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Bonanni V, Reschini M, La Vecchia I, Castiglioni M, Muzii L, Vercellini P, Somigliana E. The impact of small and asymptomatic intramural and subserosal fibroids on female fertility: a case-control study. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2023:hoac056. [PMID: 36579123 PMCID: PMC9782921 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do small and asymptomatic intramural and subserosal uterine fibroids affect female fertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Small and asymptomatic fibroids that do not encroach the endometrial cavity appear to not markedly affect female fertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The available evidence on uterine fibroids and fertility is limited. Most information has been obtained in IVF settings by comparing the success in women affected and not affected by fibroids. These studies have shown a detrimental effect of submucosal and possibly intramural fibroids. However, this study design provides information only on embryo implantation, not on female fertility in general. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION A retrospective observational case-control study on 200 women whose partner was diagnosed with severe male infertility and 200 women with unexplained infertility was conducted. If the null hypothesis (that fibroids do not affect fertility) is valid, one would expect a similar prevalence of fibroids in the two study groups. Conversely, if fibroids do impact fertility, one would expect a higher prevalence among women with unexplained infertility. The study was carried out at the Infertility Unit of the Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico covering a 5-year period between January 2014 and June 2020. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS We retrospectively recruited women seeking pregnancy whose partner was repeatedly documented to have a sperm concentration below 1 million/ml and matched them by age and study period to a group of women with unexplained infertility. The latter group of women was considered as a case group (infertile subjects), while the former group of women was considered as a control group (reflecting the general female population). Women with fibroids could be included in both study groups; only those with submucosal lesions were excluded. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Fibroids were diagnosed in 31 women (16%) with unexplained infertility and in 32 women (16%) with severe male factor infertility. The adjusted odds ratio of carrying fibroids in women with unexplained infertility was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.52-1.58). Subgroup analyses according to number, dimension and location of fibroids failed to highlight an increased risk of infertility in any group. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a retrospective study and some inaccuracies in fibroids detection cannot be ruled out. Moreover, the relatively small sample size hampers robust subgroup analyses. Even though we excluded women with patent causes of infertility, some women with specific causes of infertility could have been included among controls (yet are expected to account for <10% of the group). WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study suggests that small fibroids that do not encroach the endometrial cavity do not markedly affect female fertility. This information is clinically relevant when counseling infertile women with small fibroids and an otherwise unremarkable diagnostic work-up. Surgery may still be considered but only in selected cases. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was partially funded by Italian Ministry of Health: current research IRCCS. E.S. reports grants from Ferring, grants and personal fees from Merck, and grants and personal fees from Theramex outside the submitted work. All the other authors do not have any competing interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bonanni
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Reschini
- Correspondence address. Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti, 6, 20122 Milan, Italy. Tel: +39-02-55034303; Fax: +39-02-55036581; E-mail:
| | - Irene La Vecchia
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Castiglioni
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Childhood cardiovascular health and subfertility: the Bogalusa Heart Study. Pediatr Res 2018; 84:625-631. [PMID: 29899387 PMCID: PMC6292745 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0032-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although childhood cardiovascular risk can contribute to adult cardiovascular disease, and fertility and adult cardiovascular health are linked, the association between early-life cardiovascular risk and female infertility has not been studied. METHODS A total of 1799 women participated in the Babies substudy of the Bogalusa Heart Study. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, glucose, and insulin were age-standardized and examined as predictors of self-reported fertility difficulties using multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for confounders. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was assessed via a report of diagnosis and symptoms, using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS Women with a history of PCOS were more likely to report fertility difficulties. Childhood and adolescent cardiovascular risk factors were generally not associated with fertility indicators, although childhood LDL (aOR 1.38 per one-SD increase, 0.97-1.96) and total cholesterol (aOR 1.49, 1.06-2.11) were raised in those who never became pregnant. Pre-pregnancy risk SBP (overall fertility, aOR 1.49, 1.00-2.23) and glucose levels (ever tried but unable, aOR 2.65, 1.39-5.06) were associated with an increased risk of some infertility indicators. These results were largely unaffected by exclusion of women with PCOS. CONCLUSION Some childhood and pre-pregnancy cardiovascular risk factors are associated with adult subfertility.
