Impact of Serum Vitamin D, B6, and B12 and Cognitive Functions on Quality of Life in Peri- and Postmenopausal Polish Women.

BACKGROUND Menopause initiates or accelerates health problems in a woman’s life, and affects cognitive processes and quality of life. We aimed to assess the quality of life, cognitive functions, and serum vitamin D, B6, and B12 concentrations in perimenopausal and postmenopausal Polish women. Also, we correlated the assessment of the quality of life with these vitamin concentrations and cognitive functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 287 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Serum levels of vitamin D, B6, and B12, cognitive functions using CNS Vital Signs software, and quality of life using WHO Quality of Life Brief were tested. RESULTS Almost all of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal women had normal concentrations of serum vitamin B12 (96%), 80% of them had normal B6 concentration, while only 9% had optimal serum vitamin D concentration. Postmenopausal women had lower Neurocognitive Index, psychomotor speed, motor speed, reaction time, and lower assessment of overall quality of life, physical health, and social relationships compared to perimenopausal women. In comparison to postmenopausal women, perimenopausal women had a lower serum vitamin B6 concentration, and the lower the concentration of this vitamin in serum they had, the lower they assessed their environment. Perimenopausal women assessed their social relationships the better, the better the visual memory, and the lower the processing speed they had. Postmenopausal women assessed the environment the better, the higher their Neurocognition Index was, and the better the reaction time they had. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of quality of life was associated with some cognitive functions in both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Environmental Factors as the Main Hormonal Disruptors of Male Fertility.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Many scientific reports confirm a systematic decline in male semen parameters over the last decades. This phenomenon has been observed in all parts of the world, and its occurrence is associated, among others, with the hazardous effects of some environmental factors. The environmental factors for which the adverse effect on male fertility has been proven include water, air, and soil pollution, as well as electromagnetic fields and ionizing radiation. The aim of this article was the evaluation of the effect of selected environmental factors on male reproductive capacity based on an analysis of the current scientific reports. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out using three databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. The search was limited to the period from 2015 until the end of December 2023. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Environmental factors, such as heavy metals, tobacco smoke, pesticides, dioxins, furans, phthalates, and bisphenols, are well-tested substances that exert an adverse effect on male fertility. A harmful effect of electromagnetic fields and water and air pollution on reproductive functions may be expected; however, this has not been fully proven. SUMMARY: Results obtained by many researchers published to date should evoke great concern regarding the quality of the environment in which we live, as well as fears about the effect of environmental factors not only on male fertility, but also on all aspects of human health. The majority of environmental pollutants affect the male body by causing oxidative stress and through their effect on the endocrine system.

Circadian rhythm and sleep disruptions in relation to prenatal stress and depression symptoms.

Circadian rhythm and sleep are related to health, but there is little data on the relationship between the sleep/wake rhythm and mood at different stages of pregnancy. The aim of this prospective, longitudinal study was to investigate the associations of circadian rhythm and sleep disruptions with stress and depression among women in early and late pregnancy. The participants were 26 pregnant women. Objective and subjective estimations of circadian rhythm and sleep were administered, namely actigraphy and the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry in the form of a questionnaire. The Perceived Stress Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were also used. Subjectively perceived circadian rhythm disruptions were positively related to stress. Tendency to maintain a regular rhythm of sleep and activity in early pregnancy and subjectively perceived disruptions of circadian rhythms in late pregnancy were positively associated with prenatal depression in late pregnancy. Sleep fragmentation and long time spent in bed at night in early pregnancy were positively associated with stress and depression in late pregnancy. The results suggest the importance of flexibility and the ability to adapt one's circadian activities to the demands of the situation of pregnancy-related changes in lifestyle. They also indicate the significance of good-quality uninterrupted night sleep in early pregnancy.

D-chiro-inositol in clinical practice: A perspective from The Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI).

