Question

A nurse is conducting a class for a group of couples about subfertility. When describing the causes of subfertility, which cause would the nurse include as being most common?

1- pelvic inflammatory disease
2- anovulation
3- excessive exercise
4- excess body weight

Answer 1

Anovulation, often caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is the most common reason for subfertility in women, as it prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries. Other factors include pelvic inflammatory disease, excessive exercise, and body weight issues, but hormonal imbalances due to PCOS are the most significant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most common cause of subfertility related to female infertility is anovulation, often due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Anovulation is a condition where the ovaries do not release an oocyte during a menstrual cycle, thus preventing the opportunity for fertilization. In women with PCOS, hormonal imbalances disrupt normal ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. Other factors, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can also contribute to subfertility by causing scarring and blockage of the Fallopian tubes, which impedes the meeting of sperm and egg.

While excessive exercise and excess body weight are both factors that can affect fertility by altering hormonal balance and menstrual cycles, these factors are generally not as broadly impacting as hormonal imbalances leading to anovulation. Excessive exercise can lead to amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), which in turn can cause anovulation. Similarly, being overweight or underweight can affect ovulation. However, treatment and lifestyle changes targeting these factors can improve fertility in many cases.

Healthcare professionals may diagnose and address these factors through discussions of medical history, lifestyle factors, and various tests including semen analysis for men, ovulation testing, and assessments of the reproductive tract for both partners.