Fertility

Innovation delivered simply
Merck Serono is the world leader in fertility treatment. With a portfolio of fertility drugs, our vision is to develop and market innovative, easy-to-use products to help infertile couples at every stage of the reproductive cycle: from follicular development to early pregnancy.
Infertility is the diminished or absent capacity to produce offspring. The term does not imply the complete inability to have children, and should not be confused with sterility. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence (NICE) defines infertility as failure to conceive after frequent unprotected sexual intercourse for one to two years in couples in the reproductive age group. (NICE CG011)
Infertility can be primary, in couples who have never conceived, or secondary, in couples who have previously conceived. It is estimated that infertility affects one in seven couples in the UK.
A typical primary care trust, health board or strategic health authority may therefore expect to see around 230 new consultant referrals (couples) per 250 000 head of population per year.
A cause of infertility is not identified in 30% of couples. In a further 27% of couples the cause is attributed to ovulatory disorders; in 14% of couples tubal damage. A low sperm count or quality is thought to contribute to infertility in 19% of couples. However, the presence of disorders in both the man and the woman has been reported to occur in about 39% of cases.
After medical examinations, the causes of infertility remain unexplained in only 5-10% of couples. The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes that there are around 60-80 million infertile couples in the world.

Understanding Fertility

In order to achieve pregnancy, a normal egg and a normal spermatazoa need to meet and combine to produce an embryo, which must develop in the uterus with appropriate hormonal support.
The menstrual cycle is the process by which an egg (oocyte) matures and is liberated every month in preparation for fertilisation. It is controlled by an elaborate system involving the gonadotropins FSH and LH as well as ovarian hormones, and consists of 2 phases:
  • Follicular phase: usually 14 days leading up to ovulation (release of the egg)
  • Luteal phase: after ovulation has taken place
The gonadotropins are hormones that primarily affect the ovaries and the testes. They regulate the development and hormone-secreting functions of these organs and contribute to the production of sperm in the male and to the development and maturation of eggs (oocytes) in the female.
Three gonadotropins are essential to reproduction:
  • human follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH)
  • human luteinizing hormone (hLH)
  • human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
FSH and LH are secreted by the pituitary gland situated beneath the brain. Their secretion is controlled by another hormone, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) produced by the hypothalamus. hCG is primarily produced by the placenta following successful implantation, and plays a role in maintaining pregnancy.

Useful contacts

The following support groups and organisations may be able to offer you further information and advice. Ask your doctor or nurse about local services too.
British Fertility Society
www.fertility.org.uk
Infertility Network UK
www.infertilitynetworkuk.com
Disclaimer
The information contained in these pages is intended for general reference only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition without the advice of a qualified medical professional, and does not replace medical advice or a medical examination. Infertility should be diagnosed by a specialist in that field. Before starting any treatment a physician needs to be consulted.
 
Print Close