Reproductive techniques Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):660-666
The present study aims to describe the main characteristics of female couples resorting to a fertility clinic, to understand whether these patients have clear previous plans concerning procreation and how they end up completing their family planning, and to briefly describe the main outcomes of the recepción de ovocitos de pareja (ROPA, in the Spanish acronym: in English, reception of partner's oocytes) method.
This is a descriptive retrospective study of the pathway and outcomes of female couples in a fertility clinic during a 2-year period.
A total of 129 couples were treated. Only one third of the couples had no condition potentially affecting fertility or advanced age. Most couples were decided to undergo artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization and the majority kept their plans, as opposed to 38% of the couples who decided to the ROPA method (lesbian shared in vitro fertilization) who changed plans. Live birth rates per treatment (including frozen embryo transfers) for artificial insemination, 58% for in vitro fertilization, 80% for treatments with donated oocytes or embryos, and 79% for ROPA. Four in five couples achieved live births.
The present study highlights the importance of a thorough medical workup in same-sex couples resorting to assisted reproduction. Despite the higher-than-expected rates of fertility disorders, the outcomes were good. Most couples end up in a single parented method. Furthermore, the results of the ROPA method are reassuring.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):660-666
The present study aims to describe the main characteristics of female couples resorting to a fertility clinic, to understand whether these patients have clear previous plans concerning procreation and how they end up completing their family planning, and to briefly describe the main outcomes of the recepción de ovocitos de pareja (ROPA, in the Spanish acronym: in English, reception of partner's oocytes) method.
This is a descriptive retrospective study of the pathway and outcomes of female couples in a fertility clinic during a 2-year period.
A total of 129 couples were treated. Only one third of the couples had no condition potentially affecting fertility or advanced age. Most couples were decided to undergo artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization and the majority kept their plans, as opposed to 38% of the couples who decided to the ROPA method (lesbian shared in vitro fertilization) who changed plans. Live birth rates per treatment (including frozen embryo transfers) for artificial insemination, 58% for in vitro fertilization, 80% for treatments with donated oocytes or embryos, and 79% for ROPA. Four in five couples achieved live births.
The present study highlights the importance of a thorough medical workup in same-sex couples resorting to assisted reproduction. Despite the higher-than-expected rates of fertility disorders, the outcomes were good. Most couples end up in a single parented method. Furthermore, the results of the ROPA method are reassuring.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(11):484-488
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004952
To evaluate sexual function in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.
This is a case-control study including 278 women assisted in Human Reproduction services and at the Gynecology Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil. The women were divided into a study group (168 infertile women) and a control group (110 fertile women), and they answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire used the assess the sexual function. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) for the chance of sexual dysfunction in infertile women (p<0.05).
Out of the analyzed women, 33.09% reported sexual dysfunction, with no difference in the FSFI score between groups (p=0.29). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was of 36.30% among infertile women and 28.18% among fertile women; however, there was no difference between FSFI scores (p=0.36). The desire and arousal domains were significantly different among infertile women (p=0.01). Infertile women had the same chances of having sexual dysfunction as fertile women (OR=1.4, 95%CI 0.8–2.4; p=0.2).
There were no differences between infertile and fertile women. Infertile women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques require professional approach to sexual health regarding desire and arousal.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(11):484-488
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004952
To evaluate sexual function in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.
This is a case-control study including 278 women assisted in Human Reproduction services and at the Gynecology Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil. The women were divided into a study group (168 infertile women) and a control group (110 fertile women), and they answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire used the assess the sexual function. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) for the chance of sexual dysfunction in infertile women (p<0.05).
Out of the analyzed women, 33.09% reported sexual dysfunction, with no difference in the FSFI score between groups (p=0.29). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was of 36.30% among infertile women and 28.18% among fertile women; however, there was no difference between FSFI scores (p=0.36). The desire and arousal domains were significantly different among infertile women (p=0.01). Infertile women had the same chances of having sexual dysfunction as fertile women (OR=1.4, 95%CI 0.8–2.4; p=0.2).
