Female Infertility Research Articles

Psychological aspects of female infertility of unclear etiology: a review of foreign studies

The purpose of the article is to review foreign studies of the psychological aspects of female infertility of unclear etiology. The article is part of the author's dissertation research on the psychological characteristics of women with infertility of unclear etiology. A search was conducted for data on the topic under study in international databases: PubMed, Researchgate. The review includes studies of female infertility, which assessed the psychological component of infertility. The article considers the relevance of the study of infertility of unclear etiology, the most common causes of infertility, the impact on personality and family relationships, as well as the relationship between the psycho-emotional state of women and their psychophysiological characteristics in infertility. The incidence and etiology of infertility in developed and developing countries differ. The etiology of infertility in developed and developing countries differs. Infertility of unclear etiology accounts for 15 % to 30 % of all infertility cases. To identify the causes of infertility, it is necessary to carry out complex and physically painful procedures. The causes of infertility have a connection with the psychoemotional state of women. Infertility is classified as an unresolved life crisis that poses a threat to parenthood as one of the most important life goals. Women with infertility have a wide range of emotional disorders. The ambiguity of the causes of the diagnosis leads to prolonged stress, depression, anger, frustration, and guilt, which leads to special mental and physical health complications. Fertility problems increase tension and stress in families. Women with infertility prefer to be isolated from their close environment. Increasing restraint between spouses can lead to adverse consequences in marital relations.

Self-disclosure and received social support among women experiencing infertility on reddit: A natural language processing approach

The intricate interplay between self-disclosure strategies and the social support received has garnered limited scholarly attention. Guided by communication privacy management theory, the functional theory of self-disclosure, social support theory, and social penetration theory, this study seeks to delve deeper into this dynamic within the context of female infertility. Fertility challenges among women remain sensitive and veiled by societal silence, thereby compelling them to seek information and support through online channels. By leveraging natural language processing techniques, we examined 11,714 posts and 76,022 comments from the Subreddit IVF over a three-year period. Our investigation shows that online support forums provide a convenient and beneficial channel for women dealing with infertility issues to exchange information and express distress. However, a discrepancy exists between the types and intended functions of self-disclosure and the types of social support received. Posts aiming to clarify personal identities negatively predict the network support received. Moreover, disclosing thoughts in posts often fail to elicit esteem support in comments. The results highlight that online support communities exhibit inherent limitations in offering opportunities for sharing good news and seeking validation. These findings offer guidance to policymakers, practitioners, and the public in enhancing support for women experiencing challenges in childbearing.

Biological and Psychological Investigation of Sexual Desire Disorder in Infertile Men Referred to Avicenna Infertility Treatment Center

Background: Decreased sexual desire in infertile men, which sometimes leads to infertility, can open the way to choose between drug or psychotherapy treatments for these patients, compared to psychological causes. Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare biological and psychological evaluation in men with and without sexual desire disorder in infertile patients referred to Avicenna Infertility Treatment Center.
 Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on infertile men. The studied sample was estimated to be 128 people using G-power software, taking into account the first type error of 0.05, statistical power of 0.8, and effect size of 0.5, from the eligible infertile men by random sampling were chosen. Halbert's Sexual Desire Questionnaire (HISD) was used to measure sexual desire, and Zanke's standard questionnaire was used to measure anxiety.
 Results: In this study, 128 men were examined. Among these people, 39.8% had the cause of male infertility and 11.7% had the cause of female infertility. 3.1% of the people had cryptorchidism, 32% had a history of varicocele, and 7% mentioned infection. Zonk score classification in the participants in the study: 73.33 ± 21.62, normal anxiety, 60.28 ± 13.62, mild anxiety, 50.50 ± 22.63, severe anxiety, and 44.50 ± 16.54, very severe anxiety they had. Among the investigated variables, the level of anxiety and depression is more related to smoking, Cryptorchidism, no history of varicocele, or history of infection.
 Conclusion: Infertile men, in addition to reducing their cognitive well-being, suffer a heavy psychological burden that can cause dysfunction and a decrease in sexual desire.

A report of two homozygous TERB1 protein-truncating variants in two unrelated women with primary infertility.