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Hansen KR, He ALW, Styer AK, Wild RA, Butts S, Engmann L, Diamond MP, Legro RS, Coutifaris C, Alvero R, Robinson RD, Casson P, Christman GM, Huang H, Santoro N, Eisenberg E, Zhang H. Predictors of pregnancy and live-birth in couples with unexplained infertility after ovarian stimulation-intrauterine insemination. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:1575-1583.e2. [PMID: 26949110 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify baseline characteristics of couples that are likely to predict conception, clinical pregnancy, and live birth after up to four cycles of ovarian stimulation with IUI in couples with unexplained infertility. DESIGN Secondary analyses of data from a prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial investigating pregnancy, live birth, and multiple pregnancy rates after ovarian stimulation-IUI with clomiphene citrate, letrozole, or gonadotropins. SETTING Outpatient clinical units. PATIENT(S) Nine-hundred couples with unexplained infertility who participated in the Assessment of Multiple Intrauterine Gestations from Ovarian Stimulation clinical trial. INTERVENTION(S) As part of the clinical trial, treatment was randomized equally to one of three arms and continued for up to four cycles or until pregnancy was achieved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Conception, clinical pregnancy, and live-birth rates. RESULT(S) In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for other covariates, age, waist circumference, income level, duration of infertility, and a history of prior pregnancy loss were significantly associated with at least one pregnancy outcome. Other baseline demographic and lifestyle characteristics including smoking, alcohol use, and serum levels of antimüllerian hormone were not significantly associated with pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION(S) While age and duration of infertility were significant predictors of all pregnancy outcomes, many other baseline characteristics were not. The identification of level of income as a significant predictor of outcomes independent of race and education may reflect differences in the underlying etiologies of unexplained infertility or could reveal disparities in access to fertility and/or obstetrical care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01044862.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl R Hansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| | - Amy Linnea W He
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Aaron K Styer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert A Wild
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Samantha Butts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lawrence Engmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Richard S Legro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ruben Alvero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Randal D Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas
| | - Peter Casson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Gregory M Christman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shands Hospital, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Nanette Santoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Esther Eisenberg
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Heping Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
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Skakkebaek NE, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Buck Louis GM, Toppari J, Andersson AM, Eisenberg ML, Jensen TK, Jørgensen N, Swan SH, Sapra KJ, Ziebe S, Priskorn L, Juul A. Male Reproductive Disorders and Fertility Trends: Influences of Environment and Genetic Susceptibility. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:55-97. [PMID: 26582516 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00017.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 574] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is predicted that Japan and European Union will soon experience appreciable decreases in their populations due to persistently low total fertility rates (TFR) below replacement level (2.1 child per woman). In the United States, where TFR has also declined, there are ethnic differences. Caucasians have rates below replacement, while TFRs among African-Americans and Hispanics are higher. We review possible links between TFR and trends in a range of male reproductive problems, including testicular cancer, disorders of sex development, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, low testosterone levels, poor semen quality, childlessness, changed sex ratio, and increasing demand for assisted reproductive techniques. We present evidence that several adult male reproductive problems arise in utero and are signs of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). Although TDS might result from genetic mutations, recent evidence suggests that it most often is related to environmental exposures of the fetal testis. However, environmental factors can also affect the adult endocrine system. Based on our review of genetic and environmental factors, we conclude that environmental exposures arising from modern lifestyle, rather than genetics, are the most important factors in the observed trends. These environmental factors might act either directly or via epigenetic mechanisms. In the latter case, the effects of exposures might have an impact for several generations post-exposure. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to prioritize research in reproductive physiology and pathophysiology, particularly in highly industrialized countries facing decreasing populations. We highlight a number of topics that need attention by researchers in human physiology, pathophysiology, environmental health sciences, and demography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katherine J Sapra
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Ziebe
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Somigliana E, Lattuada D, Colciaghi B, Filippi F, La Vecchia I, Tirelli A, Baffero GM, Paffoni A, Persico N, Bolis G, Fedele L. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone in subfertile women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2015; 94:1307-12. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - Debora Lattuada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - Barbara Colciaghi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - Francesca Filippi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - Irene La Vecchia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - Amedea Tirelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - Giulia M. Baffero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
- University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - Alessio Paffoni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - Nicola Persico
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - Giorgio Bolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
- University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - Luigi Fedele
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; “Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda” Hospital; Milan Italy
- University of Milan; Milan Italy
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Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) encompass fertility treatments, which involve manipulations of both oocyte and sperm in vitro. This chapter provides a brief overview of ART, including indications for treatment, ovarian reserve testing, selection of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols, laboratory techniques of ART including in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo transfer techniques, and luteal phase support. This chapter also discusses potential complications of ART, namely ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple gestations, and the perinatal outcomes of ART.
