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A Closer Look at Conception...A Closer Look at Conception...

Multiple Births & InfertilityMultiple Births & Infertility

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Multiple Multiple BirthsBirths

How twins are formed:How twins are formed:Identical twinsIdentical twins are caused by one are caused by one

egg being fertilized by one sperm. egg being fertilized by one sperm. Sometime after fertilization, the egg Sometime after fertilization, the egg splits into two halves. splits into two halves.

Fraternal twinsFraternal twins are formed when two are formed when two eggs are released by the mother, and eggs are released by the mother, and each egg is fertilized by a different each egg is fertilized by a different sperm. Fraternal twins can be of the sperm. Fraternal twins can be of the same or opposite sex.same or opposite sex.

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Conjoined TwinsConjoined Twins

Conjoined twinsConjoined twins form form exactly like identical twins, exactly like identical twins, but the egg begins to split but the egg begins to split very late, at least 12 days very late, at least 12 days after conception. after conception.

The process of division The process of division stops, and the twins develop stops, and the twins develop attached to one another.attached to one another.

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InfertilityInfertility

InfertilityInfertility is the inability to is the inability to conceive childrenconceive children

Many couples may seek Many couples may seek advice after a year of trying advice after a year of trying to conceive without success. to conceive without success.

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COPY:COPY:

InfertilityInfertility

It It is the inability to conceive childrenis the inability to conceive childrenIf a couple cannot conceive within a If a couple cannot conceive within a year of trying, a doctor will make a year of trying, a doctor will make a fertility analysis to determine the cause fertility analysis to determine the cause or the problemor the problem

A fertility analysis is a detailed A fertility analysis is a detailed study of both the man and study of both the man and woman including medical woman including medical histories and thorough physical histories and thorough physical examinationsexaminations

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Most Common Causes of Female Infertility:

1. Endometriosis •endometrial tissue (the uterine lining that sheds with each monthly period) grows outside the uterus2. Ovulation Problems •Any condition (usually hormonal) that prevents the release of a mature egg from an ovary. 3. Poor egg quality •Eggs that become damaged or develop chromosomal abnormalities cannot sustain a pregnancy. This problem is usually age-related -- egg quality declines significantly in the late 30s and early 40s.

4. 4. Polycystic ovary syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome ovaries contain many small cysts that ovaries contain many small cysts that

have hormone imbalances and do not have hormone imbalances and do not ovulate regularly. ovulate regularly.

5. 5. Female tube blockages Female tube blockages Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent eggs Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent eggs from getting to the uterus and sperm from getting to from getting to the uterus and sperm from getting to the egg. Leading causes include pelvic inflammatory the egg. Leading causes include pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted diseases such as disease and sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydiachlamydia

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Most Common Reasons for Most Common Reasons for MaleMale InfertilityInfertility

11. . Male tube blockages Male tube blockages Obstructions in the vas deferens or Obstructions in the vas deferens or

epididymis (the tubes that transport fertile epididymis (the tubes that transport fertile sperm). Varicose veins in the testicles are sperm). Varicose veins in the testicles are the most common cause of male tube the most common cause of male tube blockages. Sexually transmitted diseases, blockages. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, are also such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, are also linked to tube blockage problems. linked to tube blockage problems.

2. 2. Sperm problems Sperm problems Low or no sperm counts, poor sperm Low or no sperm counts, poor sperm

motility (the ability to move), and/or motility (the ability to move), and/or abnormally-shaped sperm.abnormally-shaped sperm.

OptionsOptions for Infertile Couples for Infertile Couples

1.1. AdoptionAdoption

2.2. Surrogate MotherSurrogate Mother

3.3. Artificial Artificial InseminationInsemination

4.4. Ovum Transfer Ovum Transfer

5.5. In-Vitro FertilizationIn-Vitro Fertilization

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These options may vary depending on your beliefs!