Infertility »

Melanie Davies's special interest is infertility and assisted conception and she has worked in this field for 15 years. Caroline Overton's special interest is endometriosis and laparoscopic surgery. Lisa Webber's special interest is ovulation problems and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Infertility is a significant health issue and one that has received increasing media attention in the UK and elsewhere in recent years. For affected couples, it is the cause of substantial distress and feelings of isolation that can lead to associated anxiety and depression. This is compounded by a perceived lack of support from health services as well as a lack of available information regarding its management.

This book provides current information and practical advice on the underlying causes, diagnosis and management of infertility in a clear and concise style that is accessible to patients. The book covers all aspects of infertility from investigation, treatment, successful pregnancy and coping with childlessness. The text is written in a plain-spoken style that is easy to read and absorb, with liberal use of bullet points, diagrams, graphs, photographs, tables and other illustrations. Case studies and patient perspectives are included throughout the text to bring key concepts to life.

Preface vii

About the authors ix

Contributing authors xi

1 Overview of fertility and the biological clock 1

2 Preparing for pregnancy 7

3 Getting pregnant: a background to hormones and how the body works 11

4 How to choose your clinic 17

5 The law and fertility treatment (regulation) 21

6 The initial consultation: what is covered in your first clinic visit? 27

7 Why aren't I getting pregnant? Fertility tests 33

8 Counselling: dealing with the emotional aspects of infertility 45

9 Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) 51

10 Male fertility 55

11 Treatment options before IVF 65

12 Problems with ovulation and polycystic ovary syndrome 71

13 Ovulation induction 79

14 In vitro fertilization (including ICSI and IVM) 89

15 Ovarian hyperstimulation 105

16 Preimplantation genetic tests 111

17 Sperm donation (donor insemination) 121

18 Egg donation 129

19 Surrogacy 137

20 Fertility and the older woman 149

21 Gynaecological problems and fertility 155

22 Tubal surgery 169

23 Reversal of sterilization and reversal of vasectomy 177

24 Pregnancy after fertility treatment 183

25 Coping with infertility 193

26 Adoption 199

Useful addresses and further reading 207

Glossary 215

Index 223