Infertility: The inability to get pregnant. Usually after one year with no contraceptives 15% of couples 50% of cases are due to male infertility or a combination of male and female factors

Women Not ovulating (releasing eggs) regularly Endometriosis leading to blocked fallopian tubes or ovarian cysts (non-cancerous tumors) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)- hormone imbalance leading to cysts on the ovaries Smoking Common Causes

Men Low sperm count, poor movement of sperm, or unusual shape of sperm # at least 40 million # at least 75% should be alive (normal for up to 25% dead). # at least 30% should be of normal shape and form. # at least 25% should be swimming forward rapidly. # at least 50% should be swimming forward, even if slowly.

Men Varicose veins (poor blood supply) Injury Hormone imbalance Infection Immune System disorders (his own antibodies attack his sperm) Exposure to certain medications Genetics (runs in families) Common Causes

Treatment Options Ovulation Drugs Medications that cause a woman to release (sometimes) several eggs with each cycle Artificial Insemination Sperm is placed directly in the uterus through a catheter (syringe) Used primarily for male infertility (low sperm count or poor sperm movement) Often used with ovulation drugs to increase odds of pregnancy Surgery

In Vitro Fertilization: Infertility treatment where a woman’s eggs are removed and then mixed with her partner’s sperm. Typically, 2-6 fertilized eggs are then transferred back into her uterus to produce a pregnancy.

Embryo Fertilized egg 8 cells If one cell is removed, it is possible to find out the gender and any genetic problems