Surgical versus non-surgical intervention in endometriosis with infertility: a patient preference trial

Background: Hormonal suppression decrease pain and reduce endometrioma size in women with endometriosis. There are medications like cabergoline which reduce inflammation associated with endometriosis but do not prevent ovulation. Hormonal suppression followed by cabergoline may allow pregnancy in women with endometriosis. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the efficacy of medical versus surgical management in infertile women with endometriosis.Methods: A patient preference clinical trial was carried out on 20 women who wish pregnancy and has sonographic evidence of endometrioma and pain. They were counseled adequately about the advantages and disadvantages of surgical and medical management of endometriosis with infertility and were asked to make a choice. The interventions were applied according to patient preference. The interventions were i) dienogest for 3 months when cyst size ?5 cm and letrozole plus norethisterone for 6 months when cyst size > 5 cm followed by cabergoline 0.5 mg twice weekly for 6 months, plus timed intercourse and ii) laparoscopic surgery followed by expectant management or ovarian stimulation with or without intrauterine insemination. The women were followed up for results.Results: A total of 18 participants opted for medical management and only 2 participants for surgery. All participants given medical management had reduction of pain, and all except one had reduction of cyst size. Pregnancy occurred in 2 out of 14 (14.3%) participants given medication. One woman with surgery had persistence of pain and recurrence of cyst. No one having surgery got pregnant during the study period.Conclusions: The infertile women with endometriosis prefer medical management over surgery. The medical management may be a better option for infertile women with endometriosis who do not plan in vitro fertilization in near future.

Effects of levo-carnitine in infertile men with asthenozoospermia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Background: Infertility is defined as the inability of a sexually active couple to conceive within one year of regular unprotected coitus. Worldwide, it is estimated that 15% of couples are infertile; among them, the male factor is responsible for 50% of cases. This may be the sole underlying cause or a contributory factor to infertility. We aimed to assess the effects of a complementary treatment with a strong antioxidant (levo-carnitine) on sperm function and fertility of infertile men.Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial study and was conducted in the department of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib medical university (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. during the period from July 2022 to June 2023. In our study, we included 72 infertile men presenting with asthenozoospermia. There were two groups-group A (Participants who received tab levo-carnitine 330 mg twice daily orally for three months) and group B (Tab placebo twice daily orally for three months)Result: The majority of patients in both groups, 51% in group A and 49% in group B, were aged 30-40 years, with no significant difference in mean age (35.36±5.50 vs 34.50±5.50, p>0.05). Overall, 62.5% of patients reported primary sub-fertility. Levo-carnitine administration leads to significant improvements in sperm motility (15±2.68 vs. 36.58±5.16, p<0.05). In the case of placebo treatment, there were no significant improvements in sperm motility (13.91±5.53 vs. 16.36±1.19, p>0.05). We found that the comparison of TMC of both groups reflected statistically significant differences (p<0.05) before treatment and after treatment with levo-carnitine and placebo (6.40±2.87 vs 22.91±14.88) 5.64±3.96 vs 7.71±4.91). Conclusions: Levo-carnitine treatment can lead to significant improvements in semen parameters, particularly in motility.

Effects of pentoxifylline and metformin combination therapy compared to metformin alone in infertile women with symptomatic endometrioma

