Application of Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI) on a Teratozoospermic Patient and Its Effect on the In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Outcome.

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual activity, affects millions globally. Approximately 80% of cases have identifiable causes, including endometriosis, tubal obstruction, ovulatory dysfunction, and male sperm abnormalities. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity, also impact fertility. Sperm morphology, a key factor in male infertility, often presents as teratozoospermia, with defects in the head, midpiece, or tail. Poor ovarian reserve, indicated by low anti-mullerine hormone (AMH) and antra-follicular count (AFC) values, contributes to female infertility, often exacerbated by age-related factors. Elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels further diminish oocyte quantity and quality. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a micromanipulation technique aiding infertile couples, may face challenges in detecting subtle sperm morphology defects. Advanced methods like Motile Sperm Organelle Morphological Examination (MSOME) and Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI) under high magnification enhance sperm selection accuracy. We present the case of a 36-year-old woman and her 42-year-old husband who sought assistance after seven years of infertility. Previous Intrauterine injection (IUI) and ICSI attempts failed due to the wife's low ovarian reserve and elevated FSH, compounded by the husband's teratozoospermia. Their earlier In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) experience yielded a single poor-quality oocyte, hindering blastocyst formation. Investigations revealed the wife's poor AFC, AMH of 0.033ng/ml, and FSH at 24IU/L. Her medical history included hypertension and gallbladder removal. The husband exhibited 98% defective sperm, devoid of a substance abuse history. The wife's family had a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) history, and her low AMH and AFC yielded only three poor-quality oocytes during the current assessment. Oocytes were retrieved, and sperm were selected with the help of IMSI. After ICSI, the patient successfully conceived.

[Uterine transplantation: a treatment for absolute uterine infertility]. / Transplantation utérine : un traitement pour l'infertilité absolue d'origine utérine.

UTERINE TRANSPLANTATION: A TREATMENT FOR ABSOLUTE UTERINE INFERTILITY. Uterine transplantation (UT) is the first proposed treatment for absolute uterine infertility. It is also the first organ transplant of a transitory nature performed for a non-vital indication: the ability to carry a child and give birth. Today, with about one hundred transplants performed worldwide, uterine transplantation is at the crossroads between the experimental phase and current practice. The first uterine transplant was performed in France in 2019 at the Foch Hospital (Suresnes). It allowed the birth of two healthy little girls in 2021 and 2023. The second transplant was performed in September 2022. A state of the art allows to review the steps necessary for a successful transplantation from donor and recipient selection to surgery, immunosuppressive treatment and pregnancies. Potential future developments could make it possible to simplify this complex surgery, which is not without raising ethical questions.

TRANSPLANTATION UTÉRINE : UN TRAITEMENT POUR L'INFERTILITÉ ABSOLUE D'ORIGINE UTÉRINE. La transplantation utérine est le premier traitement proposé pour traiter l'infertilité absolue d'origine utérine. C'est également la première transplantation d'organe de nature transitoire réalisée pour une indication non vitale : la possibilité de porter un enfant et de lui donner naissance. Aujourd'hui, avec une centaine de greffes réalisées dans le monde, la transplantation utérine se situe à un carrefour entre la phase expérimentale et la pratique clinique. La première transplantation utérine a été réalisée en France en 2019 à l'hôpital Foch (Suresnes). Elle a permis la naissance de deux petites filles en bonne santé en 2021 et 2023. La deuxième greffe a été réalisée en septembre 2022. Un état de l'art permet de faire le point sur les étapes nécessaires au succès de la greffe, de la sélection des donneuses et des receveuses à la chirurgie en passant par le traitement immunosuppresseur et les grossesses. Des évolutions potentielles pourraient permettre à l'avenir de simplifier cette chirurgie complexe, qui n'est pas sans soulever des questions éthiques.

