Infertility, female Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2024;46:e-rbgo82
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been evolving since 1978, with the number of techniques performed increasing over the years. Despite continued advances, some couples continue to have difficulties getting pregnant, and it has recently been considered that the microbiome of the female genital tract (FGT) may influence embryo implantation and the establishment of pregnancy. This review aims to evaluate the role of probiotics on reproductive outcomes in infertile women on ART. A search throughout medical databases was performed, and six articles met the criteria. Five studies showed improvements in pregnancy rates, with only one demonstrating statistical significance. One article showed no improvement but reported a statistically significant reduction in the miscarriage rate in the probiotic group. Further research is needed to evaluate the true potential of probiotics, namely to assess whether they effectively modulate the FGT microbiome and if these changes are maintained over time.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2024;46:e-rbgo82
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been evolving since 1978, with the number of techniques performed increasing over the years. Despite continued advances, some couples continue to have difficulties getting pregnant, and it has recently been considered that the microbiome of the female genital tract (FGT) may influence embryo implantation and the establishment of pregnancy. This review aims to evaluate the role of probiotics on reproductive outcomes in infertile women on ART. A search throughout medical databases was performed, and six articles met the criteria. Five studies showed improvements in pregnancy rates, with only one demonstrating statistical significance. One article showed no improvement but reported a statistically significant reduction in the miscarriage rate in the probiotic group. Further research is needed to evaluate the true potential of probiotics, namely to assess whether they effectively modulate the FGT microbiome and if these changes are maintained over time.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(3):110-114
DOI 10.1590/SO-720320150005258
To assess the reproductive outcomes after hysteroscopic septoplasty.
A retrospective observational study was performed with analysis of the medical records of 28 women with infertility or recurrent abortions undergoing hysteroscopic septoplasty. To evaluate reproductive outcomes we consulted the medical records of our hospital and of primary health care units between septoplasty and the present or first pregnancy. Primary outcomes were pregnancy rate, newborns, and abortions after septoplasty. Uterine septum was diagnosed by 2D or 3D ultrasound and classified according to the American Fertility Society. All procedures were performed in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle using monopolar or bipolar energy and/or microscissors. To compare the reproductive outcomes before and after septoplasty we used Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 17. Fisher's exact test was considered statistically significant if p<0.05.
Hysteroscopic septoplasty was performed in 20 patients (72%) with secondary infertility and in 8 patients (28%) with primary infertility. The septum was incompletely removed during the first hysteroscopy in 5 cases (18%), which required a second surgery. One case was complicated with minor uterine perforation. After hysteroscopic septoplasty, 64% of women became pregnant and 48% live neonates were delivered; 4% of the patients had a tubal pregnancy; and 19% had miscarriages.
The results of this study are consistent with those described in the literature. Patients obtained a significant improvement of reproductive outcomes with a fivefold reduction in miscarriage rate after hysteroscopic septoplasty.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(3):110-114
DOI 10.1590/SO-720320150005258
To assess the reproductive outcomes after hysteroscopic septoplasty.
A retrospective observational study was performed with analysis of the medical records of 28 women with infertility or recurrent abortions undergoing hysteroscopic septoplasty. To evaluate reproductive outcomes we consulted the medical records of our hospital and of primary health care units between septoplasty and the present or first pregnancy. Primary outcomes were pregnancy rate, newborns, and abortions after septoplasty. Uterine septum was diagnosed by 2D or 3D ultrasound and classified according to the American Fertility Society. All procedures were performed in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle using monopolar or bipolar energy and/or microscissors. To compare the reproductive outcomes before and after septoplasty we used Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 17. Fisher's exact test was considered statistically significant if p<0.05.
Hysteroscopic septoplasty was performed in 20 patients (72%) with secondary infertility and in 8 patients (28%) with primary infertility. The septum was incompletely removed during the first hysteroscopy in 5 cases (18%), which required a second surgery. One case was complicated with minor uterine perforation. After hysteroscopic septoplasty, 64% of women became pregnant and 48% live neonates were delivered; 4% of the patients had a tubal pregnancy; and 19% had miscarriages.
