In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Part II
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Even though a women's menstrual cycle will continue to be regular in her 30's and 40's, the quality of the eggs ovulated each month will be poorer than those of her 20's. Though not as abrupt or noticeable as menopause in women, changes in fertility do occur in men as they age. The causes of infertility are multiple:
Female factors
- Ovulatory dysfunction
- Tubal/uterine/peritoneal factor
- Endometriosis
- Cervical factor
- Immunological problems, chromosomal abnormalities, cancer chemotherapy, and serious illnesses
- One should distinguish infertility and fecundity problem (the ability to produce a live offspring after pregnancy occurs) when immunological problems are involved
- Abnormal semen: decreased sperm counts, failure of sperm maturation