Stimulation In Women Research Articles

Comparison of nonimplantable electrical stimulation in women with urinary incontinence: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This study examined the effectiveness of various electrical stimulation methods in alleviating symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for women with urinary incontinence. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to August 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that meet following criteria were included, urinary continence in women, using various electric stimulation treatments and evaluated outcomes related to symptoms, quality of life. Thirty RCTs were subjected to risk of bias assessment, certainty of evidence, and network meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model, with continuous variables expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Percutaneous tibial stimulation (SMD - 1.86, 95% CI - 2.77 to - 0.96) and intravaginal stimulation (SMD - 0.97, 95% CI - 1.55 to - 0.38) significantly reduced symptom severity. Additionally, percutaneous tibial, intravaginal, transcutaneous tibial, and trans-sacral stimulations improved quality of life. Percutaneous tibial stimulation was the most effective, followed by intravaginal stimulation. Despite moderate to low confidence in the evidence, large-scale RCTs are needed to evaluate long-term benefits of these treatment.

Unilateral and Bilateral Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Women With Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study (UBTTNS-OAB Study).

The efficacy of unilateral versus bilateral Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS) for women with Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB) remains uncertain. To compare the efficacy of unilateral and bilateral TTNS in the tibial region in women with OAB. This randomized, controlled, triple-blind clinical trial included women with OAB or urgency-predominant urinary incontinence (UUI). Participants were randomized (1:1) into the Unilateral Tibial Group or Bilateral Tibial Group. Before treatment, they underwent a pre-assessment including peripheral sensitivity examination and completion of sociodemographic data and seven validated questionnaires on urinary symptoms, quality of life, sleep, and psycho-emotional aspects. TTNS interventions were administered twice weekly (12 sessions, 30 min each). Posttreatment, participants underwent another physical examination and completed the same questionnaires, with a 30-day follow-up. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher's Exact Test, while numerical variables were assessed with the Mann-Whitney test. Group comparisons over time utilized intention-to-treat ANOVA (p < 0.05). Thirty-five women participated: 17 in the unilateral group and 18 in the bilateral group. Mean ages were 55.1 (±14.7) years and 52.7 (±12.6) years, respectively (p = 0.680). Initial OAB severity (ICIQ-OAB) did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.561). Both groups showed significant improvement in ICIQ-OAB scores: unilateral group from 10.1 (±3.4) to 5.8 (±3.4) (p < 0.001), bilateral group from 9.3 (±3.3) to 5.1 (±4) (p < 0.001), with no intergroup difference (p = 0.395). Improvement in UUI symptoms was observed: unilateral group from 2.2 (±1.4) to 0.7 (±1.5), bilateral group from 1.5 (±1.9) to 0.2 (±0.5), without significant intergroup difference (p = 0.645). Quality of life scores improved similarly between groups (p = 0.055). TTNS appears to be effective in improving bladder storage and UUI symptoms in women with OAB, with no difference between unilateral and bilateral applications. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) (RBR: 96f2fgkn).

276 - Effects of External Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Women with Urgency Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Study

276 - Effects of External Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Women with Urgency Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Study

3 - First in human exploratory study of adaptive pudendal nerve stimulation in women with refractory urge or mixed urinary incontinence: short term results in 11 patients.

3 - First in human exploratory study of adaptive pudendal nerve stimulation in women with refractory urge or mixed urinary incontinence: short term results in 11 patients.

Comparison of fixed and flexible progestin-primed ovarian stimulation in women classified in patient-oriented strategies encompassing individualized oocyte number (POSEIDON) group 4.

This study aimed to compare the fixed and flexible protocols for progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) in poor ovarian responders. This retrospective study included 95 poor ovarian responders classified using the Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing Individualized Oocyte Number group 4 criteria. Treatment involved assisted reproductive medicine using fixed and flexible PPOS protocols at Shiga University of Medical Science between July 2019 and August 2023. PPOS cycles were assigned to the fixed and flexible groups at the discretion of attending physicians. The results of assisted reproductive medicine were compared between groups. The fixed and flexible groups included 68 and 27 patients, respectively. The flexible group obtained more retrieved oocytes and two pro-nuclei than the fixed group, without an early luteinizing hormone surge. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that differences in protocols and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were related to the number of retrieved oocytes. The differences in protocols were more strongly correlated with the number of oocytes than with the AMH levels. Among poor ovarian responders, the flexible PPOS protocol provided more retrieved oocytes than the fixed PPOS protocol, possibly because the total dosage of progestins was lower in the flexible group and progestins were not administered at the time when ovarian stimulation was initiated.