To investigate the genetic etiology of patients with female infertility. Whole Exome Sequencing was performed on genomic DNA extracted from the patient's blood. Exome data were filtered for damaging rare biallelic variants in genes with possible roles in reproduction. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the selected variants and segregate them in family members. A novel homozygous likely pathogenic variant, c.626G>A, p.Trp209*, was identified in the TERB1 gene of the patient. Additionally, we report a second homozygous pathogenic TERB1 variant, c.1703C>G, p.Ser568*, in an infertile woman whose azoospermic brother was previously described to be homozygous for her variant. Here, we report for the first time two homozygous likely pathogenic and pathogenic TERB1 variants, c.626G>A, p.Trp209* and c.1703C>G, p.Ser568*, respectively, in two unrelated women with primary infertility. TERB1 is known to play an essential role in homologous chromosome movement, synapsis, and recombination during the meiotic prophase I and has an established role in male infertility in humans. Our data add TERB1 to the shortlist of Meiosis I genes associated with human infertility in both sexes.

Prevalence and predictors of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome at Center fertility and repro-ductive medicine at Public IVF center, Ethiopia

Abstract Background Infertility affects fifteen percent of couples who wish to conceive. The mainstay of artificial reproductive technologies is in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), in which aspirated Oocytes are fertilized, followed by the trans cervical replacement of an embryo(s) into the uterine cavity.However, the practice of assisted reproductive technology is loaded with short- and long-term complications. Complications may occur during the course of stimulation, ovum pickup, or embryo transfer. Ample studies are done on in vitro fertilization, but the frequency and importance of complications of IVF in low-resource setups where the treatment itself is not widely available are poorly known. Objective This study aimed to determine the rate of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome and associated factors among women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation and IVF in a public IVF center. Methodology A simple random sampling technique was used to review the medical records of women who have undergone ovarian stimulation and IVF treatment at the Saint Paul’s Hospital Center for Reproductive Medicine and IVF. Results A total of 428 clients had controlled ovarian stimulation and IVF. The mean age of the participants was33yrs among 428 couples who had IVF, majority 245 (57%) had IVF for female factor infertility followed by male factor infertility 89(20%) and unexplained causes 53(12%). The incidence of OHSS in our IVF population was 19(4.4%) out of 428 women. out of the 22 patients with OHSS 17 (87%) developed mild and moderate and the rest 2 out of 22(10 %) had severe OHSS. The odd of developing OHSS was 6 times among those with PCOS, OR 5.78 CI (1.19, 28.22), p value of 0.03. Conclusions and recommendations The overall rate of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome is higher in our IVF population. Emphasis should be given on counseling and risk minimizing measures when women withPCOS Key words: IVF, Complications, Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Association between Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Follicular Fluid and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Infertile Women.

In recent years, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a family of fluorinated organic com pounds, have garnered much attention due to their reproductive and developmental toxicity in humans. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disease that affects women of reproductive age and is a significant contributor to female infertility. A previous study suggested that PFASs play a possible role in PCOS. We conducted a clinical study investigating the relationship between PCOS and PFAS in follicular fluid. A total of 73 infertile patients with PCOS and 218 controls were recruited from the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The concentrations of 12 PFASs in follicular fluid samples and sex hormones in serum were measured. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression revealed a positive relationship between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and testosterone (T) concentrations. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each PFAS were estimated using multivariable logistic regression and quantile-based g-computation (QGC). The PFOA concentrations in follicular fluid were correlated with increased odds of PCOS (second vs. first quartile: OR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.47-9.05, p = 0.005; third vs. first quartile: OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.17-7.26, p = 0.022; fourth vs. first quartile: OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.21-8.09, p = 0.019; P for trend = 0.032). This association was confirmed with QGC. Mediation analysis suggested that the mediation effect of T in association with PFOA and PCOS was not statistically significant. Our study suggests that PFOA may be a risk factor for PCOS.

The role of epigenetics in male and female infertility

Introduction. Today, infertility is a global problem that affects about 48.5 million married couples worldwide. It has been suggested that epigenetic aberrations are of great importance for reproductive health, as they account for an interactive relationship between genomic landscape, interplay with gene environment and disease phenotype. A new understanding on etiology of complex non-Mendelian disease traits has aroused a growing interest in reproductive epigenetics.Aim: to analyze available publications on epigenetic aspects of male and female infertility as well as nutrition-related risk factors.Materials and Methods. There was conducted a search for publications in the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar and Library to be selected in accordance with PRISMA recommendations. All relevant articles published before November 2023 were included in this review. As a result of the search, there were extracted 530 publications from PubMed, 57 publications – from eLibrary and 23 publications – from Google Scholar. Duplicates and non-full-text article versions were excluded.Results. Environmental factors play an important role in generation and maintenance of epigenetic marks. DNA methylation abnormalities can lower human fertility. Altered protamine level may affect epigenetic paternally transmitted DNA information. Long-term infertility is associated with a modified methylome in euploid blastocysts primarily affecting regulation of genomic imprinting. Both excess and deficiency of trace elements are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, similarly applied infertility.Conclusion. Despite that epigenetic mechanisms, genes, nutrition and dietary supplements discussed here affect infertility, while a relevant recommended dose has not yet been determined, it was noted that such parameters may positively influence fertility. However, more comprehensive and longitudinal human studies are required to examine their relationship to male and female reproductive functions.