There were no differences between infertile and fertile women. Infertile women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques require professional approach to sexual health regarding desire and arousal.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(8):353-358
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320140005009
To evaluate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in women undergoing assisted reproduction in a public reference service in the midwestern region of Brazil.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 women aged from 20 to 47 years with a history of infertility, undergoing assisted reproduction techniques. Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae identified in urine specimens by PCR, and the profile of infertility were analyzed. We used the χtest or Fisher's exact test to evaluate the association between infection and variables.
The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 10.9%, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae co-infection was observed in 2 cases. Women infected with Chlamydia trachomatis had more than 10 years of infertility (54.1%; p<0.0001). The tubal factor was the main cause in infected cases (56.8%; p=0.047). Tubal occlusion was found in 67.6% of cases with positive infection (p=0.004).
There was an association of tubal obstruction with infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, reinforcing the need for effective strategies for an early detection of sexually transmitted diseases, especially in asymptomatic women of childbearing age.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(8):353-358
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320140005009
To evaluate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in women undergoing assisted reproduction in a public reference service in the midwestern region of Brazil.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 women aged from 20 to 47 years with a history of infertility, undergoing assisted reproduction techniques. Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae identified in urine specimens by PCR, and the profile of infertility were analyzed. We used the χtest or Fisher's exact test to evaluate the association between infection and variables.
The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was 10.9%, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae co-infection was observed in 2 cases. Women infected with Chlamydia trachomatis had more than 10 years of infertility (54.1%; p<0.0001). The tubal factor was the main cause in infected cases (56.8%; p=0.047). Tubal occlusion was found in 67.6% of cases with positive infection (p=0.004).
There was an association of tubal obstruction with infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, reinforcing the need for effective strategies for an early detection of sexually transmitted diseases, especially in asymptomatic women of childbearing age.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(12):575-581
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012001200008
PURPOSE: To compare serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels on the seventh day of ovarian stimulation between normal and poor responders. METHODS: Nineteen women aged ≥35, presenting with regular menses, submitted to ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction were included. Women with endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome or those who were previously submitted to ovarian surgery were excluded. On the basal and seventh day of ovarian stimulation, a peripheral blood sample was drawn for the determination of AMH, FSH and estradiol levels. AMH levels were assessed by ELISA and FSH, and estradiol by immunochemiluminescence. At the end of the stimulation cycle patients were classified as normal responders (if four or more oocytes were obtained during oocyte retrieval) or poor responders (if less than four oocytes were obtained during oocyte retrieval or if the cycle was cancelled due to failure of ovulation induction) and comparatively analyzed by the t-test for hormonal levels, length of ovarian stimulation, number of follicles retrieved, and number of produced and transferred embryos. The association between AMH and these parameters was also analyzed by the Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups for basal or the seventh day as to AMH, FSH and estradiol levels. There was a significant correlation between seventh day AMH levels and the total amount of exogenous FSH used (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: AMH levels on the seventh day of the ovarian stimulation cycle do not seem to predict the pattern of ovarian response and their determination is not recommended for this purpose.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(12):575-581
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012001200008
PURPOSE: To compare serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels on the seventh day of ovarian stimulation between normal and poor responders. METHODS: Nineteen women aged ≥35, presenting with regular menses, submitted to ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction were included. Women with endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome or those who were previously submitted to ovarian surgery were excluded. On the basal and seventh day of ovarian stimulation, a peripheral blood sample was drawn for the determination of AMH, FSH and estradiol levels. AMH levels were assessed by ELISA and FSH, and estradiol by immunochemiluminescence. At the end of the stimulation cycle patients were classified as normal responders (if four or more oocytes were obtained during oocyte retrieval) or poor responders (if less than four oocytes were obtained during oocyte retrieval or if the cycle was cancelled due to failure of ovulation induction) and comparatively analyzed by the t-test for hormonal levels, length of ovarian stimulation, number of follicles retrieved, and number of produced and transferred embryos. The association between AMH and these parameters was also analyzed by the Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups for basal or the seventh day as to AMH, FSH and estradiol levels. There was a significant correlation between seventh day AMH levels and the total amount of exogenous FSH used (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: AMH levels on the seventh day of the ovarian stimulation cycle do not seem to predict the pattern of ovarian response and their determination is not recommended for this purpose.