BACKGROUND: D-chiro-inositol is a natural molecule that, in association with its well-studied isomer myo-inositol, may play a role in treating various metabolic and gynecological disorders. OBJECTIVES: This perspective seeks to explore the mechanisms and functions of D-chiro-inositol, laying the foundations to discuss its use in clinical practice, across dysmetabolism, obesity, and hormonal dysregulation. METHODS: A narrative review of all the relevant papers known to the authors was conducted. OUTCOME: D-chiro-inositol acts through a variety of mechanisms, acting as an insulin sensitizer, inhibiting the transcription of aromatase, in addition to modulating white adipose tissue/brown adipose tissue trans differentiation. These different modes of action have potential applications in a variety of therapeutic fields including: PCOS, dysmetabolism, obesity, hypoestrogenic/hyperandrogenic disorders, and bone health. CONCLUSIONS: D-chiro-inositol mode of action has been studied in detail in recent years, resulting in a clear differentiation between D-chiro-inositol and its isomer myo-inositol. The insulin sensitizing activities of D-chiro-inositol are well understood; however, its potential applications in other fields, in particular obesity and hyperestrogenic/hypoandrogenic disorders in men and women, represent promising avenues of research that require further clinical study.

Supporting the treatment of infertility using psychological methods.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to review the current state of knowledge regarding the treatment of emotional consequences of infertility using psychosocial interventions and their effectiveness. REVIEW METHODS: The review was based on data obtained from scientific articles published in the Pub Med, Science Direct, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMbase, and The Cochrane Library between 1997-2022. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Assistance offered to persons afflicted by the problem of infertility may take various forms, depending not only on the needs of those interested and the stage of treatment, but also on the capabilities of the staff (type and level of education). Commonly available, well-developed and researched methods of therapy are most frequently applied, often expanded by such elements as education concerning fertility and life style, and information about diagnosis and treatment. Modified methods of psychological intervention specially adjusted to persons struggling with infertility are also used. The indicators of the effectiveness of these methods are: reduction of stress, better coping with difficulties, decrease in the rates of psychological disorders, as well as an improvement of sperm parameters in men, and an increase in pregnancy and live birth rates. SUMMARY: The most frequently recommended methods of psychosocial intervention are these based on cognitive behavioural therapy and variants of stress reduction techniques. It is recommended that patients with infertility are provided with psychological care throughout the treatment period, and that the medical staff is equipped with standardized methods of assessing their mental state.

The Assessment of the Efficacy of Imperatorin in Reducing Overactive Bladder Symptoms.

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a prevalent condition that affects the elderly population in particular and significantly impairs quality of life. Imperatorin, a naturally occurring furocoumarin, possesses diverse pharmacological properties that warrant consideration for drug development. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of imperatorin (IMP) to attenuate the cystometric and biochemical changes typically associated with retinyl acetate-induced overactive bladder (OAB) and to assess its viability as a pharmacological intervention for OAB patients. A total of 60 rats were divided into four groups: I-control, II-rats with rapamycin (RA)-induced OAB, III-rats administered IMP at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day, and IV-rats with RA-induced OAB treated with IMP. IMP or vehicle were injected intraperitoneally for 14 days. The cystometry and assessment of bladder blood flow were performed two days after the last dose of IMP. The rats were then placed in metabolic cages for 24 h. Urothelial thickness measurements and biochemical analyses were performed. Intravesical infusion of RA induced OAB. Notably, intraperitoneal administration of imperatorin had no discernible effect on urinary bladder function and micturition cycles in normal rats. IMP attenuated the severity of RA-induced OAB. RA induced increases in urothelial ATP, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), as well as significant c-Fos expression in all micturition areas analyzed, which were attenuated by IMP. Furthermore, elevated levels of Rho kinase (ROCK1) and VAChT were observed in the detrusor, which were reversed by IMP in the context of RA-induced OAB in the urothelium, detrusor muscle, and urine. Imperatorin has a mitigating effect on detrusor overactivity. The mechanisms of action of IMP in the bladder appear to be diverse and complex. These findings suggest that IMP may provide protection against RA-induced OAB and could potentially develop into an innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of OAB.