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Tobias DK, Chavarro JE, Williams MA, Buck Louis GM, Hu FB, Rich-Edwards J, Missmer SA, Zhang C. History of infertility and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective analysis of 40,773 pregnancies. Am J Epidemiol 2013; 178:1219-25. [PMID: 23956097 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwt110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of delayed conception and risk of gestational diabetes (GDM) are sparse, although common underlying mechanisms are plausible, including insulin resistance and inflammation. The association between a history of infertility and GDM was assessed prospectively among 40,773 eligible pregnancies in the US Nurses' Health Study II cohort (1989-2001). Biennial questionnaires provided updated information on infertility and several lifestyle and health-related characteristics. Multivariable log-binomial models with generalized estimating equations were used to compute risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for age, prepregnancy body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)(2)), and additional potential confounders. GDM occurred among 1,405 (5.2%) women. A prepregnancy history of infertility was reported by 5,497 (20.5%) participants and was significantly associated with a 39% greater risk of GDM (risk ratio (RR) = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24, 1.57; P < 0.001). Underlying reasons for infertility associated with GDM included ovulation disorders (RR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.87; P < 0.001) and tubal blockage (RR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.77; P = 0.005). The association of cervical mucus disorder with GDM was of borderline significance (RR = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.88, 3.30; P = 0.11). Endometriosis (RR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.70, 2.31; P = 0.43) and male factor infertility (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.61; P = 0.55) were not associated with GDM risk. These novel findings suggest that infertility, particularly from ovulation disorders and tubal blockage, is associated with an increased GDM risk. Further research is needed to identify mechanisms or common underlying metabolic dysfunction explaining these observations.
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Huang JYJ, Rosenwaks Z. In vitro fertilisation treatment and factors affecting success. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2012; 26:777-88. [PMID: 23059403 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2012.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of assisted reproductive technologies has improved significantly over the past decades. The main indications for in vitro fertilisation include tubal obstruction, severe male-factor infertility, severe endometriosis, ovulatory dysfunction, diminished ovarian reserve, and infertility of unexplained cause. In vitro fertilisation has also become an effective treatment option for couples wishing to undergo pre-implantation genetic diagnosis or screening, and for those wishing to cryopreserve their oocytes or embryos for preservation of fertility. The management of women in late reproductive age poses a major challenge; the optimum in vitro fertilisation treatment for poor responders remains elusive. The success of in vitro fertilisation treatment can be optimised by taking an individualised, patient-centered approach to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Key components involve selection of an appropriate controlled ovarian protocol, close-cycle monitoring, adjustment of gonadotropin dosage to avoid hyper-response, and individualised timing of human chorionic gonadotropin injection. Future directions of assisted reproductive technologies include development of non-invasive embryo selection methods, use of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and time-lapse imaging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Yu Jen Huang
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, 1305 York Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA
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Ray A, Shah A, Gudi A, Homburg R. Unexplained infertility: an update and review of practice. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 24:591-602. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Badawy A, Khiary M, Ragab A, Hassan M, Sherif L. Laparoscopy – or not – for management of unexplained infertility. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2010; 30:712-5. [DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2010.508850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Sperm DNA damage measured by the alkaline Comet assay as an independent predictor of male infertility and in vitro fertilization success. Fertil Steril 2010; 95:652-7. [PMID: 20864101 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation and semen parameters to diagnose male factor infertility and predict pregnancy after IVF. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Academic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Seventy-five couples undergoing IVF and 28 fertile donors. INTERVENTION(S) Sperm DNA fragmentation was measured by the alkaline Comet assay in semen and sperm after density gradient centrifugation (DGC). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze odds ratios (OR) and relative risks (RR) for IVF outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation in semen and DGC sperm compared with fertilization rates, embryo quality, and pregnancy. RESULT(S) Men with sperm DNA fragmentation at more than a diagnostic threshold of 25% had a high risk of infertility (OR: 117.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.72-2,731.84, RR: 8.75). Fertilization rates and embryo quality decreased as sperm DNA fragmentation increased in semen and DGC sperm. The risk of failure to achieve a pregnancy increased when sperm DNA fragmentation exceeded a prognostic threshold value of 52% for semen (OR: 76.00, CI: 8.69-1,714.44, RR: 4.75) and 42% for DGC sperm (OR: 24.18, CI: 2.89-522.34, RR: 2.16). CONCLUSION(S) Sperm DNA testing by the alkaline Comet assay is useful for both diagnosis of male factor infertility and prediction of IVF outcome.
