Infertility natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sanjana Nethagani, M.B.B.S.[3]

Overview

Common complications of infertility treatment include multiple gestations, gestational diabetes, etc. If left untreated, infertility may cause marital discord and psychological issues in the couple.

Natuaral History, Complications and Prognosis

Natural History

Complications

Infertility can have a big emotional impact on both of the involved partners.^[1]
Depression, anxiety, and marriage problems may occur.
Fertility induction using drugs such as clomiphene or assisted reproductive technology may cause multiple gestations and premature labor.^[2]
Therapies such as IVF and Assisted reproductive technology are expensive and are a financial strain on couples who wish to conceive.

Prognosis

As many as 1 in 5 couples diagnosed with infertility eventually become pregnant without treatment.
More than half of the couples with infertility become pregnant after treatment, not including advanced techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

References

↑ Cousineau TM, Domar AD (2007). “Psychological impact of infertility”. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 21 (2): 293–308. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2006.12.003. PMID 17241818.
↑ Diamond MP, Legro RS, Coutifaris C, Alvero R, Robinson RD, Casson P; et al. (2015). “Letrozole, Gonadotropin, or Clomiphene for Unexplained Infertility”. N Engl J Med. 373 (13): 1230–40. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1414827. PMC 4739644. PMID 26398071.

[pmid17241818-1] Cousineau TM, Domar AD (2007). “Psychological impact of infertility”. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 21 (2): 293–308. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2006.12.003. PMID 17241818.

[pmid26398071-2] Diamond MP, Legro RS, Coutifaris C, Alvero R, Robinson RD, Casson P; et al. (2015). “Letrozole, Gonadotropin, or Clomiphene for Unexplained Infertility”. N Engl J Med. 373 (13): 1230–40. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1414827. PMC 4739644. PMID 26398071.

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