Depression in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder with a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms. Some of the serious complications of PCOS are mental disorders including depression. Therefore, the aim of the meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence, mean level, standardized mean difference and probability of depression based on the research conducted with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A systematic literature search was performed using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google for research published until January 2023. The meta-analysis was conducted on a group of 4002 patients obtained from 19 studies, which met the inclusion criteria (adult pre-menopausal women diagnosed with PCOS, papers on the prevalence of depression or the HADS scoring). According to the research performed, the mean prevalence of depression was 31% (I2 = 93%; p < 0.001), whereas the mean HADS depression score in patients with PCOS was 6.31 (I2 = 93%; p < 0.001). The standardized difference of mean depression scores was SMD = 0.421 (95% confidence interval = 0.17-0.68, I2 = 67%). The overall probability of depression in PCOS patients was more than 2.5-fold higher than in healthy women ((RR: 2.58), confidence interval [1.38-4.85]; I2 = 90%, p < 0.001). The research results imply an increased risk of depressive symptoms in women with PCOS.

The relationship of couples' time perspective to pregnant women's depression symptoms and stress: Preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship of a couple's time perspective to a woman's depression symptoms and stress. METHOD: The participants were 48 pregnant women and 46 male partners of these women. The measurements have been taken during the first and third trimester. Women were examined by gynecologists during gynecological visits. During these visits measurements of gynecological pregnancy evaluation were administered. Then women completed online questionnaires: the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory Past Negative scale, the Dark Future Scale, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale at home. Men completed online questionnaires: the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory Past Negative scale, and the Dark Future Scale at home. RESULTS: The results showed that women's past negative perspective in the first trimester was related to depression symptoms and stress in the first trimester. In the third trimester, women's future negative perspective was related to depression symptoms. Men's future negative perspective in the first trimester was related to women's stress in the first trimester. Moreover, the results suggest that the level of the woman's future negative perspective significantly increases during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes towards time of both the pregnant woman and her partner are related to the emotional state of the woman during pregnancy.

Effects of Prenatal Paracetamol Exposure on the Development of Asthma and Wheezing in Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of the report was to evaluate whether in utero exposure to paracetamol is associated with risk towards developing respiratory disorders such as asthma and wheeze after birth. MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published in English to December 2021. The study involved 330,550 women. We then calculated the summary risk estimates and 95% CIs and plotted forest plots using random effect models (DerSimonian-Laird method) and fixed effect models. We also performed a systematic review of the chosen articles and a meta-analysis of studies based on the guidelines outlined in the PRISMA statement. Accordingly, maternal exposure to paracetamol during pregnancy was associated with a significant increased risk of asthma: crude OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.48, p < 0.001; and significant increased risk of wheeze: crude OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.54, p < 0.002. Results of our study confirmed that maternal paracetamol use in pregnancy is associated with an enhanced risk of asthma and wheezing in their children. We believe paracetamol should be used with caution by pregnant women, and at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration. Long-term use or the use of high doses should be limited to the indications recommended by a physician and with the mother-to-be under constant supervision.

The Cannabinoid Ligand Arachidonyl-2'-Chloroethylamide (ACEA) Ameliorates Depressive and Overactive Bladder Symptoms in a Corticosterone-Induced Female Wistar Rat Model.

There is growing need to increase the knowledge on the cannabinoid ligands in the treatment of overactive bladder. Among potential candidates, arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist is proposed. The aim of this paper was to determine if ACEA, a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist, could reverse the effects of corticosterone (CORT), characteristic of depressive and bladder overactivity potential. The animals (48 female rats) were divided into four groups: I-control, II-received CORT, III-received ACEA, and IV-received the combination of CORT and ACEA. The conscious cystometry, forced swim test (FST), and locomotor activity measurements were performed 3 days after the last dose of ACEA, followed by ELISA measurements. In group IV, ACEA restored urodynamic parameters that were altered by CORT. CORT prolonged the immobility time in FST and the values were lowered by ACEA. ACEA normalized the expression of c-Fos in all the analyzed central micturition centers (group IV vs. group II). ACEA restored the CORT-induced changes in the biomarkers in urine (BDNF, NGF), bladder detrusor (VAChT, Rho kinase), bladder urothelium (CGRP, ATP, CRF, OCT-3, TRPV1), and hippocampus (TNF-α, IL-1ß and Il-6, CRF, IL-10, BDNF, NGF). In conclusion, ACEA was proven to reverse CORT-induced changes in both cystometric and biochemical parameters that are determinants of OAB/depression, which represents an example of an existing link between OAB and depression via cannabinoid receptors.