The results of this study are consistent with those described in the literature. Patients obtained a significant improvement of reproductive outcomes with a fivefold reduction in miscarriage rate after hysteroscopic septoplasty.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(11):536-540
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010001100004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes performed at the Human Reproduction Center of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. METHODS: retrospective data from 488 IVF cycles of 385 patients. Patients were classified into two groups according to BMI: normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m²) and overweight/obesity (>25 kg/m²). We evaluated the dose of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (FSHr), the cancellation rates for ovarian cycle response, and the results of the assisted reproduction laboratory such as number of oocytes, number of good quality embryos, number of embryos transferred, and pregnancy rates, chemical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rate and live birth rate. The t test was used for comparison of quantitative variables between groups, and the χ2 test for comparison between qualitative variables. P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: considering ovulation induction characteristics, there was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the FSHr dose administered or the cancellation rates, p=0.47 and p=0.85, respectively. Regarding laboratory findings, the number of oocytes retrieved per cycle was similar for both groups (p=0.09), as also was the number of good quality embryos obtained and transferred (p=0.7 and p=0.6). The pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 27.6% for the group of normal weight and 29.6% for the overweight/obese group (p=0.76). Miscarriage rates and birth rates were similar for both groups, p=0.54 and p=0.94. CONCLUSION: BMI did not influence IVF/ICSI outcomes evaluated.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(11):536-540
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010001100004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes performed at the Human Reproduction Center of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. METHODS: retrospective data from 488 IVF cycles of 385 patients. Patients were classified into two groups according to BMI: normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m²) and overweight/obesity (>25 kg/m²). We evaluated the dose of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (FSHr), the cancellation rates for ovarian cycle response, and the results of the assisted reproduction laboratory such as number of oocytes, number of good quality embryos, number of embryos transferred, and pregnancy rates, chemical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rate and live birth rate. The t test was used for comparison of quantitative variables between groups, and the χ2 test for comparison between qualitative variables. P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: considering ovulation induction characteristics, there was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the FSHr dose administered or the cancellation rates, p=0.47 and p=0.85, respectively. Regarding laboratory findings, the number of oocytes retrieved per cycle was similar for both groups (p=0.09), as also was the number of good quality embryos obtained and transferred (p=0.7 and p=0.6). The pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 27.6% for the group of normal weight and 29.6% for the overweight/obese group (p=0.76). Miscarriage rates and birth rates were similar for both groups, p=0.54 and p=0.94. CONCLUSION: BMI did not influence IVF/ICSI outcomes evaluated.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(6):279-285
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000600005
PURPOSE: to compare serum markers of oxidative stress between infertile patients with and without endometriosis and to assess the association of these markers with disease staging. METHODS: this was a prospective study conducted on 112 consecutive infertile, non-obese patients younger than 39 years, divided into two groups: Endometriosis (n=48, 26 with minimal and mild endometriosis - Stage I/II, and 22 with moderate and severe endometriosis - Stage III/IV) and Control (n=64, with tubal and/or male factor infertility). Blood samples were collected during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle for the analysis of serum malondialdehyde, glutathione and total hydroxyperoxide levels by spectrophotometry and of vitamin E by high performance liquid chromatography. The results were compared between the endometriosis and control groups, stage I/II endometriosis and control, stage III/IV endometriosis and control, and between the two endometriosis subgroups. The level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05) in all analyses. RESULTS: vitamin E and glutathione levels were lower in the serum of infertile women with moderate/severe endometriosis (21.7±6.0 mMol/L and 159.6±77.2 nMol/g protein, respectively) compared to women with minimal and mild endometriosis (28.3±14.4 mMol/L and 199.6±56.1 nMol/g protein, respectively). Total hydroxyperoxide levels were significantly higher in the endometriosis group (8.9±1.8 µMol/g protein) than in the Control Group (8.0±2 µMol/g protein) and among patients with stage III/IV disease (9.7±2.3 µMol/g protein) compared to patients with stage I/II disease (8.2±1.0 µMol/g protein). No significant differences in serum malondialdehyde levels were observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: we demonstrated a positive association between infertility related to endometriosis, advanced disease stage and increased serum hydroxyperoxide levels, suggesting an increased production of reactive species in women with endometriosis. These data, taken together with the reduction of serum vitamin E and glutathione levels, suggest the occurrence of systemic oxidative stress in women with infertility associated with endometriosis. The reproductive and metabolic implications of oxidative stress should be assessed in future studies.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(6):279-285
