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Infertility investigation may in–
elude, for a woman, a daily temper–
ature measure to show if and when
she ovulates. During phases of her
menstrual cycle, hcr uterus lining
will undergo biopsies to see if it is
responsive to hormones.
As blocking of the uterus and
tubes can be a cause of infertility,
the doctor will c heck by use of gas
or dye. An optic instrument called
a laparoscope may be inserted
through the abdomen for a visual
examination of her tubes.
Blood hormone tests, ch romo–
some and immunologic studies will
be made, as well as scrutiny for
infections.
An evaluation of the man's
spcrm count will be undertaken.
T est ing will be done to check his
circulation and look for any evi–
dence of abnormal tissue or heredi–
tary fl aws. The prostate gland, hor–
mones and immunological system
wi ll also be checked.
Although it may take years,
about two thirds of infertility cases
can be resolved by these modern
medica! techniques.
Years of Fertile Ability
A woman is most fertile between
16 and 18, but this is not the best
time to give birth. In many socie–
tics the pelvic bones have not
reached their full extension. Pas–
sage of the baby can be difficult.
A woman's bones reach maturity
between 20 and 25 and conception
is fai rly easy, as these also are high–
ly fertile years. Her maturation
makes her aware of the necessity of
proper care for both herself and her
unborn baby- the new life she car–
ries within. This is a good age for
marriage.
Medica! problems may begin to
develop between 25 and 30, but if
she is happily married and contin–
ucs to take good care of herself
(which would include the choice of
a good doctor, a licensed midwi fe
and hospi taJ or birthing center),
these should not negatively affect
the baby's birth .
As she gets closer to 30 it is not
as easy to get pregnant and to keep
the pregnancy to full term.
Between 30 to 35 a woman having
her fi rst baby is likely to show
symptoms of medica! problems,
including endometriosis. This is
September 1984
somet imes ca ll ed the ca r eer
woman 's disease- a disorder in
which tissue from the uterine lining
implants elsewhere in the abdomen
and can create scar tissue. Hypcr–
tension and diabetes can appcar
now also.
The chanccs of malformed
babies are increased at this time.
The woman's t issues become stiffcr
and miscarriage or premature birth
can also occur. Jf she smokes, the
chances of such occurring become
even greater. Smolcing hardens the
vessels around the u terus, which in
turn decreases the supply of blood
needed for healthy dcvelopment.
The problems become even more
pronounced between 35 and 40, but
that does not mean that pregnancy
is not possible. Common sense,
good heaJth procedures and medi–
ca! advice are recommended.
As there may be signs of early
menopause with ovulation becom–
ing irregular, a woman more than
40 has a slimmer chance of con–
ceiving. Though a normal woman is
born with 100,000 eggs, when a
woman is 40, so are her eggs. But
with expert care she can conceive
and deliver.
Man' s Role
With the superabundance of a
woman's eggs, and a man's normal
40 million to 500 million or more
sperm emitted during each act of
sexual intercourse, it would secm
pregnancy should be fairly easy. But
the sperm must have open pathways
in the maJe body from its formation
onward-and all through its journey
lo the egg. l f there is a faulty link
anywhere in this path, infertility can
result. Timing is also important, for
the ovum may live as little as 12 to
24 hours, and sperm only one or two
days.
In up to 40 percent of all infertile
couples it's the man who turns out to
have the physical problem. Upon
realizing this, the husband can have
a severe reaction. To sorne this
means that he is not a complete
man-his sense of masculinity is
directly involved. Because of this
mistaken attitudc, men often do not
want to consult to find out if it is so.
This behavi or is beginning to
chang·e.
In another 40 percent or so, infer–
tility
is
female related. Ten percent
of families have a combined prob-
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