The entire process of pregnancy-from conception to birth-takes about nine months, or 40 weeks of pregnancy. The pregnancy is divided into three-month periods known as trimesters. The First Trimester (Weeks 1 to 13) The first three months of fetal development are, perhaps, the most important. During the first 60 days, most of the baby’s organs […]
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Women should plan a doctor’s visit early in pregnancy. A woman’s health during those first weeks is crucial to normal fetal development. Many doctors schedule prenatal visits monthly for the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, and weekly during the last month. Prenatal visits usually include routine blood
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Some tests, called indicated tests, are usually reserved for women who are considered at increased risk due to something her medical or genetic history or an abnormal result in a screening test. However, some indicated tests, such as ultrasound, are being used more often during pregnancy, regardless of whether the mother or fetus is at
If a couple is infertile, this means that they have been unable to conceive a child after 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without birth control. Primary infertility means they have never had a child. Secondary infertility means that the infertile person has had one or more children in the past, but a medical problem
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Most infertility results from physical problems in a man or woman’s reproductive system. About 35 percent of all cases of infertility arise from problems in the man’s system. About 35 percent arise from abnormalities in the woman’s system. About 20 percent of the time, the man and woman both have fertility problems. In 10 percent
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A complete medical history and a physical exam are the first steps in diagnosing a fertility problem. Both partners need to be evaluated. The couple may also need blood tests, semen specimens from the man, and ultrasound exams or exploratory surgery for the woman. Need To Know: Your Doctor Will Want to Know During the
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After the physician has determined possible causes of the infertility, a course of treatment can then be planned. Sometimes simple instructions, like knowing when having sex is most likely to produce a pregnancy, are all that is needed. In many cases, medications are indicated, while in other cases, the woman may require surgery or other
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Illnesses and problems in the male reproductive organs can often be resolved with medicines and surgery. What Medicines Treat Male Infertility? What Surgeries Treat Male Infertility? What Medicines Treat Male Infertility? A number of drugs can be prescribed to ease male fertility problems, but their effectiveness varies widely. Here’s a look at some of them:
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If the man’s semen is fertile but can’t reach the cervix because of premature ejaculation or an inability to maintain an erection, partner insemination may be considered. Men with low sperm count, women with poor quality mucous, and couples with reproductive abnormalities may also benefit from this procedure. Even if the man has erection problems,
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Assisted reproduction refers to a number of advanced techniques that aid fertilization. These techniques are often used for women who have irreversible damage to their fallopian tubes or cervical mucous problems. It can also benefit couples with unexplained infertility. What is IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)? What is GIFT (Gammete Intrafallopian Tube Transfer)? What is ZIFT (Zygote
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If your doctor tells you that you are infertile, you may experience a wealth of emotions. Couples often feel frustrated, angry or guilty after such a diagnosis. Women may feel unfeminine and men may feel powerless and unmasculine. Women are more likely to discuss their feelings, while men often sublimate their anger in sports or
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Here are some frequently asked questions related to infertility. Q: What should I do if I think I am infertile? A: If you’ve had more than a year of regular sex without birth control and you haven’t achieved a pregnancy, it may be time to see a doctor. If a year hasn’t passed yet, a good
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