Understanding Fertility Understanding Life Series

Infertility can have devastating physical, emotional and financial effects on people affected. It is a common problem, but can be hard to talk about, and hard to understand. In this concise book, Dr Kovacs, a reproductive gynaecologist who has spent the past 40 years working with patients facing fertility problems, focuses on and unpicks key misconceptions. In his clear explanations, he covers the basic physiology of conceiving, and describes the areas that have to be explored for those who have not yet been able to conceive. Specific chapters cover the three major problem areas: lack of releasing eggs, sperm problems, and abnormalities of the female passages. Treatment options are discussed for each of these areas, including technical details and a brief readable overview of their history. The many ways of parenting which are now available are also detailed. This is a recommended read for couples wanting to conceive, their friends and families, and anyone who wants to understand fertility.

Foreword; Preface; 1. How does conception occur and why have I not got pregnant?; 2. Is the male partner fertile, and if not, can we improve his sperm? What other options are there?; 3 Physiology of the menstrual cycle, and treatment for not ovulating; 4. Are my uterus or my tubes stopping me getting pregnant?; 5. Unexplained (idiopathic) infertility; 6. What is IVF and what does it entail? 7. Fertility preservation and other reproductive options; 8. Is it mind over matter?; Concluding remarks; Summary of common misunderstandings; Index.

Gab Kovacs is a reproductive gynaecologist with over 40 years of clinical experience, and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. He was a member of the Monash University IVF team that produced the world's 4th-13th IVF babies. He is Honorary Life Member of the International Federation of Fertility Societies and The Fertility Society of Australia.