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. 2008;30(9):466-469
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000900007
Heterotopic gestation, characterized by the presence of combined topic and ectopic gestation, until recently was considered to be a rare event occurring in 1:30,000 pregnancies. With the appearance of assisted reproduction techniques, this incidence increased to 1:100-500 gestations. Early diagnosis is difficult and frequently is made when the uterine tube has already ruptured. It's presented a case of heterotopic pregnancy diagnosed by means of a clinical presentation of hemorrhagic acute abdomen, with good progression of the topic gestation that resulted in birth. It's pointed out the importance of considering this pathology in the evaluation of women submitted to in vitro fertilization, with the objective of early treatment.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(9):466-469
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000900007
Heterotopic gestation, characterized by the presence of combined topic and ectopic gestation, until recently was considered to be a rare event occurring in 1:30,000 pregnancies. With the appearance of assisted reproduction techniques, this incidence increased to 1:100-500 gestations. Early diagnosis is difficult and frequently is made when the uterine tube has already ruptured. It's presented a case of heterotopic pregnancy diagnosed by means of a clinical presentation of hemorrhagic acute abdomen, with good progression of the topic gestation that resulted in birth. It's pointed out the importance of considering this pathology in the evaluation of women submitted to in vitro fertilization, with the objective of early treatment.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):340-345
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700003
PURPOSE: to evaluate the efficacy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in natural cycle (NC). METHODS: retrospective clinical trial that evaluated 70 treatment cycles in 60 couples that were submitted to IVF treatment with ICSI in NC performed in private clinic from 1999 until 2003. It was performed daily ultrasound monitorization or on alternate days, and urinary LH dosage when the follicle reached 16 mm of diameter. It was scheduled egg retrieval when the follicle reached 18 mm of diameter and 36 hours after hCG administration when the LH test was negative. Embryo transfer was performed 48 to 52 hours after ICSI. RESULTS: 70 ICSI cycles in 60 patients were performed and the indications of treatment included: male factor (47.1%), tubal factor (37.1%), associated factors (8.7%), unknown infertility (7.1%). Out of 70 cycles, 18 cycles were cancelled (25.7% of cancellation rate). Out of 52 patients that were submitted to ovarian punction to oocyte retrieval we found mature oocytes in 77% of the cases (40 cycles), in four cases we collected immature oocytes and in eight cases we could not found it. We had 70% of fertilization rate and only one fertilized oocyte did not achieve the cleavage stage. So, the transfers rate per punction and per mature oocyte was 52% and 67.5%, respectively. We had 11.4% of pregnancy rate per cycle, 15.4% per punction and 29.6% per embryo transfer. CONCLUSIONS: FIV/ICSI in NC seem to be a satisfactory option of treatment, with low costs and complications (multiple gestation and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), mainly in poor responder patients and in poor populations.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):340-345
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700003
PURPOSE: to evaluate the efficacy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in natural cycle (NC). METHODS: retrospective clinical trial that evaluated 70 treatment cycles in 60 couples that were submitted to IVF treatment with ICSI in NC performed in private clinic from 1999 until 2003. It was performed daily ultrasound monitorization or on alternate days, and urinary LH dosage when the follicle reached 16 mm of diameter. It was scheduled egg retrieval when the follicle reached 18 mm of diameter and 36 hours after hCG administration when the LH test was negative. Embryo transfer was performed 48 to 52 hours after ICSI. RESULTS: 70 ICSI cycles in 60 patients were performed and the indications of treatment included: male factor (47.1%), tubal factor (37.1%), associated factors (8.7%), unknown infertility (7.1%). Out of 70 cycles, 18 cycles were cancelled (25.7% of cancellation rate). Out of 52 patients that were submitted to ovarian punction to oocyte retrieval we found mature oocytes in 77% of the cases (40 cycles), in four cases we collected immature oocytes and in eight cases we could not found it. We had 70% of fertilization rate and only one fertilized oocyte did not achieve the cleavage stage. So, the transfers rate per punction and per mature oocyte was 52% and 67.5%, respectively. We had 11.4% of pregnancy rate per cycle, 15.4% per punction and 29.6% per embryo transfer. CONCLUSIONS: FIV/ICSI in NC seem to be a satisfactory option of treatment, with low costs and complications (multiple gestation and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), mainly in poor responder patients and in poor populations.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(12):759-767