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Shahin AY, Ismail AM, Shaaban OM. Supplementation of clomiphene citrate cycles with Cimicifuga racemosa or ethinyl oestradiol--a randomized trial. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 19:501-7. [PMID: 19909590 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2009.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The anti-oestrogenic activity of clomiphene citrate (CC) on the cervical mucous and endometrium may be the reason for the relatively low pregnancy rates in CC induction cycles. Various follicular-phase supplements have been tried to improve cycle outcome in these patients. This study compared follicular-phase supplementation with either phytoestrogen (PE) or ethinyl oestradiol (EE) in CC induction cycles for the treatment of unexplained infertility. A total of 134 patients were randomly allocated to each treatment group (67 each). The PE group needed significantly fewer days for adequate follicular maturation, had a thicker endometrium and higher oestradiol concentration at the time of human chorionic gonadotrophin injection (all P < 0.001). The PE group had higher luteal-phase serum progesterone compared with the EE group. No significant difference was found regarding clinical pregnancy rates (14.0% versus 21.1%, respectively). In conclusion, the cycle characteristics in unexplained infertility women treated with clomiphene citrate induction and timed intercourse improved after follicular-phase supplementation with PE compared with EE supplementation. Further studies are needed to confirm the mechanism beyond these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Y Shahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, 71116 Assiut, Egypt.
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Stanford JB, Mikolajczyk RT, Lynch CD, Simonsen SE. Cumulative pregnancy probabilities among couples with subfertility: effects of varying treatments. Fertil Steril 2009; 93:2175-81. [PMID: 19328479 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.01.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2008] [Revised: 01/06/2009] [Accepted: 01/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To model the cumulative probability of pregnancy among couples with subfertility without a definitive diagnosis, according to different treatment strategies. DESIGN A beta distribution of fecundity was fitted that reproduced the cumulative probability of pregnancy in prospective studies of natural fertility, and this distribution was applied to simulated cohorts starting with one million couples each. Probabilities of pregnancy were generated for each cycle of each couple. SETTING Simulation study. PATIENT(S) Hypothetic subfertile population. INTERVENTION(S) After 2 or 4 years of attempting pregnancy and diagnostic evaluation to exclude anovulation, tubal obstruction, and severe male factor, simulated treatments were applied to the remaining nonpregnant couples, with treatment effects based on published literature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Simulated cumulative probability of pregnancy. RESULT(S) Initially, the cumulative probability of pregnancy was highest for early treatment with IVF, but over time, conservative treatment or frequent intercourse approached the same cumulative probability. CONCLUSION(S) In couples without clear indications for IVF, the main benefit of early IVF may be to shorten time to pregnancy, a benefit that must be weighed against costs and potential adverse outcomes. Couples should be encouraged to maintain regular intercourse to maximize chances of pregnancy, even after unsuccessful treatment attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Stanford
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Division of Public Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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15
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Shahin AY, Ismail AM, Zahran KM, Makhlouf AM. Adding phytoestrogens to clomiphene induction in unexplained infertility patients--a randomized trial. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 16:580-8. [PMID: 18413068 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60465-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the role of oral phytoestrogens in improving pregnancy rate and cycle outcomes with clomiphene citrate. Patients with unexplained infertility and recurrent clomiphene citrate induction failure, were randomly divided into two groups: group I (n = 60) and group II (n = 59). Both groups received clomiphene citrate 150 mg per day (days 3 to 7). Group I received additional oral phytoestrogen (Cimicifuga racemosa) 120 mg/day from days 1 to 12. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection (10,000 IU i.m.) was given and timed intercourse was recommended when a leading follicle reached >17 mm and serum oestradiol exceeded 200 (pg/ml). There was a non-significant shortening of induction cycles in group I. Oestradiol and LH concentrations were higher in group I compared with group II. Endometrial thickness, serum progesterone and clinical pregnancy rate were significantly higher in group I (8.9 +/- 1.4 mm versus 7.5 +/- 1.3 mm, P < 0.001; 13.3 +/- 3.1 ng/ml versus 9.3 +/- 2.0 ng/ml, P < 0.01; 36.7% versus 13.6%, P < 0.01, respectively). It is concluded that adding C. racemosa rhizome dry extract to clomiphene citrate induction can improve the pregnancy rate and cycle outcomes in these couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Y Shahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women's Health Centre, Assuit University, Egypt.