Effects of external neuromuscular electrical stimulation in women with urgency urinary incontinence: a randomized sham-controlled study

Background and PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the effects of external neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on urinary symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS), quality of life (QoL), sexual function, perception of subjective improvement (PSI), and satisfaction in urgency urinary incontinence (UUI).Materials and MethodsThe randomized sham-controlled study design was employed in this study. Women aged 18–65 years, who were diagnosed with UUI, were randomly allocated into the NMES (external NMES + lifestyle advice, n = 15) and sham groups (sham NMES + lifestyle advice, n = 15). Both groups performed the application for 30 min, three days a week for eight weeks. Urinary symptoms were evaluated by using the International Incontinence Consultation Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a 3-day bladder diary. PFMS was assessed using the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS), QoL using the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and sexual function using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12). The PSI and satisfaction were questioned.ResultsThere was a higher level of decrease in the ICIQ-SF score, the mean number of voids/night and UI, all scores related to the KHQ (excluding interpersonal relationships), and a higher level of increase in maximum voiding volume, MOS scores, PISQ-12-emotional, PISQ-12-physical, and PISQ-12-total scores in the NMES group when compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). PSI and satisfaction were at higher levels in the NMES group than in the sham group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsExternal NMES was an effective and complementary method in reducing urinary symptoms and improving PFMS, QoL, sexual function, PSI, and satisfaction level in women with UUI.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT04727983.

Controlled ovarian stimulation leads to cardiovascular changes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization

ObjectiveTo study hemodynamic changes along controlled ovarian stimulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Study designProspective observational cohort study conducted at Mother and Child Department of University Hospital Federico II, in Naples, Italy, between April 2021 and July 2022. Sixty-eight infertile patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation with gonadotropin, antagonist protocol and a fresh embryo transfer were included. Haemodynamic assessment was carried out using UltraSonic Cardiac Output Monitor at baseline (T1), estradiol peak (T2), fresh embryo-transfer day (T3). To evaluate relationships between quantitative variables and groups a Student T test for independent data was assessed. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences between the means of three time points (T1, T2 and T3) for quantitative variables. A mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences between groups, among time points (T1, T2 and T3). ResultsSixty-eight patients were included. Significant differences over the three time points have been observed for CO (f = 3.78 l/min; p = 0.025), SVI (f = 3.56 ml/m2;p = 0.013), and RSVI (f = 4.84 dscm-5 m2; p = 0.009). No significant differences in trends have been found between beta hCG positive and beta hCG negative groups. There were no significant differences in maternal hemodynamic parameters at time-point T3 between patients treated with hCG 10,000 UI and with Triptorelin. Patients considered at increased risk of hyperstimulation reported a significant increase in SVI at baseline (26.9 ± 9.0 mL/m2 vs 21.9 ± 7.0 mL/m2; p = 0.010). ConclusionAccording to the results of our study, during controlled ovarian stimulation with antagonist protocol, patients undergo significant changes in maternal cardiovascular parameters over a very short period.

A heatmap for expected cumulative live birth rate in preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders and chromosomal structural rearrangements

PurposeOur objective is to predict the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) and identify the specific subset within the population undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) and chromosomal structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) which is likely to exhibit a diminished expected CLBR based on various patient demographics.MethodsWe performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study including 1522 women undergoing 3130 PGT cycles at a referral centre for PGT. A logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the CLBR per ovarian stimulation in women undergoing PGT-M by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, and in women undergoing PGT-SR by SNP array, array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) or next-generation sequencing (NGS).ResultsThe mean age of women was 32.6 years, with a mean AMH of 2.75 µg/L. Female age and AMH significantly affected the expected CLBR irrespective of the inheritance mode or PGT technology. An expected CLBR < 10% was reached above the age of 42 years and AMH ≤ 1.25 µg/L. We found no significant difference in outcome per ovarian stimulation between the different PGT technologies, i.e. PCR, SNP array, array CGH and NGS. Whereas per embryo transfer, we noticed a significantly higher probability of live birth when SNP array, array CGH and NGS were used as compared to PCR.ConclusionIn a PGT-setting, couples with an unfavourable female age and AMH should be informed of the prognosis to allow other reproductive choices. The heatmap produced in this study can be used as a visual tool for PGT couples.