Variables socio-epidemiológicas de la infertilidad femenina en la provincia Camagüey

Fundamento: la infertilidad femenina es un término utilizado para referirse a una mujer que no ha podido quedar embarazada después de haberlo intentado por lo menos en un año al mantener relaciones sexuales desprotegidas. Objetivo: caracterizar algunas variables socio-epidemiológicas de la infertilidad femenina en la provincia Camagüey. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo en el Hospital Docente Ginecobstétrico Provincial Ana Betancourt Mora de Camagüey durante el año 2021. El universo estuvo constituido por 304 pacientes con diagnóstico de infertilidad. Las variables estudiadas incluyeron: grupo etáreo, tipo de infertilidad, municipio de origen, tasa de incidencia, nivel educacional, hábitos tóxicos, factores de riesgo y antecedentes personales. Los datos se expresaron en números y porcientos. Resultados: el 30,9 % correspondió al grupo etáreo de 30 a 34 años, procedentes en su mayoría del municipio Camagüey (43,5 %), mientras Céspedes alcanzó la mayor tasa de incidencia (13,8 %) por cada 1000 mujeres con rango de edad que pudieran ser admitidas en el programa. Un porciento elevado tenía estudios universitarios (45,4 %) y preuniversitarios (24,3 %), predominó el consumo de café (24,0 %) y tabaco (14,5 %) como hábitos tóxicos; así como enfermedades de trasmisión sexual (24,7 %) y el uso de anticonceptivo (21,1 %). La obesidad (13,5 %) resultó ser el principal antecedente personal. Conclusiones: la infertilidad femenina está determinada por varios factores, incluidos los epidemiológicos, como los hábitos tóxicos, el estado nutricional, los antecedentes personales, entre otros, en su mayoría modificables, que pueden ser tratados desde la Atención Primaria de Salud.

Background: female infertility is a term used to refer to a woman who has not been able to get pregnant after trying for at least a year by having unprotected sexual intercourse. Objective: to characterize some socio-epidemiological variables of female infertility in Camagüey province. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out at the Ana Betancourt Mora Camagüey Provincial Gynecobstetric Teaching Hospital during the year 2021. The universe consisted of 304 patients diagnosed with infertility. The variables studied included: age group, type of infertility, municipality of origin, incidence rate, educational level, toxic habits, risk factors, and personal history. Data were expressed in numbers and percentages. Results: 30.9 % corresponded to the age group of 30 to 34 years, coming mostly from the Camagüey municipality (43.5 %), while Cespedes reached the highest incidence rate (13.8 %) per 1000 women with age range that could be admitted to the program. A high percentage had university studies (45.4 %) and pre-university studies (24.3 %), the consumption of coffee (24.0 %) and tobacco (14.5 %) predominated as toxic habits; as well as sexually transmitted diseases (24.7 %) and the use of contraception (21.1 %). Obesity (13.5 %) turned out to be the main personal history. Conclusions: female infertility is determined by several factors, including epidemiological ones, such as toxic habits, nutritional status, personal history, among others, mostly modifiable, which can be treated from Primary Health

Are There Predictors of Early Diagnosis of Endometriosis Based on Clinical Profile? A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: Significant delays occur in referring cases for care of endometriosis, despite women suffering for years. This study was conducted to assess whether there is a specific symptom profile characteristic of endometriosis to alert physicians for earlier referrals. Methods: In this retrospective observational cohort study, patient data of the women who attended Sultan Qaboos University Hospital from January 2011 to December 2019 with a diagnosis of endometriosis was collected from the hospital's electronic data archive and analyzed. Results: Cases of N = 262 endometriosis patients were studied. The diagnosis was surgical in 198 (75.6%) of patients and the remaining 64 (24.4%) were diagnosed by clinical assessment and imaging. The mean age at diagnosis was 30.7±6.8 years (range = 15-51). The presence of ovarian endometrioma on ultrasound served as an alert for earlier referral. The mean age at diagnosis for those who had an endometrioma was 30.3±6.7 years and 32.4±7.1 years for those without an endometrioma without a significant difference. The mean age at diagnosis for those who did not have pain was 31.2 years and those with pain was 30.0 years (p =0.894; CI: -2.58-2.91). Among the 163 married women in the sample, 88 (54.0%) had primary infertility, and 31 (19.0%) had secondary infertility. There was no significant difference between the groups in the mean age at diagnosis (analysis of variance test; p =0.056). Over the nine-year period, diagnosis was made at progressively younger ages (p =0.047). Conclusions: Based on this study, no specific symptom profile appears to predict an early diagnosis of endometriosis. However, over the years the diagnosis of endometriosis is made earlier likely due to increasing awareness of women and their physicians about the disease.

