Genetic causes and workup of male and female infertility

Abstract

Studies show that the greatest check on human reproduction occurs prenatally in apparently fertile couples. Most chromosomally abnormal embryos are aborted spontaneously. This paper, to be published in three parts, reviews the major known anatomic, functional, genetic, and environmental causes of infertility and reproductive wastage. The second and third parts, to appear in succeeding issues, are concerned with chromosome abnormalities and congenital malformations in the period from birth to adult life and with the diagnostic workup of infertile men and women.