A Review of Aesthetic Gynecologic Procedures for Women.

Aesthetic gynecologic surgery is gaining popularity among women and physicians. Aesthetic genital surgery for women encompasses both minimally invasive and open surgical procedures. Cosmetic genital procedures for women described in this article include perineoplasty, vaginoplasty, vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty, G-spot enlargement, Bartholin gland surgery, clitoral hoodoplasty, clitroplasty, hymenoplasty, and mons pubis plastic surgery. Based on a review of the literature for each procedure, the article discusses procedural methods and techniques, indications for implementation, potential consequences and side effects of the procedure, nursing implications, patients' motives for undergoing the procedure, and positions of scientific institutions relative to the procedure.

Barriers to accessing health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland: A nationwide cross-sectional survey among 109,928 adults in Poland.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significant socio-economic implications for numerous industries, including healthcare. Disruptions of essential health services were reported by nearly all countries around the world. A detailed assessment of the healthcare uptake is necessary to estimate the potential health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the population. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of barriers to accessing health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland as well as to identify factors associated with the disturbed access to healthcare during the pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out among Internet users in Poland using the computer-assisted web interview technique. Data were collected between October and December 2021. The questionnaire included 32 questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the COVID-19 pandemic, health status, daily habits as well as the use of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Data were obtained from 102928 adults, the mean age was 48.0 ± 14.2 years, and 57.2% were females. Most of the respondents had visited a doctor during the past 12 months (70.4%). Almost half of adults in Poland (49.7%) reported barriers to access health services in the past 12 months. Out of 51,105 respondents who had experienced barriers to accessing health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, only 54.3% had visited a doctor in the past 12 months. Long waiting time (39.5%) and temporary closure of healthcare facilities/transformation into a COVID-19 dedicated center (28.8%) were the most common barriers indicated by the respondents. In multivariable logistic regression, female gender, age 18-49 years, lack of higher education, living in cities between 51,000 and 200,000 residents or above 500,000 residents, and having at least one chronic disease were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with higher odds of experiencing barriers to accessing health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened access to health services in Poland. During the pandemic, new barriers to accessing health services, such as the temporary closure of healthcare facilities for non-COVID patients were revealed. Findings from this study provided patients' perspectives on barriers to accessing health services in Poland that may be used by policymakers to reduce health inequalities.

Oestrogen receptor α gene polymorphisms, insomnia, and cognitive functions in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in non-manual employment.

Introduction: A potential way to explain the relationships between sleep disorders and cognitive disorders during menopausal transition is the identification of genetic markers related to changes in cognitive functions, as well as changes in quality of sleep during menopause. The objective was an analysis of the relationship between sleep disorders and cognitive disorders, according to the possessed oestrogen receptor α gene polymorphism (ESR1) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Material and methods: The study included 300 women aged 44-66 years, employed as non-manual workers. A computerised battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. ESR1 polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-RFLP methods. The Athens Insomnia Scale was used to diagnose sleep disorders. Results: More severe insomnia was related to worse complex memory, visual memory, and simple attention in the total group of examined women. More severe insomnia was related to worse simple attention in women with genotypes AG Xba I or TC Pvu II ESR1, in perimenopausal women with genotypes AG Xba I or TC Pvu II ESR1. During the postmenopausal period, the severity of insomnia negatively correlated with visual memory in carriers of Pvu II TT, and with reaction time in carriers of Xba I AA. Conclusions: The results indicate an important role of oestrogen receptor α gene polymorphism in the modulation of the effect of insomnia on cognitive functions in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Metabolic Syndrome, BMI, and Polymorphism of Estrogen Receptor-α in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Polish Women.