Controlled ovarian stimulation for endometriosis patients with ultra-long GnRH-agonist or GnRH-antagonist protocols: A retrospective study by propensity score matching.

OBJECTIVES: Although in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer is the most effective treatment for infertile patients with endometriosis, ovarian stimulation protocols are controversial. STUDY DESIGN: We recruited 639 patients with endometriosis from January 2016 to June 2020; 111 and 528 patients were treated with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and ultra-long GnRH agonist protocols, respectively. Potential baseline differences between the regimens were adjusted by propensity score matching. Clinical and laboratory data, including the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), were compared. RESULTS: Ovulation induction required significantly longer use of gonadotropins in the GnRH agonist group. However, the GnRH agonist group had a lower starting dose of gonadotropin (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, significantly lower clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live birth rates were observed in the GnRH antagonist group receiving fresh assisted reproductive technology cycles (all p < 0.05); however, pregnancy outcomes using the subsequent freeze-thaw cycles for the same oocyte retrieval were not significantly different. CCPR and CLBR for the oocyte retrieval cycles of the antagonist and ultra-long agonist protocols were similar. The ultra-long agonist protocol resulted in more favorable implantation of fresh embryos and improved clinical outcomes of the fresh cycle. CONCLUSIONS: This novel strategy could be appropriate for endometriosis patients who are temporarily unsuitable for fresh embryo transfer. The GnRH antagonist protocol can be combined with the whole embryo freezing strategy to achieve CCPR and CLBR similar to the ultra-long agonist regimen, thus simultaneously avoiding the long pre-treatment duration of GnRH agonists during the ultra-long agonist protocol.

Doppler ultrasound investigation of female infertility.

This study reviewed recent advances in the use of Doppler ultrasonography for the management and prediction of female infertility outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Color or power Doppler and three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound can be used to measure vessels near the ovaries, uterus, and endometrium to assess blood flow. Increased blood flow and reduced resistance to the ovaries, uterus, and endometrium are associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, and their measurement has been suggested as a key factor in ART procedural outcomes. Perifollicular vascularity indices can help predict oocyte quality and maturity. Likewise, endometrial and uterine vascularity could be associated with endometrial receptivity and may assist with embryo transfer timing and pregnancy outcome predictions. With the advancement of Doppler ultrasound technology, this highly potent examination will be used more widely in routine clinical settings for the treatment of female infertility.

Determination of endometrial receptivity by three-dimensional power ultrasound for evaluation of pregnancy outcome after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of endometrial receptivity determination by transvaginal three-dimensional power ultrasound in the prediction of pregnancy outcome after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Methods:A total of 220 infertile patients who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from July 2018 to July 2021 were included in this study. Before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, all patients were tested for endometrial receptivity by transvaginal two-dimensional and three-dimensional power ultrasound. Pregnancy outcomes were followed up. Anatomical indexes (endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, and endometrial morphology) and endometrial blood flow indexes [endometrial blood flow type, pulsation index, resistance index (RI), ratio of peak systolic velocity to end-diastolic velocity (S/D), vascularization index (Vl), blood flow index (FI) and vascular blood flow index (VFI)] were compared between different pregnancy outcomes. Results:There were no significant differences in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, and endometrial morphology between successful pregnancy and failed pregnancy groups ( t or χ2 = 0.23-0.54, P = 0.523-0.890). There was no significant difference in endometrial blood flow typing between successful pregnancy and failed pregnancy groups ( χ2 = 0.217, P = 0.897). PI, RI, and S/D in the successful pregnancy group were (2.46 ± 0.29), (1.07 ± 0.21), and (0.57 ± 0.10), respectively, which were significantly lower than (2.71 ± 0.34), (1.35 ± 0.24), and (0.66 ± 0.11) in the failed pregnancy group ( t = 4.51, 5.27, 3.43, all P < 0.001). VI, FI, and VFI values in the successful pregnancy group were (23.04 ± 2.95), (32.26 ± 3.17), and (6.59 ± 0.94) respectively, which were significantly higher than (16.85 ± 2.17), (28.42 ± 3.04), and (4.88 ± 0.86) in the failed pregnancy group ( t = 10.94, 6.25, 8.37; all P < 0.001). Conclusion:Endometrial blood flow parameters such as PI, RI, S/D, VI, FI, and VFI determined by transvaginal three-dimensional power ultrasound have a certain predictive value for pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. They can be used as sensitive indexes for evaluating endometrial receptivity.