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16
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Erdem A, Erdem M, Atmaca S, Korucuoglu U, Karabacak O. Factors affecting live birth rate in intrauterine insemination cycles with recombinant gonadotrophin stimulation. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 17:199-206. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60195-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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17
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Shahin AY. Endometrial sonographic characters predicting pregnancy following recurrent clomiphene induction in unexplained infertility. Reprod Biomed Online 2008; 17:795-802. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60407-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Abstract
Subfertility is a statistical concept. When a pregnancy has not been achieved within a year of unprotected intercourse, the odds are that an underlying pathological mechanism is at play. Advanced female age, longer duration and primary infertility, are important prognostic factors, suggestive of low fecundity and indicating a need for further diagnosis and treatment. Many diagnostic tests only have screening value and the only gold standards are hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Severely impaired semen quality should lead to andrological work-up. Postcoital test and endometrial biopsy are obsolete. Treatment should preferably be aetiological, such as in anovulation, and sometimes also in endometriosis and tubal infertility. Primary treatment of male infertility is not proven to be advantageous. Conception-enhancing techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have shown to be effective. As a rule, and where possible, IUI is preferred and only if four to six cycles have failed should IVF be offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra De Sutter
- Infertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Ghent, 185 De Pintelaan, B-9000 Gent, Belgium.
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19
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Abstract
Recent medical literature has quite extensively addressed the use of various terminologies within the field of reproductive medicine. This discussion has, however, so far overlooked the fact that one of the most frequently made diagnosis, so-called unexplained infertility (UI), not only didactically but, even more importantly, clinically, appears unsustainable as an independent diagnosis. The arguments in support of such a contention are manifold. The diagnosis of UI is highly subjective. It is dependent on which diagnostic tests have been performed (or have been omitted) and at what level of quality. Paradoxically, a diagnosis of UI will, therefore, be more often reached if the diagnostic workup is incomplete or of poor quality. Supported by evidence from the literature, the argument is made that the conditions, most frequently misdiagnosed as UI, are endometriosis, tubal infertility (especially distal and peritubal disease), premature ovarian ageing and immunological infertility. Because of the obvious unreliability of a diagnosis of UI and the widely reported unevenness in diagnostic criteria, we recommend the abandonment of UI as a formal infertility diagnosis. Better efforts to reach infertility diagnoses more accurately should improve the diagnostic accuracy of hitherto frequently missed diagnoses, which often falsely have led to a diagnosis of UI.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gleicher
- Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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20
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Ryley DA, Wu HH, Leader B, Zimon A, Reindollar RH, Gray MR. Characterization and mutation analysis of the human () gene in women with unexplained infertility. Fertil Steril 2005; 83:1363-71. [PMID: 15866570 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2004] [Revised: 10/28/2004] [Accepted: 10/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Formin-2 (Fmn2) mutant mice produce oocytes with meiosis I arrest. Our aim was to describe the human FORMIN-2 (FMN2) gene and to identify DNA sequence polymorphisms in patients with unexplained infertility and multiple failed IVF cycles. DESIGN Institutional review board-approved observational case-control study. SETTING Infertility center and university hospital. PATIENT(S) Sixty-two fertile controls and seven subjects with unexplained infertility. INTERVENTION(S) BLASTP (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) was used to map the genomic DNA and complementary DNA sequence of FMN2. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood leukocyte samples. The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify FMN2 gene exons for analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Characterization of the FMN2 gene and identification of fragment melting polymorphisms (FMPs). RESULT(S) FMN2 includes 411,960 base pairs (bp) of DNA with 6,204 bp in 18 exons. There was no difference in FMN2 FMP allele frequencies between the controls and subjects. One patient was homozygous for one FMP. CONCLUSION(S) The human FMN2 gene is conserved between evolutionarily diverse vertebrates. It is likely that FMN2 has the same function as Fmn2 in the mouse (i.e., maintenance of the meiotic spindle). Prospective identification of patients with meiosis I arrest is necessary to determine whether FMN2 mutations are a cause of unexplained infertility.
