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Infertility in Females

Infertility in Females

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...

Infertility in Males

Infertility in Males

Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...

Preventive Healthcare Services

Preventive Healthcare Services

Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:

In Vitro Fertilization

In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...

Fertilization

Fertilization

During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...

Birth Control Methods

Birth Control Methods

Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Published on: October 24, 2025

Preconception care and fertility.

A J Kermack¹, N Macklon

¹Unit of Human Development and Health Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.

Minerva Ginecologica

|May 22, 2013

Summary

Optimizing preconception health is crucial for fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Fertility specialists can improve outcomes by guiding couples through lifestyle and dietary changes before conception.

Area of Science:

Reproductive Medicine
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Public Health

Background:

Preconceptional health significantly influences fertility, fecundity, and perinatal outcomes.
Periconceptional factors impact developmental programming and long-term child health.
Fertility specialists are uniquely positioned to optimize preconception health.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the evidence supporting preconception health care.
To describe lifestyle and dietary interventions for optimizing preconception health.
To discuss managing medically complicated patients before fertility treatment.

Main Methods:

Literature review of current evidence on preconception health care.
Identification and description of key lifestyle and dietary interventions.

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Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

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Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction

Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction

Published on: March 25, 2021

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Published on: October 24, 2025

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Published on: September 16, 2021

Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction

Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction

Published on: March 25, 2021

Analysis of strategies for implementing preconception care in fertility clinics.

Main Results:

Preconception health is a critical determinant of fertility and pregnancy success.
Lifestyle and dietary modifications can enhance reproductive outcomes.
Addressing medical complexities prior to fertility treatment is essential.

Conclusions:

Optimizing preconception health is vital for improving fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Integrating comprehensive preconception care into fertility clinics is recommended.
Collaborative patient-fertility specialist approaches enhance care delivery.