A.I.D.--a review of 200 cases

2OO consecutive cases of couples referred for A.I.D. are reviewed. The reasons for referral are given and the technique and donors are discussed. It is estimated that about 85% of women who receive donor insemination will achieve pregnancy if they presevere. Infertility factors are common in women who present for donor insemination and this usually takes the form of ovarian follicular deficiency, probably with non-ovulation. It is suggested that a biphasic basal temperature record or a secretory endometrium in the luteal phase are unreliable tests for ovulation.

Plasma sex steroid and gonadotrophin patterns in human menstrual cycles

Sensitive and specific displacement analysis methods for the assay of steroid hormones in small volumes of plasma are described. Plasma sex steroid and gonadotrophin hormone patterns were determined throughout a number of normal menstrual cycles. The mean cycles showed patterns which were similar to those described by other workers. However, examination of individual cycles provided information which may contribute to our understanding of menstrual cycle regulation with particular reference to the pattern of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and steroid-gonadotrophin interactions.

Infertility in women with apparently ovulatory cycles. I. Comparison of their plasma sex steroid and gonadotrophin profiles with those in the normal cycle

Serial daily plasma profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and oestradiol 17beta throughout single menstrual cycles from seven patients with a history of infertility but with normal menstrual rhythm and no apparent ovarian dysfunction were compared with those from apparently normally menstruating women. This comparison showed that the infertile group produced poor corpora lutea after poor follicular growth. The poor follicular growth may be related to depressed pituitary release of FSH in response to a negative feedback effect of elevated progesterone levels.

Some Clinical Applications of Vaginal Smears in Gynaecological Endocrinology

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