[Préservation de la fertilité avant traitement d'un cancer de l'ovaire]. / Fertility preservation before ovarian malignancy treatment.

FERTILITY PRESERVATION BEFORE OVARIAN MALIGNANCY TREATMENT While most ovarian epithelial malignancies affect postmenopausal women, 12% occur in reproductive age patients. In addition, borderline ovarian tumors and rare non epithelial ovarian tumors are diagnosed in young patients as well. The prognosis of early-stage epithelial tumors, non-epithelial and frontier tumors is good. Increased knowledge in this specific field now allows the development of fertility preservation strategies. They include conservative surgery when applicable, associated with oocyte and / or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Indications remain limited, and any decision must be validated by a multidisciplinary expert committee. The different strategies depend on specific tumoral or genetic context.

PRÉSERVATION DE LA FERTILITÉ AVANT TRAITEMENT D'UN CANCER DE L'OVAIRE Le cancer épithélial de l'ovaire atteint en majorité les patientes ménopausées. Cependant, 12 % des patientes ont moins de 44 ans. Les tumeurs frontières de l'ovaire et les tumeurs rares non épithéliales sont diagnostiquées plus fréquemment chez les femmes en âge de procréer. Le pronostic des stades précoces et des tumeurs non épithéliales est favorable. Les avancées scientifiques permettent de développer des stratégies de préservation de la fertilité, qui reposent d'abord sur la possibilité d'une chirurgie conservatrice et sur la préservation de gamètes ou de tissus germinaux. Les indications restent néanmoins limitées, et toute décision doit être discutée en réunion de concertation pluridisciplinaire (RCP) de recours. Les différentes stratégies dépendent du contexte tumoral ou génétique.

When pain is not the whole story: Presenting symptoms of women with endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis affects one in nine Australian women of reproductive age, and is often associated with pain and infertility. However, many women may be asymptomatic, or present with alternative symptoms. AIM: To identify reasons for initial specialist referral among patients with endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were identified as having endometriosis intraoperatively based on International Classification of Diseases coding. Operation reports were reviewed and graded for severity of disease. This cohort was then retrospectively audited to identify reasons for initial referral to the general gynaecology, endosurgery, gynae-oncology, reproductive medicine outpatient departments (OPD) at the Mercy Hospital for Women in Melbourne between 1 February 2015 and 31 December 2016. RESULTS: Three hundred patients were identified as having endometriosis at laparoscopy, including 90 women with Stage IV disease. Patients were a mean (SD) age of 33.1 (7.6) years. While pain remained a common reason for referral (61.7% of referrals), 36.7% of women with Grade IV disease did not have pain included in their referral letter. Severe disease was associated with increased age (regression coefficient 0.05; 95% CI: 0.03-0.07, P < 0.01), but not with pain symptoms. Women referred with ovarian cysts or masses were more likely to be diagnosed with severe disease (regression coefficient 0.69; 95% CI: 0.37-1.01, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Although pelvic pain is not a good predictor for a diagnosis of endometriosis, it remains a common symptom among women with the disease. However, more than one in three patients with Grade IV endometriosis presented without mention of pain symptoms, encouraging clinicians to adopt a broader approach to the presenting symptoms of endometriosis.

Infertility, Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and the Risk of Stroke Among Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality, and women are impacted more from stroke than men in terms of their absolute number and in having worse outcomes. A growing number of studies have explored the association between pregnancy complications, pregnancy outcomes, and stroke. Limited studies, however, have investigated links involving infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth, which could plausibly be associated via a background of endocrine conditions, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic systematic inflammation. This review aims to summarize current evidence and provide up-to-date information on the associations of infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth, with stroke incidence. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted for cohort and case-control studies on associations between infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and stroke up to September 26, 2020. Seven databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINIHL, PsyclNFO, Wanfang, and CNKI. Random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: Sixteen cohort studies and 2 case-control studies enrolling 7 808 521 women were included in this meta-analysis. Women who had experienced miscarriage or stillbirth were at higher risk of stroke (miscarriage: HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.00-1.14]; stillbirth: HR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.11-1.71]) than other women. The HRs of stroke for each additional miscarriage and stillbirth were 1.13 (95% CI, 0.96-1.33) and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.06-1.49), respectively. In subgroup analysis, increased risk of stroke was associated with repeated miscarriages and stillbirths (miscarriage ≥3: HR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.05-1.90]; stillbirth ≥2: HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.04-1.26]). Associations between infertility and stroke were inconsistent and inconclusive (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.87-1.32]). CONCLUSIONS: Miscarriage and stillbirth are associated with increased risk of stroke among women, which could be used as a contributing risk factor to help identify women at higher risk of stroke.