Impaired receptivity of thin endometrium: therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells.

The endometrium is a resilient and highly dynamic tissue, undergoing cyclic renewal in preparation for embryo implantation. Cyclic endometrial regeneration depends on the intact function of several cell types, including parenchymal, endothelial, and immune cells, as well as adult stem cells that can arise from endometrial or extrauterine sources. The ability of the endometrium to undergo rapid, repeated regeneration without scarring is unique to this tissue. However, if this tissue renewal process is disrupted or dysfunctional, women may present clinically with infertility due to endometrial scarring or persistent atrophic/thin endometrium. Such disorders are rate-limiting in the treatment of female infertility and in the success of in vitro fertilization because of a dearth of treatment options specifically targeting the endometrium. A growing number of studies have explored the potential of adult stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to treat women with disorders of endometrial regeneration. MSCs are multipotent adult stem cells with capacity to differentiate into cells such as adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. In addition to their differentiation capacity, MSCs migrate toward injured sites where they secrete bioactive factors (e.g. cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, proteins and extracellular vesicles) to aid in tissue repair. These factors modulate biological processes critical for tissue regeneration, such as angiogenesis, cell migration and immunomodulation. The MSC secretome has therefore attracted significant attention for its therapeutic potential. In the uterus, studies utilizing rodent models and limited human trials have shown a potential benefit of MSCs and the MSC secretome in treatment of endometrial infertility. This review will explore the potential of MSCs to treat women with impaired endometrial receptivity due to a thin endometrium or endometrial scarring. We will provide context supporting leveraging MSCs for this purpose by including a review of mechanisms by which the MSC secretome promotes regeneration and repair of nonreproductive tissues.

Bi-allelic missense variants in MEI4 cause preimplantation embryonic arrest and female infertility.

Preimplantation embryonic arrest is an important pathogenesis of female infertility, but little is known about the genetic factors behind this phenotype. MEI4 is an essential protein for DNA double-strand break formation during meiosis, and Mei4 knock-out female mice are viable but sterile, indicating that MEI4 plays a crucial role in reproduction. To date, MEI4 has not been found to be associated with any human reproductive diseases. Here, we identified six compound heterozygous and homozygous MEI4 variants-namely, c.293C > T, p.(Ser98Leu), c.401C > G, p.(Pro134Arg), c.391C > G, p.(Pro131Ala), c.914A > T, p.(Tyr305Phe), c.908C > G, p.(Ala303Gly), and c.899A > T, p.(Gln300Leu)-in four independent families that were responsible for female infertility mainly characterized by preimplantation embryonic arrest. In vitro, we found that these variants reduced the interaction between MEI4 and DNA. In vivo, we generated a knock-in mouse model and demonstrated that female mice were infertile and were characterized by developmental defects during oogenesis. Our findings reveal the important roles of MEI4 in human reproduction and provide a new diagnostic marker for genetic counseling of clinical infertility patients.

Unexplained infertility: a fresh look at the old problem and the novel therapeutic options of its treatment

Infertility affects up to 20% of couples worldwide. Among the frequent causes of female infertility are fallopian tubes-related disorders, hormonal and ovulation disorders, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility. The modern-day tendency to delay pregnancy has increased the incidence of age-related infertility, as female reproductive competence decreases with aging. Aging is associated with low-grade inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced capacity of antioxidant protection system, and stem cell exhaustion in female reproductive system. Hence, the appropriate actions should be made to address the infertility caused by reproductive aging, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In recent years, a considerable progress in cell therapy as an emerging approach for the treatment infertility has been made. Cell therapy involves utilizing stem cells, precursor cells, cellular extracts, exosomes and other cell-derived therapeutic agents. Cell therapy can be an effective strategy as it provides an interactive, dynamic, specific and individualized treatment.