Background: Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, significantly affects reproductive health and fertility in women. This study compares the efficacy of pentoxifylline plus metformin versus metformin alone in treating symptomatic endometrioma in infertile women.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the department of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, BSMMU, Dhaka, from July 2022 to June 2023, involving 51 women. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: pentoxifylline plus metformin (n=25) and metformin alone (n=26). Baseline and post-treatment evaluations included the size of endometrioma, pain scores using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Data analysis focused on comparing treatment outcomes between the two groups.Result: At baseline, both groups were comparable in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, BMI, and type and duration of infertility. Post-treatment, the pentoxifylline plus metformin group showed significant reductions in endometrioma size (2.23±0.97 cm), VAS score (2.73±1.21), and IL-6 levels, all with p<0.001s. In contrast, the metformin alone group exhibited a significant reduction in endometrioma size (3.12±1.42 cm, p=0.003s) and VAS score (3.48±1.89, p<0.001s), but not in IL-6 levels (p=0.505ns). Pregnancy rates were 8.0% in the pentoxifylline plus metformin group and 3.85% in the metformin alone group (p=0.610ns). Side effects were minimal and comparable between the two groups.Conclusions: Pentoxifylline plus metformin demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing endometrioma size, pain scores, and IL-6 levels compared to metformin alone. However, no significant differences were observed in pregnancy rates or side effects. These findings indicate that the combination therapy could offer greater benefits in managing endometrioma size and pain, although further research is required to evaluate its impact on fertility outcomes in endometriosis patients.

Challenging myomectomy of large cervical fibroid - successful fertility outcome: a case report

The cervical fibroids are rare and large cervical fibroids are rarer. Removing large cervical fibroids when a patient desires future fertility is a surgical challenge because of the risks of significant blood loss, bladder and ureteric injury, and unplanned hysterectomy. For women who desire future fertility, myomectomy can improve the chances of pregnancy by restoring normal anatomy. In this article, we describe a successful pregnancy following the restoration of the normal anatomy of the cervix by a challenging myomectomy in a sub-fertile patient with a large cervical fibroid. A 38-year-old nulliparous lady presented to the reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh with primary sub-fertility for five and half years, and dysmenorrhea for 2 years. She was a regularly menstruating woman with average flow and duration. Being a resident of Canada, she was diagnosed there as a case of large cervical fibroid (10×9 cm) by TVS extending up to the posterior wall of the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina impacted in the pouch of Douglas during infertility workup. For this reason, she was advised for in vitro fertilization (IVF) keeping the fibroid in situ. However, due to the failure of embryo transfer with this large cervical fibroid, she was advised for embryo transfer following myomectomy. Hysteroscopic myomectomy was tried first (in February 2019 in Canada) but was unable to be removed. Then Laparotomy was tried (in September 2019 in Canada) but failed again. Being a complicated case, she was counselled there for myomectomy by a multidisciplinary approach with the high risk of injury to the urinary bladder, ureter, bowel, and other pelvic structures. But she refused to do a myomectomy there after knowing the dreadful complications with the fear of injury to the pelvic organs. With this problem, she went to different institutions both in the country and abroad but couldn’t get the proper treatment. Finally, she visited the outpatient department (OPD) of the REI department, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh with the hope of getting the most appropriate treatment for her and she was reassured, counselled, and managed by a challenging myomectomy (in March 2022) through a combined approach of the vagina and abdominal route without any significant intra and post-operative complications. Her whole post-operative period was uneventful, the anatomy of the cervix was restored and detected by TVS, and trial transfer was done before embryo transfer with easy negotiation to the cervix. Finally, she conceived 1 year after myomectomy with easy frozen embryo transfer. Myomectomy in expert hand even for the large cervical fibroid can restore normal anatomy and can achieve successful pregnancy outcomes.

Effect of omega 3 fatty acid in infertile males with oligozoospermia

Background: Oligozoospermia is the cause of male infertility in 33.3% of cases. Omega-3 fatty acid has been utilized in infertility because of its widespread availability, low cost, and high safety profile. We intended to conduct a study to evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid in oligozoospermia.Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted in the outdoor of the department of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from July 2022 to August 2023. A total of 70 Infertile males with oligozoospermia, were enrolled in the study. The participants were assigned to the omega-3 fatty acid group who was treated with omega-3 fatty acid 1 gm orally twice daily for 12 weeks. The other group was treated with placebo orally twice daily for 12 weeks. Sixty patients completed the 12 weeks of treatment. The changes in sperm count were determined.Results: The mean age of the participants was 35.6±4.59 years. Following treatment with omega-3 fatty acid significant improvement was observed in sperm count from 11.10±2.81 million/ml to 34.2±31.36 million/ml. Significant improvement in total motile sperm count was also observed. At the end of 12 weeks of treatment 76.7% of participants in the omega 3 fatty acid group and 10.0% in the placebo group had normozoospermia.Conclusions: Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid results in improvement of sperm concentration and total motile sperm count in infertile men with oligozoospermia.