COMMENTARY PART 2: WEIGHT LOSS INTERVENTIONS FOR IMPROVING FERTILITYA SYNTHESIS OF CURRENT EVIDENCE

Infertility is a widespread issue which is estimated to affect up to 17.5% of the global population. Evidence suggests that the most common causes of female infertility are ovulation disorders. That said, lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity are key determinants which have been shown to impact female physiology and significantly decrease the chances of conception. Obesity has been widely recognised as a significant factor that negatively impacts ovarian stimulation in women and is associated with several reproductive disorders. Despite improvements in fertility treatments, obesity remains a challenge particularly for fertility clinics because of the poorer pregnancy outcomes observed within the population. In this article, we will explore the effects of weight loss on female fertility and review the various strategies that have been shown to be effective in reducing obesity and improving reproductive outcomes.

Letrozole cotreatment progestin-primed ovarian stimulation in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization.

To investigate the impact of letrozole cotreatment progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) (Le PPOS) in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and the pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. This retrospective cohort study included women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A total of 2575 cycles were included (1675 in the Le PPOS group and 900 in the PPOS group). The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rates. The secondary outcome was the live birth rates. In this study, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to create a perfect match of 379 patients in each group. After matching, the numbers of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, fertilization, and clinical pregnancy rates were more favorable in the Le PPOS group than in the PPOS group (all p < 0.05). The multivariable analysis showed that the clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the Le PPOS than in the PPOS group (odds ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-2.04, p = 0.024) after adjusting for potentially confounding factors (age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, antral follicular count, the type of embryo transferred, number of transferred embryos, body mass index, and follicular stimulating hormone and estradiol levels on starting day). This retrospective study with a limited sample size suggests that the Le PPOS protocol might be an alternative to the PPOS protocol in women undergoing COS and could lead to better pregnancy outcomes. The results should be confirmed using a formal randomized controlled trial.

Follitropin delta combined with menotropin in patients at risk for poor ovarian response during in vitro fertilization cycles: a prospective controlled clinical study

BackgroundThe maximum daily dose of follitropin delta for ovarian stimulation in the first in vitro fertilization cycle is 12 μg (180 IU), according to the algorithm developed by the manufacturer, and based on patient’s ovarian reserve and weight. This study aimed to assess whether 150 IU of menotropin combined with follitropin delta improves the response to stimulation in women with serum antimullerian hormone levels less than 2.1 ng/mL.MethodsThis study involved a prospective intervention group of 44 women who received 12 μg of follitropin delta combined with 150 IU of menotropin from the beginning of stimulation and a retrospective control group of 297 women who received 12 μg of follitropin delta alone during the phase 3 study of this drug. The inclusion and exclusion criteria and other treatment and follow-up protocols in the two groups were similar. The pituitary suppression was achieved by administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. Ovulation triggering with human chorionic gonadotropin or GnRH agonist and the option of transferring fresh embryos or using freeze-all strategy were made according to the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.ResultsWomen who received follitropin delta combined with menotropin had higher estradiol levels on trigger day (2150 pg/mL vs. 1373 pg/mL, p < 0.001), more blastocysts (3.1 vs. 2.4, p = 0.003) and more top-quality blastocysts (1.8 vs. 1.3, p = 0.017). No difference was observed in pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, and live birth rates after the first embryo transfer. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome did not differ between the groups. However, preventive measures for the syndrome were more frequent in the group using both drugs than in the control group (13.6% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn women with serum antimullerian hormone levels less than 2.1 ng/mL, the administration of 150 IU of menotropin combined with 12 μg of follitropin delta improved the ovarian response, making it a valid therapeutic option in situations where ovulation triggering with a GnRH agonist and freeze-all embryos strategy can be used routinely.Trial registrationU1111-1247-3260 (Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials, available at https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2kmyfm).

SPERM PARAMETERS' PREDICTIVE VALUE IN INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION SUCCESS: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

Although intrauterine insemination is a widely used assisted reproductive technique there is no consensus on sperm parameters that affect the probability of pregnancy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether semen parameters affect intrauterine insemination success. A total of 403 couples (345 negative pregnancies, and 58 positive pregnancy) that underwent 549 intrauterine insemination treatment cycles for heterogenous indications were included in the study. Clomiphen citrate, letrazole and/or gonadotropins were used for ovarian stimulation in women in this study. The spermiogram tests of the spouse of receiving IUI tretment were examined. Clinical pregnancy occurred in 58 of 549 intrauterine insemination (10.56%). Unexplained infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cervical-tubal factors were higher in positive pregnancy group compared to negative pregnancy group while male factor was more prevalant in negative pregnancy group comparison to positive pregnancy group (p=0.03). There was no statistical difference between women with positive and negative pregnancy in terms of age (≤ 35 and &gt; 35), body mass index, infertility type, infertility time, endometrial thickness on HCG day, stimulation protocol, cycle numbers, number of insemination, estradiol, prolactin, LH, FSH, and TSH levels (p&gt;0.05). The sperm characteristics in males [ejaculate volum, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, immotility, and total progressive motile sperm count] did not significantly differed between positive and negative pregnancy groups (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Briefly, the present study found that the conception probability of intrauterine insemination did not correlate with the spermiogram parameters.

