Please see our web page on Sexual Unresponsiveness for answers.

To understand the terms "teratozoospermia" and "oligozoospermia" one should understand the composition of normal sperm. According to WHO guidelines, minimum sperm values are:

Volume:	2 ml
Concentration:	20 million/ml
Motility:	50%
Normal morphology:	30%

If the concentration of the sperm is low, it is called oligozoospermia.
If the sperms are not moving actively it is called asthenozoospermia.
If the sperms are having abnormal shape and size, it is called teratozoospermia. For further details, please read separate page on low sperm count.

Please see Menopausal Sex for answers. However, you should also take time for intimacy with your husband. Being intimate does not necessarily mean having intercourse. Love and affection can be expressed in many ways. Enjoy your time together, e.g. you can take long romantic walks or have candlelight dinners.

Yes, they are the same screening test for abnormal babies such as Down's syndrome. It was first reported that the skin of Down's syndrome babies appeared to be excessive for their bodies, especially over the back of the neck. Ultrasound scan could identify and measure the skin fold over the back of the neck in the first trimester (at 11-14 weeks). This is known as "nuchal (neck) translucency".
Although the test does not give a definitive answer, a thick nuchal pad at the back of the neck would suggest that the baby is at a higher risk of suffering from heart defects, Down's syndrome or some other genetic disorders.

Couples with difficulty conceiving often experience sexual dysfunction including inadequate vaginal lubrication. This leads to increased use of coital lubricants.
Medical studies using computer-assisted semen analysis have been done to look for a lubricant that would not disturb sperm motility and activity. Saliva has been tested together with a wide range of lubricants such as KY jelly, Astroglide, Replens, baby oil. When saliva was added to the normal healthy semen, it was found to cause a "shaking movement"of sperms in some samples. Sperm movement and forward progression were decreased. This indicates that saliva has a damaging effect on sperm motility and activity and should not be used as a vaginal lubricant for the infertile couple.
All lubricants except baby oil significantly reduce the quality and movement of the sperm even at a very low concentration and thus may adversely affect fertility. For couples with infertility, the use of vaginal lubricants during intercourse is therefore not recommended. It is better to sort out the reason of inadequate vaginal lubrication and manage accordingly.

In medical terms, no menstrual period is called amenorrhea. When this occurs in a woman who has never had a period it is called primary amenorrhea. In cases like yours, where there has been cycles in the past, it is called secondary amenorrhea.
The most common cause of secondary amenorrhea is pregnancy. Sometimes a breast-feeding mother may not have menstrual periods. Periods may also take 3 months or longer to resume after a woman stops taking birth control pills.
Please see Secondary Amenorrhea for further details.

Semen analysis includes many sperm parameters such as the volume of semen, concentration of sperm, the vitality, motility and morphology (shape and size) of sperm. These parameters can vary in the individual from day to day. Duration of abstinence has no significant influence on vitality, motility and morphology of the sperm. However, World Health Organization in 1999 recommends an optimal ejaculatory abstinence period of 2-7 days (with the mid-point day 5) as a time point for assessing traditional semen parameters. Semen volume, sperm concentration are both significantly increased and the percentage of immature sperm significantly lower after 5 days' abstinence, compared with 1 day's abstinence.
The recommended 5-day abstinence period thus represents a time point at which within-individual semen parameter variations are at a minimum.

You have probably what we call Osteitis Pubis, an inflammation of the pubic bones.
The pelvic girdle is made up of bones which form a ring like structure. The bones meet in front and form a fused joint called symphysis pubis. During pregnancy, hormones relax the ligaments and soften the joint. As a result, the pubic bones rub against each other causing sever pain when the patient walk,climbing stairs, rising from a seated position or turning over in bed. The pain may affect the groin or the inner side of the thigh. There may be weakness and difficulty in moving about. The patient ususally walk with a waddling gait.
A special support belt may be required to relieve pressure from the weight of the growing baby. The pain usually subsides weeks after the delivery.

There is no hard and fast rule on sexual intercourse during pregnancy.
Scientifically, there is no evidence to suggest that it causes problems such as miscarriage or premature birth.
Theoretically seminal fluid contains substances called prostaglandins which might stimulate uterine activity. Orgasm has been shown to cause prolonged and sustained contractions of the womb. Some bacteria may be transmitted during intercourse causing infection of the birth canal and the womb. Thus sexual intercourse may have potential harmful effects on the mother and the baby.
More information available in Sexual Intercourse during Pregnancy.

You and your wife should visit a gynecologist who could explain to both of you the normal anatomy and physiology of female reproductive system. This is to allay the fear that both of you might have. She may not bleed during the first intercourse as rupture of hymen may occur well before the first intercourse. Participation in sports, swimming, cycling, use of tampons during menses, and insertion of fingers or objects into vagina during sexual self-pleasure may lead to hymenal tear. Some women are born with only a rudimentary hymen or none at all.
Your wife should be mentally well prepared for the first intercourse and will have lubricated enough by the time of penetration to permit a relatively painless entry of penis into vagina. However, should she experienced discomfort or pain and bleeding during the first penetration it is advisable to go slow, taking time to settle down.
Sex should take place in a very relaxed atmosphere, which frequently is absent on the wedding day. Usually both of you may be tired, under stress or preoccupied by non-sexual thoughts on this day. Thus it is a good idea for sexually inexperienced couples and newly wedded to just kiss, cuddle and wait to have intercourse until they are relaxed. This by itself is the first step in having a less painful first intercourse. Take this opportunity to explore each other¡¯s genitals. Awareness of female genital anatomy is important. You can apply some water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly to the tip of your penis and her vaginal opening to make the penetration easier.
You and your wife should also spend time on communication about sexual matters, showing love and affection to each other, understanding each other's concerns and fears, understanding one¡¯s own and each other's bodily responses to sexual stimulation. This will go a long way in building a strong, affectionate and enjoyable sex life.