[The Reliability and Validity of Korean Version of the Infertility Stigma Scale (K-ISS)].

PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate the Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS) into Korean and to evaluate its reliability and validity in the Korean context. METHODS: Data were collected from 350 women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 25.0 and AMOS 22.0. Content validity was analyzed using the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale-level content validity index/averaging (S-CVI/Ave). The preliminary survey was conducted on 20 women who had experienced IVF at least once to check the level of understanding of the tool and the time required to fill out the questionnaire. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to test construct validity. Additionally, hypothesis-testing construct validity were tested. Cronbach's α was used to assess the reliability. RESULTS: The Korean-ISS (K-ISS) consists of 25 items, excluding two items from the original ISS questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis identified four factors, which explained 75.6% of the total variance. The four distinct factors were infertility stigma with self-devaluation (56.8%), public stigma (8.1%), social withdrawal (6.5%), and family stigma (4.2%). In the confirmatory factor analysis, the 25 items in the four-factor structure were validated (χ²/df ≤ 3, RMSEA ≤ 10). The hypothesis-testing construct validity of K-ISS against FPI (r = .58~.71, p < .001) and FQI (r = -.49~-.65, p < .001) was tested and found to be significant. The internal consistency reliability of the K-ISS, assessed using Cronbach's α, was .97. CONCLUSION: The K-ISS has satisfactory construct validity and reliability; therefore, it can help minimize the negative impact of stigma by measuring the stigma associated with women experiencing infertility.

The value of serum anti-Mullerian hormone combined with transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography in predicting ovarian reserve function in infertility patients / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) combined with transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography (vaginal color ultrasound) for ovarian reserve function in infertility patients.Methods:A total of 105 infertility patients diagnosed and treated in Dezhou People′s Hospital from January 2018 to October 2020 were selected as study subjects. Among them, 32 patients with less than 5 eggs obtained after the first treatment (low ovarian response) were included in group A, and 73 patients with 5 to 15 eggs obtained (normal ovarian response) were included in group B. Serum AMH levels were measured, antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian volume (OV), and ovarian stromal peak diastolic systolic velocity (PSV) were recorded by vaginal ultrasound. The levels of above index in A, B groups, patients aged > 35 years old, and those aged ≤35 years old were compared. Moreover, the correlation among serum AMH level and aged, ultrasonic parameters were analyzed. The efficacy of serum AMH level and AFC, OV and PSV in predicting low ovarian response was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The levels of serum AMH, AFC, OV and PSV in group A were lower than those in group B: (0.69 ± 0.28) μg/L vs. (1.43 ± 0.44) μg/L, (8.52 ± 2.29) eggs vs. (11.15 ± 2.56) eggs, (3.12 ± 0.70) cm 3 vs. (4.50 ± 1.31) cm 3, (8.80 ± 2.14) cm/s vs. (15.80 ± 4.43) cm/s, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of serum AMH, AFC, OV and PSV in aged > 35 years old group were lower than those in aged ≤35 years old group: (0.64 ± 0.20) g/L vs. (1.71 ± 0.46) μg/L, (8.35 ± 2.68) eggs vs. (12.17 ± 2.79) eggs, (3.05 ± 0.78) cm 3 vs. (5.02 ± 1.26) cm 3, (9.01 ± 3.04) cm/s vs. (17.90 ± 4.19) cm/s, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Serum AMH level was negatively correlated with age ( r = -0.317, P<0.05), and positively correlated with AFC, OV and PSV ( r = 0.288, 0.326, 0.370, P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity for the evaluation of low ovarian response by AMH+AFC+OV+PSV were 96.90% and 100.00% respectively. Conclusions:The sensitivity and specificity of serum AMH combined with vaginal color ultrasound for the evaluation of ovarian reserve function in infertility patients are both high.

