Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: What is recurrent pregnancy loss or RPL? Pregnancy loss or miscarriage happens to 15-20% of couples and most happen before 12 weeks of pregnancy. Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined by Indian Society of Reproductive Medicine (ISRM) as a condition defined by two or more failed pregnancies. Sadly, about 5% of couples will experience two consecutive miscarriages and less th ...

Assisted reproductive technology (ART): Assisted reproductive technology (ART) combines the sperm and eggs outside the body, and then places the embryos into the uterus. The main type of ART is in vitro fertilization (IVF). Before IVF, the woman will get a series of injections to help her ovaries produce a lot of eggs. Once those eggs are mature, they’ll be removed using a simple surgical procedu ...

Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. They happen in the first month of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows that she is pregnant. The two most common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. In spina bifida, the fetal spinal column doesn't close completely. There is usually nerve damage that causes at least some paralysis of the legs. In ane ...

Her Risks There are certain things that apply only to women. Any one of the following could cause problems with ovulation, hormones, or your reproductive organs: Endometriosis Fallopian tube disease Chronic disease like diabetes, lupus, arthritis, hypertension, or asthma Two or more miscarriages History of irregular periods Early menopause (before age 40) An abnormally shaped uterus Polyps in you ...

Men: Male infertility can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the cause. Treatment options for men can include surgery, medication, and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Surgery can fix obstructions that are preventing sperm from being present in the ejaculate. It can also correct conditions such as varicocele. In some cases, sperm can be retrieved directly from the testicles afte ...

When to see a doctor You probably don't need to see a doctor about infertility unless you have been trying regularly to get pregnant for at least one year. Women should talk with a doctor earlier, however, if they: Are age 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer Are over age 40 Have irregular or absent periods Have very painful periods Have known fertility problems H ...

Risk factors Certain factors may put you at higher risk of infertility, including: Age. The quality and quantity of a woman's eggs begin to decline with age. In the mid-30s, the rate of follicle loss speeds, resulting in fewer and poorer quality eggs. This makes conception more difficult, and increases the risk of miscarriage. Smoking. Besides damaging your cervix and fallopian tubes, smoking inc ...

Disruption of ovarian function (presence or absence of ovulation (anovulation) and effects of ovarian “age”) A woman’s menstrual cycle is, on average, 28 days long. Day 1 is defined as the first day of “full flow.” Regular predictable periods that occur every 24 to 32 days likely reflect ovulation. A woman with irregular periods is likely not ovulating. Ovulation can be predicted by using an ovul ...