Infertility
Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of regular intercourse without use of contraception. Causes of infertility include female and male factors. Infertility increases with age as egg and sperm quality decrease and as women and men develop medical conditions that can impair fertility.
How common is this?
What is the cause?
Female factor infertility accounts for over one-third of infertility experienced by couples. Ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, and blocked fallopian tubes are common causes. The prevalence of male infertility is estimated to be 12%. The main cause of male infertility is decreased or abnormal sperm. Additional risk factors for infertility include lifestyle factors like smoking.
Infertility and the IVF cycle
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). IVF involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory to create an embryo. The embryo is then transferred into the woman’s uterus for implantation and pregnancy. This process involves multiple steps and medications.
Egg maturation: Illustration of
typical LH surge/action
In the normal menstrual cycle, egg maturation is promoted by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH). In IVF, women receive medications to promote the maturation process. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious complication of these medications. Severe OHSS has been reported in up to 2% of women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation and in up to 20% of women at high-risk for OHSS.
Common medications used for egg maturation include human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and GnRH agonists.
hCG acts on the LH receptors but does not produce a LH surge. It has a long half-life and can increase the risk of OHSS. GnRH agonists are used to reduce the risk of OHSS. Compared to the natural LH surge, GnRH agonists result in a sharp, short increase in LH.
Turning science into medicine
At Myovant, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to build full, meaningful lives. For many women and men this includes having children. This is why we are investing in innovative research to develop improved treatments for infertility.
Starting the conversation
Infertility can be a difficult topic to bring up with your healthcare provider or loved ones. Here are some resources that can help you have the conversations that matter.
Learn more at resolve.org
Resolve: The National Infertility Association provides community support and education to empower people who are struggling to conceive.
Learn more at womenshealth.gov
The Office on Women’s Health provides information and a helpline for individuals struggling with infertility.
Learn more at path2parenthood.org
Path2Parenthood connects individuals and couples with healthcare providers and information to take steps toward building their family.
Learn more at reproductivefacts.org
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides a comprehensive list of resources for individuals and couples trying to conceive.
Our advocacy
We are dedicated to working across sectors to bring much-needed attention and innovation to women’s health because when she moves forward, we all move forward.
We are dedicated to working across sectors to bring much-needed attention and innovation to women’s health because when she moves forward, we all move forward.