#317 : The Clinical Outcome of Ovarian Stimulation Undergoing Intrauterine Insemination with Follitropin Delta in Indonesian Women

Background and Aims: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) has been widely used as a common treatment for infertile couples due to its simplicity and low cost. Numerous studies have shown that IUI cycles with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) result in higher pregnancy rates compared to those without COS. Follitropin delta, a novel recombinant FSH (rFSH) can be used for controlled ovarian stimulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and was dosed individually based on serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration and body weight. In this study, we used a simplified dosage equivalent method. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of follitropin delta in its simplified dosage equivalent regimen with follitropin alfa in a conventional dose regimen in Indonesian women undergoing intrauterine insemination. Method: A single-center, retrospective observational study from January 2020 to December 2022 was performed in 228 IUI cycles in Halim Fertility Center, Indonesia. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation was performed during IUI cycles and divided into two groups: group I received follitropin delta with a simplified dosage equivalent regimen, and group II received follitropin alfa with a conventional dose. The baseline characteristics, cycle parameters, and IUI outcomes of both groups were compared. Results: Our study included 228 IUI cycles with the follitropin delta group (114 IUI cycles) and the follitropin alfa group (114 IUI cycles). The clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the follitropin delta than the follitropin alfa but there was no significant difference between the groups (p&gt;0.05). The multiple pregnancy rate and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) rates were lower in follitropin delta than follitropin alfa but there was no significant difference between the groups (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Follitropin delta with a simplified dosage equivalent regimen showed higher efficacy and similar safety compared with follitropin alfa in conventional dosing regimen in Indonesian women undergoing Intrauterine insemination.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with poor ovarian response: protocol for a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial

IntroductionApproximately 17.5% of couples of reproductive age have experienced infertility. Women with a poor ovarian response (POR) must undergo in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer to achieve pregnancy. However,...

Growth hormone supplementation during ovarian stimulation in women with advanced maternal age undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for Aneuploidy

BackgroundStudies have shown that supplementation with recombinant human GH (rh-GH) during ovarian stimulation (OS) may improve the ovarian response and clinical outcomes of IVF. However, it remains unclear whether GH is associated with the ploidy status of embryos, and therefore, is unable to explain the underlying reason for the effect of GH on IVF outcomes. This study aimed to investigate whether GH supplementation in women with advanced maternal age (AMA) during OS is related to an increased probability of obtaining euploid blastocysts.MethodsThis was a single center retrospective cohort study. The data of all women aged 38–46 years who underwent their first preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycle between January 2021 and June 2022 were reviewed. Patients in the GH group received 4 IU/day subcutaneous GH supplementation from the beginning of OS to the trigger day, and patients in the control group did not. A total of 140 patients in the GH group and 272 patients in the control group were included after 1:2 propensity score matching.ResultsThe baseline and cycle characteristics between the two groups were similar. The proportion of cycles which obtained euploid blastocysts was significantly higher in the GH group than that in the control group (41.43% vs. 27.21%, P = 0.00). The GH group had a significantly higher euploid blastocyst rate per cohort (32.47% vs. 21.34%, P = 0.00) and mean euploid blastocyst rate per cycle (per biopsy cycle 0.35 ± 0.40 vs. 0.21 ± 0.33, P = 0.00; per OS cycle 0.27 ± 0.38 vs. 0.16 ± 0.30, P = 0.02). However, the benefit of GH was more significant in patients aged 38–40 years, but not significant in patients aged 41–46 years. Pregnancy outcomes were similar between the two groups after embryo transfer.ConclusionsGH supplementation during OS is associated with a significantly increased probability of obtaining euploid blastocysts in women aged 38–40 years, but this benefit is not significant in women aged 41–46 years. Our results explained the underlying reason for the effect of GH on IVF outcomes in existing studies, and might be helpful for AMA patients undergoing PGT-A cycles to obtain a better outcome meanwhile to avoid over-treatment.Trial registrationNCT05574894, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