The study aimed to investigate the association between the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) polymorphism and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity, as well as the coexistence of MetS and obesity, in peri- and post-menopausal Polish women. The study group consisted of 202 peri-menopausal and 202 post-menopausal women. ERα polymorphism: Xba I and Pvu II, MetS, BMI, and serum estrogen concentration were analyzed. MetS was found in 29% of the peri-menopausal women and in 21% of the post-menopausal women. BMI did not significantly differ between the peri- and post-menopausal women (≈42% were normal weight, ≈40% were overweight, and ≈18% were obese), (p = 0.82). Serum estrogen concentration in the peri-menopausal women was 91 ± 75 pg/mL, while that in the post-menopausal women was 17 ± 9. pg/mL, on average. Peri-menopausal women with AA and TT genotypes of the ERα polymorphism have a lower risk of obesity and MetS and the co-existence of obesity and MetS, whereas those women with the G or C allele have a higher risk of those health problems.

Anxiety and Depression in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: Mental health disorders are often the consequence of hormonal disorders such as those accompanying polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where changes in appearance and having to deal with a number of other problems occur due to this illness. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression symptoms, the level of ego-resiliency, and the ways that women with PCOS cope with stress compared to healthy women in order to determine the influence of socio-demographic characteristics in relation to levels of anxiety and depression with ego-resiliency and stress-coping methods. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Poland in 2021 and included 230 women with PCOS and 199 healthy controls aged 20-40 years old. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADs), ego-resiliency scale, as well as the MINI-COPE inventory were used. Results: The women with PCOS had higher levels of anxiety and depression and poorer ego-resiliency in comparison to the healthy women. The women with PCOS used passive stress-coping strategies significantly more commonly than the healthy women. Living in rural areas, having a lower level of education and being childless increased anxiety levels. Similarly, being over 30, living in a rural area, having a lower level of education, being childless, and being obese increased depression levels in the women with PCOS. A low level of ego-resiliency and passive stress-coping strategies are predictors of high levels of anxiety and depression in women with PCOS. Conclusions: Women with PCOS should be checked for anxiety and depression. They should also be checked to see whether they have the resources to cope with chronic stress in order to optimize therapeutic interventions.

Potentilla chinensis aqueous extract attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rat model.

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) damages all mucosal defence lines and induces hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) leading to detrusor overactivity. Patients who undergo combined chemio-radiotherapy are at higher risk of HC. Potentilla chinensis extract (PCE) prevent oxidative stress-dependent diseases. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of PCE on urinary bladder function in CYP-induced HC in preclinical study. 60 rats were divided into 4 groups, as follows: I-control, II-rats with CYP-induced HC, III-rats received PCE in dose of 500 mg/kg, and IV-rats with CYP-induced HC which received PCE in dose of 500 mg/kg. PCE or vehicle were administered orally for 14 days. The cystometry was performed 3 days after the last dose of the PCE. Next, urothelium thickness and oedema measurement and biochemical analyses were performed. Cyclophosphamide induced hemorrhagic cystitis. PCE had no influence on the urinary bladder function and micturition cycles in normal rats. PCE diminished the severity of CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. In the urothelium the cyclophosphamide induced the elevation of CGRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, OTC3, NIT, and MAL. Also, the level of T-H protein, HB-EGF, and ZO1 was decreased. Moreover, the level of ROCK1 and VAChT in detrusor muscle increased. cyclophosphamide caused an increased concentration of BDNF and NGF in the urine. In turn, PCE in cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis caused a reversal of the described biochemical changes within urothelium, detrusor muscle and urine. PCE attenuates detrusor overactivity. In conclusion, our results revealed that PCE attenuates detrusor overactivity in case of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. The potential properties of PCE appear to be important in terms of preventing of oxidative stress-dependent dysfunction of urinary bladder. PCE may become a potential supportive treatment in patient to whom cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy is used.