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000600005
PURPOSE: to compare serum markers of oxidative stress between infertile patients with and without endometriosis and to assess the association of these markers with disease staging. METHODS: this was a prospective study conducted on 112 consecutive infertile, non-obese patients younger than 39 years, divided into two groups: Endometriosis (n=48, 26 with minimal and mild endometriosis - Stage I/II, and 22 with moderate and severe endometriosis - Stage III/IV) and Control (n=64, with tubal and/or male factor infertility). Blood samples were collected during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle for the analysis of serum malondialdehyde, glutathione and total hydroxyperoxide levels by spectrophotometry and of vitamin E by high performance liquid chromatography. The results were compared between the endometriosis and control groups, stage I/II endometriosis and control, stage III/IV endometriosis and control, and between the two endometriosis subgroups. The level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05) in all analyses. RESULTS: vitamin E and glutathione levels were lower in the serum of infertile women with moderate/severe endometriosis (21.7±6.0 mMol/L and 159.6±77.2 nMol/g protein, respectively) compared to women with minimal and mild endometriosis (28.3±14.4 mMol/L and 199.6±56.1 nMol/g protein, respectively). Total hydroxyperoxide levels were significantly higher in the endometriosis group (8.9±1.8 µMol/g protein) than in the Control Group (8.0±2 µMol/g protein) and among patients with stage III/IV disease (9.7±2.3 µMol/g protein) compared to patients with stage I/II disease (8.2±1.0 µMol/g protein). No significant differences in serum malondialdehyde levels were observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: we demonstrated a positive association between infertility related to endometriosis, advanced disease stage and increased serum hydroxyperoxide levels, suggesting an increased production of reactive species in women with endometriosis. These data, taken together with the reduction of serum vitamin E and glutathione levels, suggest the occurrence of systemic oxidative stress in women with infertility associated with endometriosis. The reproductive and metabolic implications of oxidative stress should be assessed in future studies.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(3):118-125
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000300004
PURPOSE: to compare the serum levels of five markers of oxidative stress and assisted reproduction (AR) outcomes among infertile patients, with tubal and/or male factor and with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: 70 patients were included, 58 with tubal and/or male factor infertility and 12 with PCOS, who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation to perform intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A blood sample was collected between the third and fifth day of the menstrual cycle in the month prior to ovarian stimulation. We analyzed the levels of malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides, protein oxidation products, glutathione and vitamin E, by reading the absorbance with a spectrophotometer and by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were analyzed statistically by the Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: significant increases in the body mass index, ovarian volume and number of antral follicles were observed in PCOS patients, as well as the use of a lower total dose of follicle stimulating hormone for these patients. There were no differences in the response to ovarian stimulation, in the results of AR or serum levels of malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides, advanced oxidation protein products, glutathione and vitamin E between groups. CONCLUSIONS: the present data did not demonstrate a difference in the levels of serum markers of oxidative stress or in AR results when comparing non-obese infertile patients with PCOS and controls. These data suggest that the results of AR may not be compromised in this specific subgroup of patients with PCOS. However, interpretations of the action of oxidative stress on the results of AR are still not clear and the reproductive implications of oxidative stress need to be better evaluated.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(3):118-125
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000300004
PURPOSE: to compare the serum levels of five markers of oxidative stress and assisted reproduction (AR) outcomes among infertile patients, with tubal and/or male factor and with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: 70 patients were included, 58 with tubal and/or male factor infertility and 12 with PCOS, who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation to perform intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A blood sample was collected between the third and fifth day of the menstrual cycle in the month prior to ovarian stimulation. We analyzed the levels of malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides, protein oxidation products, glutathione and vitamin E, by reading the absorbance with a spectrophotometer and by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were analyzed statistically by the Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: significant increases in the body mass index, ovarian volume and number of antral follicles were observed in PCOS patients, as well as the use of a lower total dose of follicle stimulating hormone for these patients. There were no differences in the response to ovarian stimulation, in the results of AR or serum levels of malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides, advanced oxidation protein products, glutathione and vitamin E between groups. CONCLUSIONS: the present data did not demonstrate a difference in the levels of serum markers of oxidative stress or in AR results when comparing non-obese infertile patients with PCOS and controls. These data suggest that the results of AR may not be compromised in this specific subgroup of patients with PCOS. However, interpretations of the action of oxidative stress on the results of AR are still not clear and the reproductive implications of oxidative stress need to be better evaluated.