Diagnosis
Once all the investigations are complete the medical staff will make a diagnosis leading to the appropriate management of your treatment.
Male Factor
A male factor problem is responsible for up to 30% of cases of infertility. Men with low sperm or motility count may require specialised treatment such as Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Tubal Blockage
Tubal blockage is most often due to past pelvic infection, which may have had very few symptoms. Surgery is only considered in situations where tubal damage is minimal, if pregnancy fails to occur within a year of tubal surgery there is little chance of it occurring later.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium, which normally is only found in the lining of the uterus, can be found outside (within the pelvis in most cases). Common sites include the ovaries and the ligament supports of the uterus. In severe cases adhesions form which can damage the Fallopian tubes. The diagnosis of endometriosis is made through a laparoscopy. Endometriosis is often associated with infertility and IVF may be required to treat this.
Unexplained Infertility
A couple are only diagnosed as having unexplained infertility if they have been having regular unprotected intercourse for at least two years. Before reaching a diagnosis of unexplained infertility it is necessary to carry out certain tests on both you and your partner. The tests include assessment of the male partner including analysis of the semen, and in the female, confirmation of regular ovulation and a normal pelvis. In couples with unexplained infertility the main factor determining the chance of natural conception is the duration of infertility.
The fertility doctor will give guidance on at what point treatment has more to offer than continuing to try naturally for a pregnancy. Unexplained infertility can be managed in several ways and is often the reason for considering IVF. Other forms of management include intra-uterine insemination (IUI).
Recurrent Miscarriage
The recurrent miscarriage clinic accepts referrals from GP's in Grampian and other consultants within the hospital.
Most commonly these referrals are women who have had three miscarriages in a row to the same partner however we do consider referrals on women over 35 years of age who have had two miscarriages.
For further information see Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic (0693)
Premature Ovarian Failure
The term premature ovarian failure describes a stop in the normal functioning of the ovaries in a woman younger than the age of 40, well before the normal average age of menopause of 50. About 1-4 % of the female population have premature ovarian failure.