1 A Closer Look at Conception... Multiple Births & Infertility

2 Multiple Births How twins are formed: Identical twins are caused by one egg being fertilized by one sperm. Sometime after fertilization, the egg splits into two halves. Identical twins are caused by one egg being fertilized by one sperm. Sometime after fertilization, the egg splits into two halves. Fraternal twins are formed when two eggs are released by the mother, and each egg is fertilized by a different sperm. Fraternal twins can be of the same or opposite sex. Fraternal twins are formed when two eggs are released by the mother, and each egg is fertilized by a different sperm. Fraternal twins can be of the same or opposite sex.

3 Conjoined Twins Conjoined twins form exactly like identical twins, but the egg begins to split very late, at least 12 days after conception. Conjoined twins form exactly like identical twins, but the egg begins to split very late, at least 12 days after conception. The process of division stops, and the twins develop attached to one another. The process of division stops, and the twins develop attached to one another.

4 Infertility Infertility is the inability to conceive children Infertility is the inability to conceive children Many couples may seek advice after a year of trying to conceive without success. Many couples may seek advice after a year of trying to conceive without success.

5 COPY:

Infertility It is the inability to conceive children If a couple cannot conceive within a year of trying, a doctor will make a fertility analysis to determine the cause or the problem If a couple cannot conceive within a year of trying, a doctor will make a fertility analysis to determine the cause or the problem A fertility analysis is a detailed study of both the man and woman including medical histories and thorough physical examinations A fertility analysis is a detailed study of both the man and woman including medical histories and thorough physical examinations 6

7 Most Common Causes of Female Infertility: 1. Endometriosis endometrial tissue (the uterine lining that sheds with each monthly period) grows outside the uterus 2. Ovulation Problems Any condition (usually hormonal) that prevents the release of a mature egg from an ovary. 3. Poor egg quality Eggs that become damaged or develop chromosomal abnormalities cannot sustain a pregnancy. This problem is usually age-related -- egg quality declines significantly in the late 30s and early 40s.

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome ovaries contain many small cysts that have hormone imbalances and do not ovulate regularly. ovaries contain many small cysts that have hormone imbalances and do not ovulate regularly. 5. Female tube blockages Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent eggs from getting to the uterus and sperm from getting to the egg. Leading causes include pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent eggs from getting to the uterus and sperm from getting to the egg. Leading causes include pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia 8

Most Common Reasons for Male Infertility 1. Male tube blockages Obstructions in the vas deferens or epididymis (the tubes that transport fertile sperm). Varicose veins in the testicles are the most common cause of male tube blockages. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, are also linked to tube blockage problems. Obstructions in the vas deferens or epididymis (the tubes that transport fertile sperm). Varicose veins in the testicles are the most common cause of male tube blockages. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, are also linked to tube blockage problems. 2. Sperm problems Low or no sperm counts, poor sperm motility (the ability to move), and/or abnormally-shaped sperm. Low or no sperm counts, poor sperm motility (the ability to move), and/or abnormally-shaped sperm.

Options for Infertile Couples 1.Adoption 2.Surrogate Mother 3.Artificial Insemination 4.Ovum Transfer 5.In-Vitro Fertilization 10 These options may vary depending on your beliefs!