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(5):241-247
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000500006
PURPOSE: to evaluate the meiotic spindle and the chromosome distribution of in vitro matured oocytes obtained from stimulated cycles of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and with male factor and/or tubal infertility (Control Group) and compare in vitro maturation (IVM) rates between the groups analyzed. METHODS: five infertile patients with PCOS and eight controls, submitted to stimulated cycles for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, were selected prospectively and consecutively, and respectively assigned to the study group and the Control Group. Immature oocytes (21 and 29, respectively, from PCOS and Control Group) were submitted to IVM. After IVM, oocytes with first polar body extruded were fixed and submitted to immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy for morphological evaluation of the spindle and of chromosome distribution. Statistical analysis was performed by the Fisher test with significance, when p<0.05. RESULTS: IVM rates were similar between groups (47.6 e 44.8%, respectively, for PCOS and Control Group). Six of the ten oocytes (60%) from the study group and four of the 12 oocytes (33.3%) from the Control Group presented meiotic anomalies of the spindle and/or anomalous chromosome distribution, without statistical difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: data from the present study did not demonstrate significant difference neither in IVM rates nor in the proportions of meiotic anomalies between in vitro matured oocytes obtained from stimulated cycles from PCOS patients and control ones.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(5):241-247
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000500006
PURPOSE: to evaluate the meiotic spindle and the chromosome distribution of in vitro matured oocytes obtained from stimulated cycles of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and with male factor and/or tubal infertility (Control Group) and compare in vitro maturation (IVM) rates between the groups analyzed. METHODS: five infertile patients with PCOS and eight controls, submitted to stimulated cycles for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, were selected prospectively and consecutively, and respectively assigned to the study group and the Control Group. Immature oocytes (21 and 29, respectively, from PCOS and Control Group) were submitted to IVM. After IVM, oocytes with first polar body extruded were fixed and submitted to immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy for morphological evaluation of the spindle and of chromosome distribution. Statistical analysis was performed by the Fisher test with significance, when p<0.05. RESULTS: IVM rates were similar between groups (47.6 e 44.8%, respectively, for PCOS and Control Group). Six of the ten oocytes (60%) from the study group and four of the 12 oocytes (33.3%) from the Control Group presented meiotic anomalies of the spindle and/or anomalous chromosome distribution, without statistical difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: data from the present study did not demonstrate significant difference neither in IVM rates nor in the proportions of meiotic anomalies between in vitro matured oocytes obtained from stimulated cycles from PCOS patients and control ones.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(9):459-464
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000900004
PURPOSE: describe epidemiologic profile of patients enrolled in the oocyte reception program at Hospital Regional da Asa Sul (HRAS) in Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil, and its main indications. METHODS: prospective descriptive study, in which 330 patients enrolled in the waiting list program were studied. Sixty-seven women, irrespective of their infertility factor and that had not been contemplated by the treatment were included. Thirty women who lived in other cities, 50 patients over 50 years old, 24 patients that didn't want to take part in the study, nine patients that asked to be left out of the program and 150 women that couldn't be found by phone calls were excluded. The 67 patients included were interviewed in order to answer a questionnaire. Their medical handbook was recovered to confirm that the investigation required to establish the cause of infertility had been done. The data was registered and analyzed by SPSS version 12.0 software. RESULTS: the patients' epidemiologic profile is age range 40 to 49 years old (82%), non-white skinned (77,6%), catholic (71,6%), married (59,7%), in high school (76,1%), secondary infertility (53,6%) from which due to tubal sterilization (40,3%) and those ones who started trying to conceive before 35 years old (91%). The main indication to enroll in this oocyte reception program was age and low ovarian reserve. CONCLUSION: the results demonstrated the indiscriminate tubal sterilization. The oocyte reception program benefits women with reserved reproductive prognostic.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(9):459-464