A-055 Clinical Performance Evaluation of the ADVIA Centaur AMH Assay

Abstract Background Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a transforming growth factor beta protein synthesized by granulosa cells of small growing follicles in ovaries in females and by Sertoli cells of the testes in males. AMH measurements are increasingly being used in the assessment of ovarian reserve, prediction of response to controlled ovarian stimulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, as an aid in the diagnostic evaluation of polycystic ovary syndrome, and prediction of menopause. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the ADVIA Centaur® AMH assay in the assessment of ovarian reserve and compare performance to the Beckman ACCESS 2 AMH assay. In addition, an exploratory analysis evaluated ADVIA Centaur AMH assay performance in distinguishing women with expected poor ovarian response per published criteria. Methods Clinical specimens were collected from 577 women at 11 U.S. fertility centers. Women enrolled were 22–45 years old and possessed both ovaries. They underwent blood draw and transvaginal ultrasound to measure the antral follicle count on days 2–4 of menstrual cycle. Women with BMI ≥40; pregnancy within 3 months; on contraceptives, hormonal medications; undergoing treatment for malignancy, ovarian abnormalities, surgery in the past 6 months; or with endocrine or metabolic disorders (including PCOS) were excluded. Results Results were considered positive (high ovarian reserve) if the AMH concentration was &amp;gt;1.77 ng/mL and AFC was &amp;gt;15 and negative (normal-to-diminished ovarian reserve) if the AMH concentration was ≤1.77 ng/mL and AFC was ≤15. The estimated sensitivity, specificity, and two-sided 95% Wilson score confidence intervals (CI) of each parameter were determined to be 90.76% (86.97–93.53) and 52.19% (46.29–58.03) using the ADVIA Centaur AMH assay, and 90.10% (86.22–92.98) and 52.19% (46.29–58.03) with the ACCESS 2 AMH assay, respectively.A secondary analysis was completed to investigate poor ovarian response (POR) according to the Bologna criteria, published by the ESHRE. These criteria define poor ovarian response as an AMH measurement of less than 1.1 ng/mL and AFC of less than 7. Of the 577 women included in the study, 32 women had an antral follicle count less than 7, of whom 26 also had a AMH concentration of less than 1.1 ng/mL. Of the 545 women with an antral follicle count greater than or equal to 7, 480 also had AMH measurements of greater than or equal to 1.1 ng/mL. Using the Bologna criteria, the ADVIA Centaur AMH assay performs with a sensitivity of 81.25% and specificity of 88.07%. Conclusions In this clinical population, the sensitivity and specificity of AMH assays on the ADVIA Centaur XP and Beckman ACCESS 2 systems were almost identical when using an AMH cutoff ≤1.77 ng/mL and AFC ≤15 to identify normal-to-diminished ovarian reserve. Using published criteria for POR resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 81.25% and 88.07% for the ADVIA Centaur AMH assay. Not available for sale in the U.S. Future availability cannot be guaranteed. Product availability varies by county. HOOD#05162003331923

Efficacy of progestin-primed ovarian stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

NPLASY (202340059). https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-4-0059/.

Effects of Nature-Based Multisensory Stimulation on Pain Mechanisms in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe term “nature-based sensory stimuli” refers to the sensory information produced by biotic and abiotic agents from natural environments. The literature has reported the beneficial effects of these agents on various pain dimensions in non-clinical populations. AimsTo evaluate the potential analgesic effects of nature-based multisensory stimulation in women with fibromyalgia syndrome. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio was conducted. Forty-two women with fibromyalgia syndrome interacted with either different plant species with flowers, stones, and soil organic matter or their synthetic imitations for 30 minutes. Outcome measurements were performed before and after the intervention, including clinical pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale, cold pain thresholds using the Cold Pressor Test, mechanical hyperalgesia and wind-up using a monofilament, and pressure pain thresholds using a pressure algometer. ResultsAnalyses revealed group × time interactions for clinical pain intensity (F = 7.915, p = .008), cold-water immersion time (F = 7.271, p = .010), mechanical hyperalgesia (F = 4.701, p = .036), and pressure pain threshold (p ≤ .017). Between-group differences were found in clinical pain intensity (p = .012), cold pain thresholds (p = .002), and pressure pain thresholds (p < .05). The experimental group exhibited reduced clinical pain intensity (p = .001) and increased pressure pain thresholds (p ≤ .034). ConclusionsWomen with fibromyalgia syndrome may benefit from multisensory stimulation using biotic and abiotic agents from natural environments for 30 minutes. Interacting with flowering plants and soil components appears to induce analgesic effects.