Role of Leptin and Adiponectin in Endometrial Cancer.

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract. Obesity is a strong risk factor for endometrial cancer. Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ that synthesizes biologically active cytokine peptides, called adipokines. Adiponectin and leptin are the main cytokines of adipose tissue, which may influence the development of metabolic diseases and carcinogenesis. In this scenario, we describe the role of leptin and adiponectin in the development of endometrial cancer. A better understanding of the signalling pathway of these cytokines in endometrial cancerogenesis will provide an opportunity for effective target therapy and may be usable in fertility-sparing treatment. In the future, clinical trials focusing on adipokines, molecular biology, and genetics of the tumour will be needed.

Reproductive problems and intensity of anxiety and depression in women treated for infertility. / Problemy prokreacyjne a nasilenie leku i depresji u kobiet leczonych z powodu nieplodnosci.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the severity of anxiety and depression in women treated for infertility as compared to the severity of these clinical parameters in women without reproductive problems, and to assess the impact of emotional disorders on the ovulation cycle. METHODS: Ovulation was assessed by hormonal and ultrasound examinations. The emotional state was examined by the STAI Anxiety State and Trait Inventory and the HADS anxiety and depression scale. RESULTS: The severity of anxiety as a trait and as a state according to STAI was significantly higher in women treated for infertility than in women with confirmed fertility, as well as higher in women treated for infertility who did not get pregnant than in those who got pregnant.The severity of anxiety and depression were significantly higher in women treated for infertility than in women with confirmed fertility. Women treated for infertility who did not become pregnant had higher severity of depressive symptoms compared to women who were pregnant. In the serum of women treated for infertility, cortisol levels, both during and after ovulation, positively correlated with the severity of anxiety and depression. The same correlations were found in the group of women with confirmed fertility. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Anxiety and depression are associated with human reproductive problems. The nature and direction of the association is to beexplored. (2) Emotionaldisorders adversely affect the secretion of sex cycle hormones and endometrial growth. (3) Couples with reproductive problems require psychological support to improve the effects of infertility treatment.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Men Treated for Infertility in Poland.

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of men treated for infertility in Poland. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF), Fertility Quality of Life tool (FertiQoL) and an author-constructed questionnaire. The study included 1200 men treated for infertility without the use of assisted reproductive technology (non-ART), intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The control group consisted of 100 healthy men with confirmed fertility. The quality of life assessed by the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire was significantly lower in study groups in the Environmental domain, compared to the control group (p = 0.009). Statistically significant differences were found in the case of FertiQoL subscales: Emotional, Mind-Body, Relational, and Treatment Environment, depending on applied treatment. Men whose partners were treated without the use of ART assessed their QoL significantly more negatively than those treated with IUI. Reproductive problems and type of their treatment influenced the quality of life of the affected men. Non-ART treatment, rural place of residence, and increased BMI were associated with lower QoL.

IMSI-Guidelines for Sperm Quality Assessment.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a widely used and accepted treatment of choice for oocyte fertilization. However, the quality of sperm selection depends on the accurate visualization of the morphology, which can be achieved with a high image resolution. We aim to correct the conviction, shown in a myriad of publications, that an ultra-high magnification in the range of 6000×-10,000× can be achieved with an optical microscope. The goal of observing sperm under the microscope is not to simply get a larger image, but rather to obtain more detail-therefore, we indicate that the optical system's resolution is what should be primarily considered. We provide specific microscope system setup recommendations sufficient for most clinical cases that are based on our experience showing that the optical resolution of 0.5 µm allows appropriate visualization of sperm defects. Last but not least, we suggest that mixed research results regarding the clinical value of IMSI, comparing to ICSI, can stem from a lack of standardization of microscopy techniques used for both ICSI and IMSI.