Assessment of the Infertile Male

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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Male infertility Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of couples will fail to conceive after 1 year of trying?

16% Signup and view all the answers

Who published the first 'normal' reference values for semen quality?

McLeod Signup and view all the answers

What is thought to contribute to up to 30% of infertility cases?

Male factor alone Signup and view all the answers

What has increased, potentially leading to an increase in couples seeking advice and treatment?

Publicity of available treatments Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of medical treatments for male infertility?

They have a limited value in enhancing semen quality Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor in determining the available options for assisted conception?

Both the number and quality of sperm recovered Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential ethical concern related to ICSI?

The propagation of genetic causes of male infertility Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential impact of lifestyle factors on male fertility?

They can have a negative impact on semen quality Signup and view all the answers

What is a common underlying cause of male infertility?

Idiopathic factors Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of assisted reproductive technology mentioned in the content?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential future development in assisted reproductive technology?

The use of artificial sperm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of investigating the infertile male?

To assess the male partner's fertility to inform assisted conception options Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of subfertile couples is attributed to male factors?

30% Signup and view all the answers

What is a concern regarding in vitro fertilisation?

Transmission of genetic defects Signup and view all the answers

Who is the specialist involved in the assessment of male infertility?

Andrologist Signup and view all the answers

What is not a potential cause of male infertility?

Maternal age Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of assisted reproductive technology mentioned in the text?

In vitro fertilisation Signup and view all the answers

Who is involved in the assessment of the infertile male?

Obstetrician and gynaecologist Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the inability to conceive?

Subfertility Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of male infertility not mentioned in the text?

Cancer treatment Signup and view all the answers

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.