fertility
Smoking and fertility
It is estimated that around one in six couples in the UK experiences problems in conceiving at some time. Several types of study provide information on the effects of smoking on fertility. Semen analysis can reveal abnormalities. Surveys of pregnant women ca...read more
Some infertility statistics
Reproduction is a normal human event that is absolutely necessary for the survival of the human race. Infertility is therefore not meant to be the normal course of events and will have a cause even though we may not always find one.Infertility affects at least 20-25% of coup...read more
Some information about infertility
It can take couples a long time to conceive. Even if the egg and sperm are in the right place at the right time, conception may not happen. There are a lot of factors which influence how fertile you or your spouse are. They are outlined in the previous sections. In this sect...read more
The female reproductive system
Without the female reproductive system, there would be no continuation of our species. The female is dependent on the male for fertilization of her egg, but it is she who carries the developing baby through pregnancy and childbirth. If people didn't reproduce, families would...read more
Trying to get pregnant
How to get pregnant? When is the best time to get pregnant. These are the questions so many couples ask themselves. The reproductive system is like a symphony, it has different sections. Each section must begin to play right on cue for a tune to result. Every part of theread more
What does an endocrinologist do?
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specialises in diseases of the endocrine glands, parts of the body which are responsible for producing hormones. Your body has several different endocrine glands, but the important ones as far as Kallmann's syndrome is concerned are shown i...read more
What fertility treatments are available?
Most people have heard of IVF (in vitro fertilisation). But there are several treatment options for people who are having difficulty conceiving naturally. Every case is different, and your GP and fertility clinic will be able to advise on the most suitable treatmen...read more
What happens during normal puberty?
The physical features of males and females can be divided into two main groups: the primary sexual characteristics and the already briefly mentioned secondary sexual characteristics. The first group is directly involved in sexual reproduction, whilst the second group is not,...read more
What happens when I become a young woman / man?
Becoming a young woman Having periods means that you are now at an age when you are fertile. This is a difficult time for girls and boys. Hormones are rising and you will be attracted to boys in a more sexual way. It is a difficult time because physically girls are ready to have babies, ...read more
What is involved in IVF?
There are various stages involved in IVF treatment: Boosting the woman’s egg supply You will be prescribed drugs that will help to control when your eggs are produced. You will also take drugs to increase the number of eggs you produce. This means that more eggs ca...read more
What is kallmann's syndrome?
Kallmann's syndrome is a rare disorder which, according to a recent estimate, affects around 1 in 10,000 men and 1 in 70,000 women. People with Kallmann's have an hormonal deficiency which, unless you seek appropriate medical treatment, results in a failure ...read more
What you need to know about periods
Periods are a sign that you have reached puberty. The first period usually happens between the ages of 12 or 13, but could begin as early as aged 8 or as late as aged 17. A period lasts between 2 to 5 days and involves a small amount of blood loss from the vagina that is only about the amoun...read more
Why didn't I go through puberty at all?
Absent puberty is one of the main characteristics of Kallmann's syndrome.The function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (described in the answer to Question 5) is interrupted in the case of Kallmann's syndrome. Puberty fails to occur and consequently, although the p...read more
Why test the man?
A male fertility problem contributes to at least 40% of all infertility problems that couples face. Sadly, many men resist being tested and in some cases this means that the woman can go through years of unnecessary treatment. This also means that the couple can go through a...read more