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000900004
PURPOSE: describe epidemiologic profile of patients enrolled in the oocyte reception program at Hospital Regional da Asa Sul (HRAS) in Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil, and its main indications. METHODS: prospective descriptive study, in which 330 patients enrolled in the waiting list program were studied. Sixty-seven women, irrespective of their infertility factor and that had not been contemplated by the treatment were included. Thirty women who lived in other cities, 50 patients over 50 years old, 24 patients that didn't want to take part in the study, nine patients that asked to be left out of the program and 150 women that couldn't be found by phone calls were excluded. The 67 patients included were interviewed in order to answer a questionnaire. Their medical handbook was recovered to confirm that the investigation required to establish the cause of infertility had been done. The data was registered and analyzed by SPSS version 12.0 software. RESULTS: the patients' epidemiologic profile is age range 40 to 49 years old (82%), non-white skinned (77,6%), catholic (71,6%), married (59,7%), in high school (76,1%), secondary infertility (53,6%) from which due to tubal sterilization (40,3%) and those ones who started trying to conceive before 35 years old (91%). The main indication to enroll in this oocyte reception program was age and low ovarian reserve. CONCLUSION: the results demonstrated the indiscriminate tubal sterilization. The oocyte reception program benefits women with reserved reproductive prognostic.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(6):297-302
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000600004
PURPOSE: to identify the main characteristics of the diagnostic and surgical gynecological laparoscopies carried out in patients with reproductive difficulties at a teaching hospital in Recife, from 2000 and 2004. METHODS: a hospital based descriptive case-series study was carried out with 295 patients who had undergone gynecological laparoscopy for either infertility or tube recanalization in the Mother and Child Health Professor Fernando Figueira Institute. Information was obtained from the surgical records of the laparoscopies carried out from January 2000 to December 2004. The inclusion criteria was infertility or pre-recanalization study as a surgical indication. The information was typed twice into a data bank. Tables with central measurements and dispersion tendency were created for the quantitative variables and frequency distribution for the categorical variables. The statistical program, Epi Info 3.3.2., was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: along the study, 462 gynecological laparoscopies were analyzed, 295 (63.8%) of them having as an indication either infertility (41.1%) or the study of possible tube recanalization (18.8%). The patients’ average age in both groups was from 30 to 34 years old. Among the 87 patients with desire of tube recanalization, 55.2% had one or both tubes inadequate for the procedure, and from those, 52.1% was diagnosed with tube amputation (fimbrectomy). In the infertility cases, the most observed findings were adherences (60.6%), tube obstruction (40.9%) and endometriosis (36.1%). Among the procedures carried out, lysis of adherences (34.2%) and biopsies (21%) were the most frequent, followed by endometriosis treatment (10.8%) and salpingostomy (10.8%). CONCLUSION: videolaparoscopy is an important tool in the study and treatment of patients with infertility and before tube recanalization, especially in those hospitals where advanced reproductive techniques are not available.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(6):297-302
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000600004
PURPOSE: to identify the main characteristics of the diagnostic and surgical gynecological laparoscopies carried out in patients with reproductive difficulties at a teaching hospital in Recife, from 2000 and 2004. METHODS: a hospital based descriptive case-series study was carried out with 295 patients who had undergone gynecological laparoscopy for either infertility or tube recanalization in the Mother and Child Health Professor Fernando Figueira Institute. Information was obtained from the surgical records of the laparoscopies carried out from January 2000 to December 2004. The inclusion criteria was infertility or pre-recanalization study as a surgical indication. The information was typed twice into a data bank. Tables with central measurements and dispersion tendency were created for the quantitative variables and frequency distribution for the categorical variables. The statistical program, Epi Info 3.3.2., was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: along the study, 462 gynecological laparoscopies were analyzed, 295 (63.8%) of them having as an indication either infertility (41.1%) or the study of possible tube recanalization (18.8%). The patients’ average age in both groups was from 30 to 34 years old. Among the 87 patients with desire of tube recanalization, 55.2% had one or both tubes inadequate for the procedure, and from those, 52.1% was diagnosed with tube amputation (fimbrectomy). In the infertility cases, the most observed findings were adherences (60.6%), tube obstruction (40.9%) and endometriosis (36.1%). Among the procedures carried out, lysis of adherences (34.2%) and biopsies (21%) were the most frequent, followed by endometriosis treatment (10.8%) and salpingostomy (10.8%). CONCLUSION: videolaparoscopy is an important tool in the study and treatment of patients with infertility and before tube recanalization, especially in those hospitals where advanced reproductive techniques are not available.