The causal relationship of female infertility and psychiatric disorders in the European population: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundInfertility affects many couples globally, causing physical, emotional, and financial burdens. While observational studies suggest a link between psychiatric disorders and female infertility, causal relationships remain uncertain. Mendelian randomization analysis, using genome-wide association studies data, minimizes confounding factors and reverse causation, providing valuable insights into causal associations.MethodsWe conducted Mendelian randomization analysis to explore the potential causal relationship between female infertility and psychiatric disorders. Genome-wide association studies summary data for female infertility (112,105 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 11,442 cases and 100,663 controls), depression (807,553 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 246,363 cases and 561,190 controls), anxiety (21,763 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 7,016 cases and 14,745 controls), bipolar disorder (51,710 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 20,352 cases and 31,358 controls), and eating disorders (72,517 individuals of European ancestry, comprising 16,992 cases and 55,525 controls) were utilized. Instrumental variables were selected based on significant single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with each phenotype. We assessed instrumental variable strength, examined confounding factors, and employed inverse variance weighting, weighted median, and MR-Egger approaches for analysis.ResultsOur analysis included 85 single nucleotide polymorphisms for female infertility and 62 single nucleotide polymorphisms for psychiatric disorders. Results suggest a potential causal relationship between depression and female infertility, with both inverse variance weighting and weighted median methods showing increased infertility risk in depressed patients. Evidence is weak regarding bipolar disorder not increasing female infertility risk. We found no evidence supporting causal links between anxiety, eating disorders, and female infertility. Similarly, no causal relationship was found between female infertility and psychiatric disorders in the opposite direction. Sensitivity analyses and tests for heterogeneity and polymorphism supported result robustness.ConclusionsThis analysis provides evidence for a potential causal relationship between depression and female infertility. Addressing depression in infertile women may improve fertility outcomes. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and potential interventions for improving fertility outcomes in women with psychiatric disorders.

Sonohysterography Assessment of the Structural Abnormalities of the Uterus in Women with Infertility in Ethiopia

Background: Female factor infertility is associated with a high incidence of the uterine cavity and fallopian tube pathology in developing countries with a high prevalence of STDs, therefore various methods are available for structural evaluation of the female reproductive system, among them is saline infusion sonohysterography (SISHG). The study aimed to assess the role of SISHSG in female infertility evaluation in areas where the gold standard investigating modalities are not readily available.
 Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between January 2019 to August 2019 G.C. SISHSG consists of instillation of saline into the endometrial cavity with simultaneous pelvic ultrasonography (US). Fifty consecutive female patients referred to the Radiology Department for SISHSG are included in the study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for 26 patients who had both SISHSG and conventional HSG.
 Result: The majority of the patients were in the age group of 35-40(38%) and 34 (68%) had secondary infertility. The commonest abnormalities detected were uterine myoma 10(20%), Asherman syndrome/cervical stenosis 7 (14%), and tubal blockage 6(10%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of SISHSG in normal study, Asherman syndrome/cervical stenosis and chronic endometritis was 100%, as compared to the gold standard conventional HSG. For bilateral tubal blockage the SISHSG had 50% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 66.7% PPV and 81.8% NPV, however, for unilateral tubal blockage SISHSG had low sensitivity 33%.
 Conclusion: SISHSG is readily available, easy-to-do, safe and radiation-free procedure and has high sensitivity and specificity in detecting uterine cavity abnormality. We advocate its use as a first step of investigation modality in the evaluation of female infertility.

Allium ampeloprasum var. Porrum (Alliaceae) Improves Metabolic and Reproductive Disorders Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Wistar Rats.

To provide scientific evidence of the efficacy of Allium ampeloprasum against female infertility, the effects of the aqueous extract of the said plant (AE) were evaluated in rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AE was administered orally to PCOS rats at doses of 192, 384, and 768 mg/kg. The positive control was co-treated with clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg) and metformin (200 mg/kg). Normal and negative controls received distilled water. The vaginal contents of rats were examined daily under a microscope before (7 days) and during treatment. Treatments were administered orally for 15 days, and then, 6 rats from each group were sacrificed for biochemical and histological analyses. The remaining rats were mated with males of proven fertility for 5 days. The daily examination of vaginal smears allowed the evaluation of fertility index. After parturition, additional fertility parameters were determined. Results showed that in PCOS rats, AE decreased body weight (p < 0.001), abdominal fat weight (p < 0.001), serum levels of LH (p < 0.001), testosterone (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.05), and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.01). HDL cholesterol increased and atherogenic indices decreased (p < 0.001). The number of Graafian follicles and corpora lutea increased, while cystic (p < 0.001) and atretic (p < 0.05) follicles decreased. AE also decreased oxidative stress in the ovaries, restored the estrous cycle, induced uterine epithelial cell hypertrophy, and improved fertility. These effects were attributed to phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthocyanins present in AE. The overall results justify the traditional use of A. ampeloprasum against female infertility and suggest its potential use as a dietary supplement for PCOS patients.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Exosomes Repair Uterine Injury by Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling.