Please see web page Pain During Sex for answers.

When egg is released from the ovary during ovulation, secretions from the neck of the womb (cervix) facilitate active sperms to move rapidly through the womb and the fallopian tube towards the ovary. It has been found that within minutes of sexual intercourse a few hundred sperms are found near the ovary at that time. Therefore, despite spillage, there will be enough sperms remaining in your body to make you pregnant.
For more details, please see semen spillage web page.

Please see the section on Sexual Desire in Pregnancy in the "Sexual Intercourse during Pregnancy" web page.

Soy is an excellent source of plant-derived female hormones called phytoestrogens. The type of phytoestrogen in soy is known as isoflavones. They have a very weak effect on the body, compared to the natural hormone and have been used in helping people with menopausal symptoms.
There are not many studies done on the effects of soy on fertility. Reports in countries where soy products are consumed in large amounts indicate that the birth rate is similar to if not more than in countries where soy is not routinely consumed.
A few studies suggest that high levels of isoflavones may decrease fertility by interfering the levels of pituitary hormones which stimulate growth of the egg and ovulation. However, these are taken in very large amount which most people normally do not consume.
Experimental studies on various animal species have indicated that eating large amount of soy can have adverse effects on fertility. But there is no evidence to suggest that these results are applicable to human.
Toxicity studies did not find variations in fertility from soy consumption in healthy couples indicating that normal intake of soy is basically harmless.
As with any food, it is wise not to overconsume. If you have difficulty conceiving, it is a good idea to limit soy in your diet to rule out any possibilities of its effect on your fertility.

When fetal death occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is referred to as stillbirth. It occurs in about one in 200 pregnancies and for many parents, the loss is completely unexpected, because up to half of all stillbirths occur in pregnancies that appear problem-free. The pregnant woman may suspect that something is wrong if the baby suddenly stops moving or kicking.
Ultrasound examination would confirm that the heart had stopped beating and the baby has died. In most cases, a woman will go into labor within two weeks after the death. There is little risk to a woman's health if she chooses to wait for labor to begin. However, because of the emotional trauma of carrying a dead baby, most women choose to have labor induced. This is done by inserting a vaginal suppository containing a hormone (prostaglandin) to help the cervix (neck of the womb) to open up and stimulates uterine contractions. If the mother chooses to wait and labor has not begun after two weeks, induced labor would be recommended as there is a risk that dangerous blood-clotting problems can occur.
With regards to causes and prevention, please refer to Stillbirth.

About 70% of pregnant women experience urine leakage called stress incontinence. To reduce the leakage, you can:

Practice pelvic floor exercises several times a day to strengthen the pelvic muscles.

Reduce high-impact activities.

Drink plenty of water.

Do not hold urine.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Keep the private parts dry and reasonably comfortable during the day.

Please see web page Stress Incontinence Pregnancy for further details.

Stretch marks or striae gravidarum are due to small tears in blood vessels (capillaries) in areas of stretched skin. They are usually red lines and occur on the abdomen as the womb grows. They may also occur on the breasts and buttocks. The color usually fades and becomes silvery white months after delivery. They become less noticeable but would not go away completely. Unfortunately, there is no reliable way of avoiding stretch marks. No pills, creams or exercise can stop these marks from developing. There is no harm in trying the products, but they probably would not help.

I suppose you are referring to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. They belong to a class of fatty acids called essential fatty acids which the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained from the diet.

Fatty acids are important for cell growth and omega-3 fatty acids are brain food for developing baby especially in the first few weeks after conception when there is active brain cell division. They are also important for fetal brain and eye development in the last part of pregnancy as they make up more than half of a newborn baby’s brain mass. Studies have shown that adding these nutrients to the diet of pregnant women can improve the visual and intellectual development of the child.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce the risks of mother getting hypertension in pregnancy as well as premature birth. They also decrease chances of having intrauterine growth retardation (a condition where the baby stops growing in the womb and remains small for the period of pregnancy), and depression after birth.

Rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, such as anchovies, mackerel, salmon, sardines, sea bass and trout. World Health Organization recommends 1-2 servings of fish per week.

Since you do not like fish, there are other sources such as egg yolks and meats. Flax seed oil, walnuts , canola and soybean oils are also important sources.

Due to increased environmental pollution, levels of mercury in fish are getting dangerously high. Large “predator” type of fish such as swordfish and shark are considered unsafe for pregnant women. Mercury is a potent l toxin, and may cause brain damage to the baby.

Vitamin supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids may be an option for those pregnant mothers who are vegetarian. The supplements are absorbed more efficiently with meals. Although cod liver oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, it should be taken with care as it may contains high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D. Overdose of these vitamins are not good for the fetus.

Fibroid may cause symptoms such as heavy and irregular prolonged menstruation leading to lack of blood (anemia). It can also cause bleeding or spotting in between periods (intermenstrual bleeding). During period, it may cause backache or abdominal cramps which may last for days
Treatment of symptomatic fibroid is usually by surgery. For younger woman who wishes to keep the womb for menstruation and to retain her ability to become pregnant, removal of fibroid (myomectomy) is usually preferred. However, there is the possibility that new fibroid may grow (recurrence). In older women who has completed the family removal of the womb (hysterectomy) is the treatment of choice. Myomectomy or hysterectomy can be done through the abdomen or the vagina. They can also be done by key-hole surgery (laparoscopy ) or conventional way depending on the circumstances. Click here to read more about fibroid.