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Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. "Understanding Infertility - The Basics" is a series of patient education videos produced in 2011 for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Transcript
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. "Understanding Infertility - The Basics" is a series of patient education videos produced in 2011 for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Hi I'm Dr. Roger Lobo with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Today we're talking about fertility. When we talk about fertility we mean the ability to have children. Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse or after six months when the woman is over 35. Unfortunately infertility is fairly common. It affects a little more than 7 million women and their partners in the US, about 12 percent of the reproductive age population.
But infertility is not just a woman's problem. A male factor is solely responsible for infertility in about 20 percent of couples and contributes in another 30 to 40 percent. Unexplained infertility, when no cause can be determined, affects about 20 percent of couples.
Getting pregnant requires many factors working together in both the man and the woman. Timing is critical and there must be a healthy egg and sperm, an open passageway to transport the fertilized egg, and implantation of a healthy embryo into the uterus. When all these work properly conception is successful about 20 to 25 percent of the time.
In this series we'll discuss causes of female and male infertility, how to find out if you or your partner are infertile, basic and advanced treatments available for infertility, and lastly how to cope with this very emotional process.
Before we begin the series let me tell you a little bit about myself and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine also known as ASRM. I'm an obstetrician-gynecologist with additional education and training and am certified in the subspecialty of reproductive endocrinology and fertility. I'm a professor of Ob/Gyn at Columbia University in New York. ASRM is a multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of the art, science, and practice of reproductive medicine.
To learn more check out our other videos on fertility including the causes and treatments of infertility.
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Defining Infertility
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Fertility Rights and Responsibilities
Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
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Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are benign (noncancerous) tumors of muscle tissue found in the uterus. View the fact sheet![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that can affect many facets of a person’s life, from pelvic pain to struggles with infertility. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
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Medical procedures, cost, outcome uncertainty, and unwanted or unhelpful advice from friends and family are stressors associated with infertility treatment. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Optimizing Natural Fertility
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 or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
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About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
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Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
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Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
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The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
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This is a condition when a woman has 2 or more clinical pregnancy losses (miscarriages) before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Endometriosis: Does It Cause Infertility?
When tissue like the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus, it is termed “endometriosis.” View the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
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When a woman’s ovaries stop working before age 40, she is said to have premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Acupuncture and Infertility Treatment
Acupuncture is an alternative medical treatment that involves placing very thin needles at different points on the body. View the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?
In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Saline infusion sonohysterogram (SHG)
Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS or SHG) is aprocedure to evaluate the uterus and the shape of the uterine cavity. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
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Sexual dysfunction is a problem in a person’s sexual desire, arousal, or orgasm. View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Coping With Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses various methods of coping with infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, develops outside of the uterine cavity in abnormal locations. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Causes of Female Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Age and Fertility (booklet)
Generally, reproductive potential decreases as women get older, and fertility can be expected to end 5 to 10 years before menopause. View the Booklet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Diagnostic Testing for Male Factor Infertility
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FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts![Info Icon](/globalassets/_icons/info.png)
FAQ About the Psychological Component of Infertility
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Mary Dolan's Story
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Infertility Infographics
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Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Preconception Counseling
This podcast episode covers the topic of preconception counseling. Listen to the Episode![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Female Fertility Journey
If you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you may have infertility. Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of children.
View the Patient Journey![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Am I Ovulating?
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Diagnostic Testing for Infertility
An evaluation of a woman for infertility is appropriate for women who have not become pregnant after having 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. View the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
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Evaluation of the Uterus
If you haven’t been able to get pregnant after trying for 6 months, some tests can be done to help find the reason. Your doctor may test your hormone levels, your partner’s sperm, and your reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus [womb]). View the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Female Cancers, Cryopreservation, and Fertility
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Fertility Drugs And The Risk of Multiple Births
Infertility treatments that cause multiple eggs to develop make it more likely that you will become pregnant with twins, triplets, or more. This is called multiple gestation. View the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Hypothyroidism and pregnancy: what should I know?
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than it should. View the Fact Sheet![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that can affect many facets of a person’s life, from pelvic pain to struggles with infertility. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Fibroids and Fertility
Fibroids and their impact on fertility are discussed in this episode featuring Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, interviewed by host Dr. Brooke Rossi. Listen to the Episode![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Optimizing Natural Fertility
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 or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Fibroid Tumors
An educational video that answers patient questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)?
This is a condition when a woman has 2 or more clinical pregnancy losses (miscarriages) before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Endometriosis (booklet)
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. View the Booklet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Weight and fertility
One of the easiest ways to determine if you are underweight or overweight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Causes of Female Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Abnormalities of the Female Reproductive Tract (Müllerian Defects)
Sometimes the uterus and fallopian tubes may not form like they should. These malformations are called müllerian anomalies or defects. Müllerian anomalies may make it difficult or impossible to become pregnant. View the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Ovulation Detection
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. View the fact sheet![Info Icon](/globalassets/_icons/info.png)
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts![Infographic Icon](/globalassets/_icons/infographic.png)
Female Fertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Female Fertility better. View the Infographics![Infographic Icon](/globalassets/_icons/infographic.png)
Ovarian Reserve Infographics
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SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Male Fertility Journey
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
View the Patient Journey![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Urology and Male Reproductive Health
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Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Cancer and its impact on sperm, cryopreservation, and fertility
This can be confusing since the terms are often used interchangeably in the media and casual conversation. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Male infertility evaluation: what do I need to know?
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Fertility Options for Men with Spinal Cord Injury
There are several reasons a man with a spinal cord injury (SCI) might have infertility. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Testosterone use and male infertility
Testosterone (also referred to as “T”) is a hormone produced in men by the testes (testicles). View the fact sheet![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Male Factor
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SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Fertility Options After Vasectomy
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. View the Fact Sheet![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Male Fertility
Did you know that up to 40% of infertile couples suffer from male factor infertility? Listen to the Episode![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Optimizing Natural Fertility
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 or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Optimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Surgical techniques for sperm retrieval: what should I know?
As many as 10% to 15% of infertile men have no sperm in their ejaculate (the fluid released from the penis during orgasm). View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Weight and fertility
One of the easiest ways to determine if you are underweight or overweight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Sperm morphology (shape): Does it affect fertility?
The most common test of a man’s fertility is a semen analysis. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Varicocele
A varicocele is a variation of normal anatomy in which veins in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) become enlarged and sometimes even visible. View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Diagnostic Testing for Male Factor Infertility
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.View the Fact Sheet
![Info Icon](/globalassets/_icons/info.png)
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts![Infographic Icon](/globalassets/_icons/infographic.png)