Intrauterine adhesions (IUA) refer to adhesions within the uterine cavity and cervix caused by injuries from uterine surgery. They are a significant cause of female infertility. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an active role in the treatment of IUA. However, the mechanism by which they reduce fibrosis in the damaged endometrium remains unclear. In this paper, we demonstrate that exosomes derived from placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) can restore uterine functions and improve the fertility rate of injured animals. This is achieved by promoting cell proliferation, increasing endometrial thickness, and reversing fibrosis. Regarding the molecular mechanism behind these therapeutic effects, we identify three specific miRNAs, namely, miR-125b-5p, miR-30c-5p, and miR-23a-3p, enriched in PMSC-exosomes, as the key players in the treatment of IUA. Specifically, miR-125b-5p/miR-30c-5p and miR-23a-3p inhibit the expression of smad2 and smad3 by targeting their 3'-untranslated regions, resulting in the downregulation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/smad signaling pathway and the reversal of fibrosis. Notably, the safety of PMSC-exosomes in intrauterine treatment was also been confirmed. In conclusion, we illustrate that exosomes derived from PMSCs possess the capability to repair endometrial damage and enhance fertility in injured animals by regulating the TGF-β/smad pathway via miR-125b-5p, miR-30c-5p, and miR-23a-3p. This provides insights into the precision treatment of IUA through exosome-based cell-free therapy.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and its management: In view of oxidative stress.

In the past two decades, oxidative stress (OS) has drawn a lot of interest due to the revelation that individuals with many persistent disorders including diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cardiovascular, and other disorders often have aberrant oxidation statuses. OS has a close interplay with PCOS features such as insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and chronic inflammation; there is a belief that OS might contribute to the development of PCOS. PCOS is currently recognized as not only one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders but also a significant contributor to female infertility, affecting a considerable proportion of women globally. Therefore, the understanding of the relationship between OS and PCOS is crucial to the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies for PCOS. Moreover, the mechanistic study of intracellular reactive oxygen species/ reactive nitrogen species formation and its possible interaction with women's reproductive health is required, which includes complex enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Apart from that, our current review includes possible regulation of the pathogenesis of OS. A change in lifestyle, including physical activity, various supplements that boost antioxidant levels, particularly vitamins, and the usage of medicinal herbs, is thought to be the best way to combat this occurrence of OS and improve the pathophysiologic conditions associated with PCOS.

Effect of radiation on serum anti-Müllerian hormone during hysterosalpingography in female infertility

Research questionDoes radiation exposure during hysterosalpingography (HSG) negatively affect serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in infertile women? DesignProspective cohort study conducted at Songklanagarind Hospital, Thailand, between April 2021 and May 2023. Thirty-two infertile women and 34 control participants were enrolled. Serum AMH levels were assessed in the infertile group at baseline before the HSG procedure and at 1 and 3 months after the procedure. Control participants, who self-reported no medical conditions, underwent the same AMH level assessments. Changes in serum AMH levels were compared. ResultsInfertile women had a mean age of 32.4 ± 3.8 years, body mass index of 21.2 ± 2.0 kg/m2 and baseline mean AMH level of 3.66 ng/ml (95% CI 3.00 to 4.32), which did not significantly differ from the control group. One month after HSG, mean AMH level significantly declined (0.33 ng/ml, 95% CI –0.65 to –0.01; P = 0.045) in the infertile group. The change in serum AMH levels between baseline and 1 month was significantly different in the HSG group compared with controls (–0.33 ng/ml, 95% CI –0.65 to –0.01 versus 0.36 ng/ml, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.67; P = 0.002). Changes in serum AMH levels from baseline to 3 months did not differ between the two groups. ConclusionsOne month after the HSG, infertile women experienced a significant decrease in serum AMH levels compared with controls. The change in serum AMH levels between baseline and 3 months after HSG did not significantly differ from that of the control group.