Clinical study of Chaichuan Tongren Mixture supplemented with hysteroscopic recanalization for the patients with tubal obstructive infertility of liver depression and qi stagnation type / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Chaichuan Tongren Mixture supplemented with hysteroscopic recanalization in the treatment of tubal obstructive infertility of liver depression and qi stagnation type.Methods:A total of 60 patients with tubal obstructive infertility of liver depression and qi stagnation type who met the inclusion criteria were selected, between August 2018 and June 2020, and they were divided into the observation group with 31 cases and the control group with 29 cases, according to the random number table method. The control group was treated with hysteroscopic recanalization, while the observation group was given Chaichuan Tongren Mixture on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 4 months and followed up for 12 months. TCM syndromes were scored before and after treatment, and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) was detected by fully automatic biochemical analyzer and levels of TNF-α, CRP and IL-6 were measured by ELISA. The tubal patency of patients after treatment was observed, the pregnancy status was recorded after the end of follow-up and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results:The total effective rate was 96.77% in the observation group and that in the control group was 75.86% ( χ2=4.01, P<0.01). The scores of breast distending pain, irregular menstruation, dark purple menstrual flow and lumbosacral pain in the observation group after treatment were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 17.69, 21.67, 20.89, 14.67, 18.20, respectively, all Ps<0.001). After treatment, the levels of serum PGE 2, TNF-α, CRP, and IL-6 were significantly lower in the observation group than those in the control group [(65.31±6.73) ng/L vs. (87.10±8.85) ng/L, t=10.78; (6.90±0.71) ng/L vs. (11.35±1.23) ng/L, t=17.30; (2.47±0.25) mg/L vs. (5.10±0.52) mg/L, t=25.23; (12.38±1.26) ng/L vs. (30.16±3.15) ng/L, t=29.05] ( P<0.01). After treatment, there was statistical significance in the total effective rate of tubal patency of 96.8% (30/31) in the observation group compared to 79.3% (23/29) in the control group ( χ2=4.43, P<0.01). At the end of follow-up, the pregnancy rate was 71.0% (22/31) in the observation group and 44.8% (13/29) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.21, P<0.01). Conclusion:The Chaichuan Tongren Mixture supplemented with hysteroscopic recanalization can reduce the levels of inflammatory mediators and increase the pregnancy rate of patients with tubal obstructive infertility of liver depression and qi stagnation type.

The exploration of infertility′s pathogenesis through gene editing technology / 中国医师杂志

Recently, the incidence rate of infertility has been increasing year by year. Lesions of the female reproductive system are the most important causes of infertility, such as premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, recurrent abortion, etc. However, the specific pathogenesis of infertility needs to be further studied. Gene editing is a technical method to change the sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in biological cells, which is an indispensable tool for studying gene function and disease pathogenesis. In this research, we review the recent progress in studying the pathogenesis of female infertility related diseases through gene editing technology, so as to explore a new direction for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

Thyroxine Replacement for Subfertile Females With Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review.

The second most prevalent endocrine condition affecting women of reproductive age is thyroid disease. The difference between an increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration and a normal free thyroxine hormone level is used to identify subclinical hypothyroidism. Thyroid autoantibodies, independent of thyroid hormone levels, are used to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). Thyroxine can help infertile women with these two types of thyroid illnesses have better birth outcomes during fertility treatment. We performed a systematic review using PubMed (Medline) as a major database and some other sources EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct. We concentrated on four studies, including 806 patients. Our goal is to investigate the efficacy and risks of levothyroxine therapy in infertile women who are receiving fertility treatments and have subclinical hypothyroidism or adequate thyroid function as well as thyroid autoimmunity (euthyroid autoimmune thyroid disorder). Thyroid activity in hypothyroid women should be tracked at pregnancy confirmation and closely monitored during the pregnancy. Early in pregnancy, the dosage of levothyroxine (LT4) can be raised. To ensure optimum TSH levels during breastfeeding, we recommend that patients who are followed in the primary sector have their LT4 dose increased by their general practitioner before their first referral to an endocrinological outpatient clinic. It's important to pay more attention to and track pregnant women with hypothyroidism, who consider pregnancy, to get the best results. LT4 therapy can help subfertile women with subclinical hypothyroidism who are having in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) since it improves embryo growth, implantation rate, and live birth rate.

