Question

During their initial visit to the fertility clinic a couple tells the nurse that after 2 years of unprotected intercourse they have not been able to conceive. A physical examination reveals that neither person has an abnormality. At their next visit the nurse informs them that laboratory data indicate an adequate quantity and quality of sperm. What question should the nurse ask now?

1. "Do you use any lubrication during intercourse?"

2. "Can both of you reach orgasm at the same time?"

3. "What type of birth control did you use in the past?"

4. "Are you consistent in the manner in which you have intercourse?"

Answer 1

The best question for the nurse to ask is whether the couple uses any lubrication during intercourse, as some lubricants can affect sperm mobility and thereby impact conception.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question at hand involves a couple's challenge with conception after two years of unprotected intercourse, despite normal results in a physical examination and adequate sperm quality and quantity. Given that the semen analysis for the male partner, Omar, has shown normal numbers of healthy sperm, and tracking BBT and using ovulation predictor kits have indicated that the female partner, Isabella, experiences ovulation, though sometimes irregularly, it's important to collect more information about potential factors that could be impacting their ability to conceive.

In this scenario, the most pertinent question the nurse should ask next would be: "Do you use any lubrication during intercourse?" Certain lubricants can affect sperm motility and viability. Factors such as ovulation timing are crucial as well, but given that ovulation occurrence has been somewhat established using BBT and LH surge monitoring, exploring other potential hindrances to conception is a reasonable next step. Questions about reaching orgasm at the same time or the consistency of intercourse are less likely to be relevant if there are indications of normal sperm quality and ovulation, even if they are irregular. Previous birth control methods would also be less relevant, assuming they have not been used in the two-year period of attempting to conceive.