Learning objectives
The learning objectives in this presentation is the evaluate the causes of infertility in males and females and the role of different imaging modalities in evaluation of infertility
Background
Infertility is defined as failure to conceive a desired pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
Approximately 10% of married couples are infertile.
Males and females are equally affected.
Infertility is divided into primary and secondary.
Primary infertility is defined as inability of a couple to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse and is becoming increasing common.
Secondary infertility is defined as inability of a couple to conceive after already having conceived previously.
Evaluation of infertile couple usually begins with clinical history and physical...
Findings and procedure details
Males
Ultrasound evaluation of the scrotum and testis for any abnormalities,
as varicocele is one of the correctable cause of infertility.
Varicoceles are found in 40 % of men with infertility.
Parenchymal changes in the testes due to tumours,
microlithiasis,
previous infection,
corrected/fixed undescended testes can contribute to low or absent sperm count. Epididymal cysts can cause compression of the spermatic ducts and prevent migration of the sperm,
leading to infertility
Certain drugs,
alcohol,
tobacco,
prolonged storage of mobile phones in the front pockets of...
Conclusion
Infertility is a commonly encountered problem.
Ultrasound pelvis or ultrasound scrotum is generally a standard baseline investigation.
Hysterosalpingography is useful modaliy in evaluating uterine and fallopian abnormalities.
However,
MRI is particularly useful in more detailed investigation and in difficult cases as well as to exclude any pituitary/hormonal causes of infertility
Personal information
Huma Khosa
Consultant Radiologist,
Midland Regional Hospital,
Portlaoise
Nabil El Saeity,
Consultant Radiologist,
Midland Regional Hospital,
Portlaoise
Nagabathula Ramesh
Consultant Radiologist,
Midland Regional Hospital,
Portlaoise
References
1. Imaging in Male infertility: Pictorial Review
Simpson,
Wl,
Rausch DR; AJR 2009: 192:6 S98-107
Female Infertility: A systematic Approach to Radiologic Imaging and Diagnosis
Steinkeler JA,
Lazarus E,
Hillstrom MM: Radiographics 2009:29:5; 1353-1370
Role of imaging in female infertility .Rastogi R.: Indian J Radiol Imaging 2010;20:168-73