Chapter 1 - Subfertility – a logical approach

Summary

This introduction presents an overview of the concepts discussed in this book. This book provides a comprehensive approach to each of the possible factors that act as a barrier to conception. The probability of conception depends on the success rate of the particular treatment, and the number of cycles of treatment that a couple undertake. This has been applied to the lifetable analysis of repeated treatment cycles by donor insemination, ovulation induction, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). There are the three main fertility parameters (eggs, sperm, and tubes), and if these are found to be relatively normal and the couple still does not conceive, then it is termed as unexplained or idiopathic subfertility. The most effective option to proceed to next if unexplained subfertility is diagnosed is IVF. The chapter presents an overview of how other chapters of the book are organised.