The Relationship Between Vitamin D Levels and Amh and Other Ovarian Reserve Parameters in Infertile Women

Objective:Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is one of the biochemical markers used to predict the ovarian response and determine the size of the primordial follicle pool. Obtaining data on the presence of vitamin D receptors in the central and peripheral reproductive organs in recent studies is shown as proof that this vitamin plays an important role in reproduction. There are studies conducted in recent years showing that Vitamin D plays an important role in reproduction. We aimed to determine the possible connection and function of vitamin D by analyzing the AMH and other ovarian reserve parameters of the patients who applied to the infertility clinic. Material Methods:This study was realized retrospectively, and the files of 284 patients with infertility problems were examined. The patients were evaluated in 2 groups; Group I, those with vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL and those with II. The group was compared as those with vitamin D levels above or equal to 20ng/ml. Results:Vitamin D level was determined as p0.008 according to age among the groups, and p0.001 in the summer season when analyzed according to the seasons. Estradiol (E2) level was observed as p0.013. In addition, no statistical significance was found between vitamin D and vitamin D according to AMH, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and antral follicle number (AFC) (p0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that there was no significant correlation between ovarian reserve parameters, especially AMH, FSH and AFC, and vitamin D levels of female patients who applied to our clinic due to infertility. Multicenter and prospective studies on Vitamin D, which is very important for both female and male infertility, need to provide new data for clinical applications.

Homoeopathy – An Alternative to Conventional Treatment for Infertility

AbstractInfertility is a disease of reproductive system in males or females. It is defined as inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of unprotected sexual intercourse. As per the World Health Organisation, the availability, access and quality of infertility treatment are challenges in most countries especially the middle- and low-income countries. Infertility has a negative psychological and social impact for couples. The cost of conventional treatment which includes medicines and assisted reproductive techniques can be a deterrent for many. Published case reports have shown positive pregnancy outcome in infertility cases treated with homoeopathy due to both male and female causes. There is a need to make homoeopathic treatment for infertility accessible to general population through focused outpatient departments (OPDs) and also consolidate research-based evidence of efficacy of homoeopathy in infertility through well-designed comparative randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Towards this, Dr. D. P. Rastogi Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy has made effort to start weekly infertility OPD. The institute is also in process of initiating a RCT on female infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome cases with comparative arm of conventional treatment and homoeopathic treatment.

Potential Causal Association between Plasma Metabolites, Immunophenotypes, and Female Reproductive Disorders: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

While extensive research highlighted the involvement of metabolism and immune cells in female reproductive diseases, causality remains unestablished. Instrumental variables for 486 circulating metabolites (N = 7824) and 731 immunophenotypes (N = 3757) were derived from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis. FinnGen contributed data on 14 female reproductive disorders. A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study was performed to determine the relationships between exposures and outcomes. The robustness of results, potential heterogeneity, and horizontal pleiotropy were examined through sensitivity analysis. High levels of mannose were found to be causally associated with increased risks of gestational diabetes (GDM) (OR [95% CI], 6.02 [2.85-12.73], p = 2.55 × 10-6). A genetically predicted elevation in the relative count of circulating CD28-CD25++CD8+ T cells was causally related to increased female infertility risk (OR [95% CI], 1.26 [1.14-1.40], p = 1.07 × 10-5), whereas a high absolute count of NKT cells reduced the risk of ectopic pregnancy (OR [95% CI], 0.87 [0.82-0.93], p = 5.94 × 10-6). These results remained consistent in sensitivity analyses. Our study supports mannose as a promising GDM biomarker and intervention target by integrating metabolomics and genomics.

ROLE OF SHODHANA AS PREVENTION AND ITS BENEFITS IN VANDHYATVA

Garbha Dharana is a boon and is a dream of every woman in this society. According to a WHO report, Infertility is a global health issue affecting millions of people of reproductive age worldwide. Forty-eight million couples and 186 million individuals have infertility globally, and 15 to 20 million (25%) are in India alone. Vandhyatva has been explained as equivalent to female infertility. In Ayurveda, the development of any disease is linked to the imbalance of Shareerika, Manasika Doshas, Bahudoshavastha, and Agnimandya, which can lead to the manifestation of Vyadhi. Therefore, Shodhana is considered the best treatment modality as it helps in eradicating the Doshas from its root and clearing Sroto Avarodha, ultimately resulting in the Poshana of Dhatus, preventing Vyadhi Punarudbhava and its effect stays for Chirakalina. So, in this paper, an attempt is made to understand the role of Shodhana in prevention and its benefits in Vandhyatva.