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21
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Steures P, van der Steeg JW, Verhoeve HR, van Dop PA, Hompes PGA, Bossuyt PMM, van der Veen F, Habbema JDF, Eijkemans MJC, Mol BWJ. Does ovarian hyperstimulation in intrauterine insemination for cervical factor subfertility improve pregnancy rates? Hum Reprod 2004; 19:2263-6. [PMID: 15333600 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be performed with or without controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Studies in which the additional benefit of COH on IUI for cervical factor subfertility is assessed are lacking. We assessed whether COH in IUI improved pregnancy rates in cervical factor subfertility. METHODS We performed a historical cohort study among couples with cervical factor subfertility, treated with IUI. A cervical factor was diagnosed by a well-timed, non-progressive post-coital test with normal semen parameters. We compared ongoing pregnancy rate per cycle in groups treated with IUI with or without COH. We tabulated ongoing pregnancy rates per cycle number and compared the effectiveness of COH by stratified univariable analysis. RESULTS We included 181 couples who underwent 330 cycles without COH and 417 cycles with COH. Ongoing pregnancy rates in IUI cycles without and with COH were 9.7% and 12.7%, respectively (odds ratio 1.4; 95% confidence interval 0.85-2.2). The pregnancy rates in IUI without COH in cycles 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 14%, 11%, 6% and 15%, respectively. For IUI with COH, these rates were 17%, 15%, 14% and 16%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although our data indicate that COH improves the pregnancy rate over IUI without COH, IUI without COH generates acceptable pregnancy rates in couples with cervical factor subfertility. Since IUI without COH bears no increased risk for multiple pregnancy, this treatment should be seriously considered in couples with cervical factor subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieternel Steures
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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22
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Shokeir TA, Shalan HM, El-Shafei MM. Combined diagnostic approach of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in the evaluation of female infertility: results of 612 patients. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2004; 30:9-14. [PMID: 14718013 DOI: 10.1111/j.1341-8076.2004.00147.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To clarify the role of a combined diagnostic approach using laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in the evaluation of female infertility in developing countries. METHODS In a prospective study, 612 consecutive infertile women underwent complete fertility evaluation at a tertiary university infertility clinic: 300 complained of primary infertility, 221 of secondary infertility, and 91 were requesting reversal of a previous tubal ligation. All the patients were examined by simultaneous combined laparoscopy and hysteroscopy as a part of their routine infertility evaluation. Focused hysteroscopic evaluation of the region of utero-tubal junction was attempted. RESULTS Laparoscopy was successful in 608 and hysteroscopy in 597 patients. The most frequent pathologies detected hysteroscopically in the infertile group were adhesive in nature and believed to be post-traumatic and/or post-phlogistic. The number of intrauterine abnormalities found by hysteroscopy was significantly greater than by hysterosalpingography. The rate of diagnosis of significant lesions by laparoscopy of 64.3% rose to 76.6% when the hysteroscopic findings were included. A significant number of women with secondary infertility had abnormal hysteroscopic findings when compared to either women with primary infertility or those requesting sterilization reversal. Hysteroscopic evaluation of the region of utero-tubal junction revealed significant lesions believed to have caused infertility in comparison with those requesting sterilization reversal. CONCLUSION The combined diagnostic approach of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy is recommended in the evaluation of female infertility in communities where the risk of pelvic infections is great.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek A Shokeir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility Care Unit, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt.
