THE INFERTILITY PROBLEMS: THE FEMALE’S ROLE
The female partner should be carefully checked to exclude any obvious reason for her apparent infertility. Often unusual findings bubble to the surface. We well remember one woman, married for nearly six years, who had failed to become pregnant. Close questioning revealed that the marriage had never been consummated. Her inherent fears of sexual intercourse, plus a strict religious upbringing combined to produce this sad suite of affairs. The woman was good-looking and attractive, mentally agile and held an important position working with senior executives. She had to use her brains every day, and was not lacking in common sense. But when it came to bedroom activity, her fears and phobias took over completely. Medical hypnotherapy, for nearly a year, managed to remove most of her subconscious phobias and enabled her to indulge in, and even enjoy, normal intercourse. When this took place, of course, she soon became pregnant. Her husband was the happiest man alive. He had stoically ploughed along for years, hoping for the best. Ultimately, the best of both worlds had finally arrived.A physical examination, with special emphasis on the pelvic organs of reproduction, is essential; then various forms of investigation may follow. It must be established that ovulation is taking place regularly. It is also imperative to discover if there is any block 10 a sperm’s reaching the egg, enabling conception, which takes place in the outer pan of the oviduct (the Fallopian lube).*46\45\4*