The therapeutic effects of rFSH versus uFSH/uHMG on ovarian stimulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of rFSH versus uFSH/uHMG on ovarian stimulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. The databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched to retrieve data on eligible trials from inception until July 2022. The relative risks (RRs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to assess categorical and continuous outcomes, and the pooled results were calculated using the random-effects model. Sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses were also performed. Forty-eight trials that enrolled 10,127 women were included in this quantitative meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between rFSH and uFSH/uHMG in the clinical pregnancy rate (RR: 1.01; 95% CI 0.95-1.07; P = 0.760), live birth rate (RR: 0.98; 95% CI 0.91-1.06; P = 0.665), multiple pregnancy rate (RR: 0.92; 95% CI 0.77-1.09; P = 0.320), miscarriage rate (RR: 1.17; 95% CI 0.94-1.46; P = 0.151), and the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (RR: 1.25; 95% CI 0.91-1.70; P = 0.164). In addition, the administration of rFSH was associated with a higher number of oocyte retrieval compared with that of uFSH/uHMG (WMD: 0.61; 95% CI 0.03-1.20; P = 0.038), while no significant differences were found between rFSH and uFSH/uHMG in the dosage of gonadotrophin (WMD: 14.80; 95% CI -136.97 to 166.57; P = 0.848) and the duration of ovarian stimulation (WMD: -0.26; 95% CI -0.62 to 0.10; P = 0.152). Thus, the exploratory analyses revealed several potential differences in the effects of rFSH versus uFSH/uHMG on ovarian stimulation. The administration of rFSH significantly increased the number of oocytes retrieved, whereas there were no significant differences between the efficacies of rFSH and uFSH/uHMG for pregnancy outcomes.

P-298 Women undergoing IVF-ICSI cycles after mild Covid-19 infection do not show a poor ovarian response: A prospective randomized controlled study

Abstract Study question Does mild COVID-19 infection in women undergoing IVF-ICSI cycles affect their ovarian reserve ? Summary answer A recent past mild COVID-19 infection does not seem to alter the ovarian reserve testing and ovarian response to stimulation in women undergoing IVF-ICSI cycles. What is known already Since December 2019, the world has been facing a COVID-19 pandemic. Besides its effect on mortality, COVID-19 infection raises questions about short and longterm effects on general health. Clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous and involve many different organs. The SARS-CoV-2 virus penetrates human cells by directly binding with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors present on the cell surface.The ACE2 receptors are present in testes and in ovarian tissue. In the ovary, ACE2 plays a role in the response to gonadotrophins, steroidogenesis regulation, and in follicle development, angiogenesis and degeneration and therefore, SARS-CoV-2 could be responsible for adversely affecting ovarian reserve. Study design, size, duration A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted between June 2020 and December 2021. Women with primary or secondary infertility undergoing IVF-ICSI between the age of 25-40 years were included. All the women underwent a COVID testing by RT-PCR and were subsequently tested for ovrian reserve by assessing their AMH and AFC (USG). Participants/materials, setting, methods The study population consisted of 128 women, 22% of whom were COVID RT-PCR positive. None of the tested women presented with a history of severe COVID-19 infection. They were randomized into two groups depending on whether they were positive for past COVID-19 infection or negative. These women were then subjected to AMH testing and estimation of AFC by transvaginal ultrasonography. Main results and the role of chance The difference between the initial AMH concentration and AMH concentration tested during ART treatment was not significantly different between the COVID RDT positive group and COVID RDT negative group (–1.24 ng/ml [–0.35 to –1.61) versus –0.56ng/ml [–0.15 to –1.11], P = 0.22). Similarly the AFC (Antral Follicle Count) was also not significantly different between the two groups of patients. The results of this prospective study showed that, based on AMH concentrations, mild COVID-19 infection did not affect ovarian reserve in our population of asymptomatic women who underwent an ART protocol susequently. Limitations, reasons for caution First, it has been shown that the AMH concentration is modified during ART treatment as this hormone is secreted by granulosa cells of small growing follicles thus reflecting the granulosa cell activity. Second, a relatively small number of women were included in the analysis and larger study groups are required. Wider implications of the findings The wider implication of our study is that AMH concentrations were tested in the same women at different time points and could, therefore, analyse any potential modification of the ovarian reserve after COVID-19 infection. This information can be used to reassure the population who have been afflicted by COVID-19 infection. Trial registration number not applicable