History: The Ancient Egyptians were the first to recognize infertility and they believed it could be cured with magic. Nephtys, the goddess of infertility, was believed to play a role in the treatment of childbirth. Hippocrates studied infertility and soon went on to theorize causes and treatments. During the Roman Era, physicians believed conception took place after menstruation and prior to menstruation women were infertile because their uterus was "overloaded". During the Middle Ages the risk of infertility was thought to be increased if a couples reason for sex was not for procreation. The chances of infertility was also thought to be higher if sins were committed, and this could be lessened by prayer and fasting. In 1672De Graaf first described the ovary and follicle function and sperm was first examined by Von Leeuwenhoek in 1677. "In 1752, Smellie was the first to carry out experiments and describe the fertilization process"(acfs2000). The 19th and 20th century led to fertility being described in 1898 and in 1978, the first "test tube" baby was born. There is now an understanding of infertility with many treatment options, and it is no longer a mystery.
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Symptoms:
The inability for a couple to get pregnant. When to see a doctor:
Quality of Life:
Life is normal with women with infertility, but they cannot have kids until treated. Infertility can cause anxiety and depression among women. |
Treatments:
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Diagnosis:
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