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23
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Omo-Aghoja LO, Gharoro EP, Okonofua FE. Avulsion of the uterine cervix complicating hysterosalpingography in a hypo-oestrogenic woman. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2004; 24:835-7. [PMID: 15763813 DOI: 10.1080/01443610400009741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L O Omo-Aghoja
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, PMB 1111, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
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Tanahatoe S, Hompes PGA, Lambalk CB. Accuracy of diagnostic laparoscopy in the infertility work-up before intrauterine insemination. Fertil Steril 2003; 79:361-6. [PMID: 12568846 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(02)04686-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic laparoscopy after normal hysterosalpingography (HSG) and before intrauterine insemination (IUI) with respect to laparoscopic findings leading to a change of treatment decisions in couples with male subfertility, cervical hostility, or idiopathic infertility. DESIGN Retrospective chart review. SETTING University medical centre. PATIENT(S) Infertility patients who had undergone diagnostic laparoscopy after a normal HSG and before IUI in a period of 5 years. INTERVENTION(S) Diagnostic laparoscopy in infertility work-up before IUI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Prevalence of laparoscopic findings leading to change in treatment decision. RESULT(S) Of 495 patients, 21 (4%) had severe abnormalities that resulted in a change of treatment to in vitro fertilization or open surgery. In 103 patients (21%) abnormalities, endometriosis (stages I and II), and adhesions were directly treated by laparoscopic intervention, followed by IUI treatment. If surgery to remove early stage endometriosis does not improve pregnancy rates, then the laparoscopic yield would be 40 out of 495 (8.1%). CONCLUSION(S) Diagnostic laparoscopy altered treatment decisions in an unexpectedly high number of patients before IUI. This suggests that laparoscopy may be of considerable value, provided the change in treatment is effective. Further prospective studies are required to assess whether the diagnostic use of laparoscopy is cost effective and whether interventions as result of laparoscopic findings are effective in improving pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Tanahatoe
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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25
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Abstract
With an average monthly fecundity rate of only 20%, human beings are not fertile mammals. 10-15% of couples have difficulties conceiving, or conceiving the number of children they want, and seek specialist fertility care at least once during their reproductive lifetime. Dependent on the two main factors that determine subfertility, duration of childlessness and age of the woman, three questions need to be addressed before treatment is offered. Is it time to start the routine fertility investigation?--ie, has sufficient exposure to the chance of conception taken place? Are cost-effective, safe, and reliable treatments available for the disorder diagnosed? And, should the couple be referred straightaway for assisted reproduction?
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes L H Evers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Research Institute GROW, Academisch ziekenhuis Maastricht, and Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
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Rodríguez R, Hernández R, Fuster F, Prieto P, Alberto J. [Genital infection and infertility]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2001; 19:261-6. [PMID: 11440663 DOI: 10.1016/s0213-005x(01)72632-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genital infection is the most important cause of infertility worldwide, affecting not only Fallopian tubes but all anatomic urogenital sites, both male and female. METHODS We present a randomized,prospective and normalized study about sexually transmitted diseases(STD). We include 487 patients, 376 of whom were infertile and the remaining 111 were not and act as control group. RESULTS 47.3% of infertile patients showed at least one infection: 10.7% had Chlamydia trachomatis infection, whereas only 0.3% had gonococal infection. We found none syphilis. 12.9% of the patients showed yeast belonging to genus Candida, 5% bacterial vaginosis, 3.8% Escherichia coli and 0.3% Klebsiella pneumoniae. The percentage of isolation of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis were 23.5% and 4.8%, respectively. We detected antibodies against Hepatitis B (any serological marker) in 7.8% of the cases. Chlamydial infection and the presence of U. urealyticum were related with infertility (X 12=6,070, p<0.005 and X12=8,782, p<0.005,respectively). CONCLUSIONS We think these results conclude that is necessary to perform routine tests to screen for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and for infections caused by micoplasma as well, among infertile patients. These patients must be considered of being at risk of acquiring STD, since the percentage of these diseases is higher than the percentage we found among the control group. It is important to insist on prevention and early diagnosis and treatment as a main goal to decrease the number of tubal occlusion and infertile couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rodríguez
- Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de La Laguna. Hospital Universitario de Canarias. Tenerife. España.
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27
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Randolph
- University of Michigan, Women's Hospital, Ann Arbor 48109-0276, USA.