Dolor pélvico crónico en mujeres / Chronic pelvic pain in women

RESUMEN Fundamento: el dolor pélvico crónico es un problema ginecológico frecuente en las mujeres de edad fértil. Se define como el dolor no cíclico que persiste durante seis meses o más, localizado en la pelvis, en la porción infra umbilical de la pared abdominal anterior, en la región lumbosacra o en la región glútea lo que provoca discapacidad funcional. Las mujeres en edad fértil, son sin lugar a duda el grupo etario fundamental para la salud global y de las futuras generaciones. Muchas mujeres acuden a consulta de Ginecología por presentar dolor pelviano crónico y al realizarles la historia clínica, se observan problemas de fertilidad. Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento del dolor pélvico crónico de causa ginecológica en pacientes en edad fértil. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por 123 mujeres con diagnóstico de dolor pélvico crónico de causa ginecológica y en edad fértil, que fueron atendidas en consulta de Ginecología en el Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Manuel Fajardo Rivero de Villa Clara durante el período comprendido entre el 1ro de septiembre de 2017 al 30 de septiembre de 2019. Resultados: las mujeres en el estudio eran adultas. La principal causa del dolor fue la endometriosis. La mayoría eran multíparas y presentaron infertilidad. Conclusiones: la mayoría de las pacientes con dolor pélvico crónico en edad fértil eran adultas. La principal causa del dolor pélvico crónico fue la endometriosis, seguido de las adherencias. La mayoría de las mujeres eran multíparas y presentaron infertilidad.

ABSTRACT Background: chronic pelvic pain is a frequent gynecological problem in women of childbearing age. It is defined as non-cyclical pain that persists for six months or more, located in the pelvis, in the infra-umbilical portion of the anterior abdominal wall, in the lumbosacral region or in the gluteal region, causing functional disability. Women of childbearing age are without a doubt the fundamental age group for global health and for future generations. Many women come to the gynecology clinic for having chronic pelvic pain and when the medical history is done, a high incidence of fertility problems is observed. Objective: to characterize the behavior of chronic pelvic pain of gynecological cause in patients of childbearing age. Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out. The study population consisted of 123 patients with a diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain of gynecological cause and of childbearing age, which weretreated in a gynecology consultation at the Comandante Manuel Fajardo Rivero Teaching Clinical Hospital of Villa Clara during the period from September 1st, 2017 to September 30th, 2019. Results: the women in the study were adults. The main cause of pain was endometriosis. Most of the women were multiparous and had infertility. Conclusions: most of the patients with chronic pelvic pain in childbearing age were adults. The main cause of chronic pelvic pain was endometriosis, followed by adhesions. Most of the women were multiparous and had infertility.

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de la mujer infértil / Epidemiological-clinical characterization of infertile women

RESUMEN Fundamento: la infertilidad es la incapacidad para tener hijos, pero con posibilidad de embarazo que no llega a término. En el mundo existen 187 millones de parejas afectadas. Objetivo: caracterizar las mujeres atendidas en la consulta municipal de infertilidad. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional y retrospectivo en Policlínico Docente Emilio Daudin Bueno, de la provincia Guantánamo, durante el periodo enero de 2017 a junio de 2020. El universo estuvo constituido por las 128 mujeres infértiles de 19-39 años atendidas en consulta. Fueron evaluadas variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. La información de cada variable estudiada se obtuvo de las historias clínicas de las pacientes atendidas en consulta. Resultados: predominaron las féminas de 25-29 años con infertilidad secundaria; las infecciones genitales como factor causal predominante, seguido de los antecedentes obstétricos desfavorables y en la mayoría de las pacientes el peso saludable como evaluación nutricional. Se pudo percibir que del total de las pacientes, en algunas existió algún grado de aumento del peso corporal. Conclusiones: la consulta de infertilidad cumple el objetivo de lograr la concepción de las féminas según las causas que impiden la misma, la actuación de cada profesional de la salud al incorporar los conocimientos necesarios a emplear en su adecuado seguimiento, permitirá concretarlo desde la Atención Primaria de Salud.