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005001200009
PURPOSE: to carry out a literature review to evaluate the impact of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) on maternal and perinatal morbidity. METHODS: specialized data bases such as SCI and MEDLINE were used to identify studies related to the terms: "in vitro fertilization", "assisted reproduction" and "reproductive techniques" in combination with "morbidity", "maternal mortality", "perinatal mortality", and "neonatal mortality". RESULTS: data from published studies allow us to conclude that maternal morbidity is related to an increase in the number of multiple pregnancies. In addition, some studies have reported an increased incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. Specialized multidisciplinary prenatal care has been recommended to obtain optimal results. An increase in the number of multiple pregnancies considerably increases maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. There is also evidence of an increase in congenital malformations. The particular characteristics of this group of women and the different techniques of assisted reproduction, particularly ICSI, in the etiology of congenital defects were discussed, but no clear differences have been established between the various procedures. Some recent metanalyses show that the number of fetal malformations in infants born as a result of ICSI is greater than in spontaneously conceived infants, but not more frequent than in those born as a result of other ART. There is no consensus regarding whether this fact is a result of the procedure itself, of manipulation of the gametes, ovulation induction, if it is due to the fact that these couples are infertile or a result of the time they take to become pregnant. Few studies have carried out a prolonged, consistent and systematic evaluation of the perinatal evolution of infants born following the use of frozen embryos. CONCLUSIONS: with respect to fetal malformations, there is definitely a higher incidence rate among infants born as a result of ART compared to those conceived naturally (RR: 1.4-2.0; 95% CI: 1.3-2.7). Insufficient time and data do not yet permit analysis of the outcome of pregnancies resulting from the use of frozen embryos. It is not clear whether these findings are due to the characteristics of the couples who are submitted to these procedures or to the peculiarities of each method. Many of the problems related to maternal and perinatal morbidity are due to the significant number of multiple pregnancies originating from ART. More studies are required in order to clarify these aspects of human reproduction.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(12):759-767
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005001200009
PURPOSE: to carry out a literature review to evaluate the impact of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) on maternal and perinatal morbidity. METHODS: specialized data bases such as SCI and MEDLINE were used to identify studies related to the terms: "in vitro fertilization", "assisted reproduction" and "reproductive techniques" in combination with "morbidity", "maternal mortality", "perinatal mortality", and "neonatal mortality". RESULTS: data from published studies allow us to conclude that maternal morbidity is related to an increase in the number of multiple pregnancies. In addition, some studies have reported an increased incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. Specialized multidisciplinary prenatal care has been recommended to obtain optimal results. An increase in the number of multiple pregnancies considerably increases maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. There is also evidence of an increase in congenital malformations. The particular characteristics of this group of women and the different techniques of assisted reproduction, particularly ICSI, in the etiology of congenital defects were discussed, but no clear differences have been established between the various procedures. Some recent metanalyses show that the number of fetal malformations in infants born as a result of ICSI is greater than in spontaneously conceived infants, but not more frequent than in those born as a result of other ART. There is no consensus regarding whether this fact is a result of the procedure itself, of manipulation of the gametes, ovulation induction, if it is due to the fact that these couples are infertile or a result of the time they take to become pregnant. Few studies have carried out a prolonged, consistent and systematic evaluation of the perinatal evolution of infants born following the use of frozen embryos. CONCLUSIONS: with respect to fetal malformations, there is definitely a higher incidence rate among infants born as a result of ART compared to those conceived naturally (RR: 1.4-2.0; 95% CI: 1.3-2.7). Insufficient time and data do not yet permit analysis of the outcome of pregnancies resulting from the use of frozen embryos. It is not clear whether these findings are due to the characteristics of the couples who are submitted to these procedures or to the peculiarities of each method. Many of the problems related to maternal and perinatal morbidity are due to the significant number of multiple pregnancies originating from ART. More studies are required in order to clarify these aspects of human reproduction.