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28
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Abstract
Economic evaluation of health care interventions is becoming increasingly important as the demand for services increases. For unexplained infertility, in-vitro fertilization is not a cost-effective first-line treatment option compared with ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination. In clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome, in-vitro fertilization may be cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Daya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Trum JW, Pannekoek Y, Spanjaard L, Bleker OP, Van Der Veen F. Accurate detection of male subclinical genital tract infection via cervical culture and DNA hybridization assay of the female partner. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 2000; 23:43-5. [PMID: 10632761 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2605.2000.00201.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The accuracy of the PACE2 DNA hybridization assay of the cervix and cervical culture in female partners for the diagnosis of male subclinical genital tract infection were assessed in a male infertility population. A total of 184 men were screened for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. Seventy-one men were identified with a positive test for one or more of the above mentioned micro-organisms. The overall prevalence of bacterial infection was 39%. Female partners of all men were tested with the PACE2 DNA hybridization assay to detect a C. trachomatis infection. Sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 100%. In 67 female partners (94%) of men who tested positive for U. urealyticum and/or M. hominis, a cervical swab culture was performed. The sensitivity of the cervical swab culture was 100%. In view of the high prevalence of U. urealyticum and M. hominis in the male genital tract and the role these sexually transmitted pathogens may play in infertility, one might question whether all couples should be screened for the presence of these pathogens. Transurethral swab culture after digital prostatic massage is disincentive to men. The cervical culture in their female partner, performed as part of the routine fertility work-up, is a suitable alternative to detect the presence of these micro-organisms in the male genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Trum
- Center for reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Miller JH, Weinberg RK, Canino NL, Klein NA, Soules MR. The pattern of infertility diagnoses in women of advanced reproductive age. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999; 181:952-7. [PMID: 10521760 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(99)70331-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our intention was to determine whether there is a unique pattern of infertility diagnoses in older infertile couples. STUDY DESIGN The design of this study was a retrospective chart review study. It was performed in a tertiary referral reproductive medicine unit. There were 2 groups of patients-couples: group 1, female partner aged 20-29 (n = 105) at presentation; group 2, female partner aged 40-45 (n = 112) at presentation. All women underwent infertility evaluations between 1989 and 1994. There were no interventions. The prevalence of standard infertility diagnoses was the main outcome measure. RESULTS The prevalence of 8 major infertility diagnoses in the younger and older groups (each couple could have >/=1 diagnosis) was as follows: (1) ovulatory factor-younger group, 56%; older group, 30%; (2) tubal factor-younger group, 34%; older group, 29%; (3) endometriosis-younger group, 13%; older group, 17%; (4) uterine factor-younger group, 1%; older group, 5%; (5) cervical factor-younger group, 4%; older group, 1%; (6) luteal deficiency-younger group, 4%; older group, 10%; (7) male factor-younger group, 32%; older group, 45%; (8) unexplained-younger group, 5%; older group, 10%. The only significant difference was an increase in ovulatory factor in the younger group. CONCLUSIONS There is no unique pattern of infertility diagnoses in women of advanced reproductive age as seen at a tertiary referral center. We speculate that a high false-positive rate associated with standard infertility tests and a different referral pattern for older couples obscures any real differences in the etiology of infertility in older couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Miller
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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32
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Guzick DS, Sullivan MW, Adamson GD, Cedars MI, Falk RJ, Peterson EP, Steinkampf MP. Efficacy of treatment for unexplained infertility. Fertil Steril 1998; 70:207-13. [PMID: 9696208 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00177-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of alternative treatments for unexplained infertility. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of 45 published reports. SETTING Clinical practices. PATIENT(S) Couples who met criteria for unexplained infertility. Women with Stage I or Stage II endometriosis were included. INTERVENTION(S) Observation; clomiphene citrate (CC); gonadotropins (hMG); IUI; and GIFT and IVF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Clinical pregnancy rate. RESULT(S) Combined pregnancy rates per initiated cycle, adjusted for study quality, were as follows: no treatment = 1.3%-4.1%; IUI = 3.8%; CC = 5.6%; CC + IUI = 8.3%; hMG = 7.7%; hMG + IUI = 17.1%; IVF = 20.7%; GIFT = 27.0%. The estimated cost per pregnancy was $10,000 for CC + IUI, $17,000 for hMG + IUI, and $50,000 for IVF. CONCLUSION(S) Clomiphene citrate + IUI is a cost-effective treatment for unexplained infertility. If this treatment fails, hMG + IUI and assisted reproduction are efficacious therapeutic options.
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