ABSTRACT Background: infertility is the inability to have children, but with the possibility of pregnancy, which does not reach term. There are one hundred and eighty-seven million affected couples in the world. Objective: to characterize women treated in the municipal consultation of infertility. Methods: an observational and retrospective descriptive study was carried out in Emilio Daudinot Bueno Docent Polyclinic, Guantánamo, during the period January 2017 to June 2020. The universe was made up of 128 infertile women who met the inclusion criteria: 19-39 years old, seen in infertility consultation and fulfill the concept of infertility. Qualitative and quantitative variables were evaluated. The primary data was obtained from the medical records of the patients seen. Results: females aged 25-29 years with secondary infertility predominated; genital infections as the predominant cause factor, followed by unfavorable obstetric history and, in most patients, healthy weight as a nutritional assessment. It was possible to perceive that of the total number of patients, in some there was some degree of increase in body weight. Conclusions: the infertility consultation fulfills the objective of achieving the conception of women by attenuating the causes that prevent it, the performance of each health professional by incorporating the necessary knowledge to be used in its adequate follow-up, will allow specifying it from Primary Care of health.

Miomectomía múltiple por vía abdominal / Multiple abdominal myomectomy

RESUMEN Se presentaron dos pacientes a las cuales se les realizó una miomectomía en los meses de enero y marzo de 2017, en la localidad de Luanda, Angola. Ambas fueron atendidas en la consulta de Ginecología por: aumento de volumen del abdomen, sangramiento genital durante la menstruación y fuera de ella, síntomas compresivos caracterizados por urgencia miccional y estreñimiento, además de infertilidad. Se les realizaron: exámenes de laboratorio, ultrasonido ginecológico y renal, así como histerosalpingografía. Después del análisis de estos exámenes se les diagnosticó una miomatosis uterina múltiple; fueron remitidas al salón de operaciones con previo consentimiento informado y se les practicó una miomectomía múltiple sin complicaciones transoperatorias. Se conservó el útero en ambas pacientes, las cuales tuvieron una recuperación postoperatoria satisfactoria. Una de estas pacientes logró un embarazo cinco meses después de la cirugía.

ABSTRACT We present two patients who had a myomectomy in January and March 2017, in Luanda, Angola. Both were treated in the Gynecology consultation due to increased abdominal volume, genital bleeding during and between periods, compressive symptoms characterized by urinary urgency, constipation and infertility. Laboratory tests, gynecological and renal ultrasound, as well as hysterosalpingography were performed. After the analysis of these tests, they were diagnosed with multiple uterine myomas, referred to the operating room with prior informed consent and underwent a multiple myomectomy without transoperative complications. The uterus was preserved in both patients, who had a satisfactory postoperative recovery. One of these patients got pregnant five months after surgery.

Analysis of hope level and influencing factors of infertile patients with first or repeated IVF-ET / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To explore the hope level and influencing factors of infertile patients with first or repeated in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).Methods:Female patients receiving IVF-ET treatment during January to June, 2019 in reproductive Medicine Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of medicine, were enrolled in this study. All patients were divided into first and repeated cycles (≥2 cycles), then a questionnaire survey was conducted. The questionnaire included demographic information, Herth hope index (HHI) scale, Locke-Wallace short marital-adjustment test scale and social support rating scale. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the associated influencing factors of hope level.Results:A total of 251 IVF-ET patients were recruited in the study, including 142 (56.6%) in the first cycle and 109 (43.4%) in the repeated cycle. The HHI score of the repeated cycle was significantly lower than that of the first cycle [(32.0±3.3) vs (36.0±3.1) points] ( P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that repeated IVF-ET was independently negatively correlated with HHI, with a standardized coefficient β of -0.406 ( P<0.001). While living in a city ( P=0.013), high monthly income ( P=0.026), high degree short marital-adjustment test ( P=0.006) and social support rating ( P=0.002) were independently positively correlated with HHI. Conclusions:Repeated IVF-ET treatment patients have a significantly lower HHI score. The residence, monthly income, marital-adjustment, and social support are significantly associated with hope level.