The effect of normalizing vaginal microbiome using Lactovag in improving pregnancy outcomes in frozen embryo transfer cycles: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Successful frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FTET) depends on multiple factors among which the woman's vaginal microbiota has recently been considered important. Using probiotic products, such as Lactovag in infertile women, the vaginal microbiome can become close to the healthy status. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lactovag on normalizing vaginal microbiome, as well as its role in improving pregnancy outcomes in FTET cycles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized blinded clinical trial was conducted on 103 patients undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment at a tertiary university-based hospital between January and August of 2019. In the experiment group, the vaginal suppository Lactavag was prescribed, whereas in the control group, patients did not receive any microbiome supplements. Then, the pregnancy rate was compared in the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two study groups (p > 0.05). Positive B hCG was present in 28% (n = 26) of women, clinical pregnancy was achieved in 23.4% (n = 22) of them and fetal heart rate was detected in 21.3% (n = 20). These proportions were higher in the Lactovag group, although these differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Results showed that although transferring fetuses with grade A increased the odds of pregnancy with 1.53 (p = 0.001) folds, this ratio would be improved using Lactovag;1.68 (P value = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the vaginal microbiota critically interplays with women's health and reproduction. A probiotic agent such as Lactovag can be useful in normalizing this environment and improving pregnancy outcomes in infertile women.

The effects of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum loads on semen quality: Detection and quantitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: The loads of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) may impact infertility, as well as cause risk of transmission. The quality and quantity of semen demonstrate male reproductive health. This study aimed to investigate the semen quality affected by CT, MH, and UU loads. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 130 semen samples, including infertile and fertile cases, were collected and analyzed. The whole genomic DNA was extracted, and the desired genes' plasmids were constructed. The CT, MH, and UU loads were quantified by real-time PCR. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 35.2 ± 6.8 years. CT, MH, and UU frequency were 9.2% vs. 3.1%, 15.4% vs. 3.1%, and 15.4 vs. 3.1% in infertile and fertile men, respectively. The mean loads of CT, MH, and UU in infertile men were 6.44 log10 copies/ml (range 5.31-7), 4.24 log10 copies/ml (range 3.37-4.7), and 6.94 log10 copies/ml (range 5.08-8.69) respectively, which was significantly higher than fertile men. The findings revealed a significant correlation between CT and UU loads and semen parameters, whereas the load of MH displayed significant effects just on sperm motility, morphology, and the number of leukocytes. CONCLUSION: The absence of clinical manifestations may not indicate the quality of semen. The pathogens' loads may significantly influence the quality and properties of male reproductive health.

Lived experience of infertile men with male infertility cause.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 15 percent of all the couples are involuntarily childless in reproductive ages. The ability to reproduce and give birth to a child is an important part of the human beings life; thus, infertility can cause anxiety for the infertile people. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate men's experiences from male infertility. METHODS: This was a descriptive phenomenological study. The data were collected using in-depth interview of ten infertile men. The interviews were taped and then transcribed on the paper for analyzing through seven-step Colaizzi method. Considering that in qualitative studies, study population is not considered, therefore there was no limitation in location for collecting the data and the participants selected from the infertile men of the society. RESULTS: FOUR MAIN CONCEPTS WERE OBTAINED IN ASSOCIATION WITH INFERTILITY PHENOMENON: individual stress, challenges in communication, problems associated with treatment process and the effects of beliefs and religious attitude. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, it seems that all the different life aspects of infertile were affected by infertility. Thus, designing and conducting conductive and supportive programs plays an important role for providing better care for infertile men.