro fertilisation?
Who is the specialist involved in the assessment of male infertility?
Who is the specialist involved in the assessment of male infertility?
What is not a potential cause of male infertility?
What is not a potential cause of male infertility?
What is a type of assisted reproductive technology mentioned in the text?
What is a type of assisted reproductive technology mentioned in the text?
Who is involved in the assessment of the infertile male?
Who is involved in the assessment of the infertile male?
What is the term used to describe the inability to conceive?
What is the term used to describe the inability to conceive?
What is a possible cause of male infertility not mentioned in the text?
What is a possible cause of male infertility not mentioned in the text?
Study Notes
Introduction to Male Infertility
- One in seven couples in the UK experience difficulty conceiving at some point in their reproductive life.
- 16% of couples will fail to conceive after 1 year of trying.
- A male factor alone contributes to up to 30% of these cases, with a combination of male and female factors affecting up to 40% of all infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction.
Prevalence of Male Infertility
- Demographic data on UK fertility rates suggest that male infertility is increasing.
- This increase may be due to increasing publicity of available treatments and a growing willingness of couples to seek advice and treatment.
- According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the percentage of infertility attributable to male factors increased from 27.6% in 2000 to 32.5% in 2006.
Causes of Male Infertility
- Male infertility may be due to problems with sperm production or transport, as well as sexual dysfunction.
- The underlying cause in most cases is idiopathic.
- Modifiable lifestyle factors can have an impact on male fertility.
Assessment and Investigation of Male Infertility
- The number and quality of sperm that can be recovered, either from the ejaculate or surgically, determines the available options for assisted conception.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is considered relatively safe, but raises ethical concerns about propagating genetic causes of male infertility.
Treatment Options
- Most treatments for male infertility are based on assisted fertilisation techniques, rather than treatment of the underlying cause.
- The effectiveness of medical treatments in enhancing semen quality is limited.
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Description
A review of the assessment and diagnosis of male infertility. This quiz covers the key aspects of evaluating the infertile male, including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