Pre-treatment with cyproterone acetate plus ethinylestradiol enhances ovarian response in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and androgen levels are higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than norm-ovulatory women. Cyproterone acetate plus ethinylestradiol (CPA+EE) reduces AMH and free androgen level. The aim of the study was to determine if the pretreatment with CPA+EE before ovulation induction with letrozole improves ovarian response in PCOS women.Methods: The study comprised of 100 infertile PCOS women with serum AMH>5 ng/ml. The study participants were randomly allocated into women given CPA+EE pretreatment cyclically for 3 months before ovulation induction with letrozole 5 mg from day 2-6 of a menstrual cycle, and women given only letrozole from day 2-6 without any pretreatment. Follicular growth was monitored by transvaginal sonography on day 12. Women who attained maximum follicular size (18-25 mm) were given 5000 IU HCG injection. Ovulation was confirmed by serum progesterone assay on day 21-23 and pregnancy was confirmed by serum ?-hCG level or by pregnancy test kit.Results: Ovulation rate was higher (82.4%) in pre treatment group compared in letrozole only group to (43.0%) with relative risk 1.92. Pregnancy rate was higher in (23.5%) in pre treatment group than letrozole only (8.8%) with relative risk 2.68.Conclusions: Pretreatment with CPA+EE before ovulation induction with letrozole has better outcome in terms of ovulation and pregnancy than letrozole alone in PCOS women with high serum AMH.

Association of kisspeptin in patients with poly cystic ovarian syndrome

Background: Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex multifactorial disorder, affecting millions of women worldwide. Kisspeptin, a hypothalamic peptide encoded by the KISS1 gene, is widely reported as a key factor in the regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, which may be potentially involved with the development of PCOS. The aim of the study was to estimate the serum kisspeptin level in PCOS patients and evaluate the association of kisspeptin with other biochemical, and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS.Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the department of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2020 to July 2021. A total of 90 patients between age 18-30 years were enrolled in this study. Data was collected on variables of interest by using the structured questionnaire designed for interview, observation, clinical examination, and biochemical investigation of the patients and analyzed by using the t-test, non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U test) and chi-square test as appropriate.Results: We found no significant difference between PCOS & control group, but acanthosis nigricans (AN), waist hip (W:H) ratio were statistically significant in PCOS group. We found serum LH (11.98±6.29 mIU/ml), LH: FSH (1.71±0.92), AMH (10.09±3.8 ng/ml), fasting insulin (26.53±28.34 µU/ml), ovarian volume (16.91±4.57), was significantly higher in PCOS patients. Kisspeptin value in PCOS patients was 85.92±56.59 pg/ml and control group was 63.74±43.16 pg/ml. In the PCOS group, there was a positive correlation between kisspeptin and LH, AMH, and ovarian volume.Conclusions: Serum kisspeptin levels were similar in women with or without PCOS but positively correlated with ovarian volume, serum LH and AMH in PCOS patients.

Association of kisspeptin in patients with poly cystic ovarian syndrome

Background: Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex multifactorial disorder, affecting millions of women worldwide. Kisspeptin, a hypothalamic peptide encoded by the KISS1 gene, is widely reported as a key factor in the regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, which may be potentially involved with the development of PCOS. The aim of the study was to estimate the serum kisspeptin level in PCOS patients and evaluate the association of kisspeptin with other biochemical, and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS.Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the department of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2020 to July 2021. A total of 90 patients between age 18-30 years were enrolled in this study. Data was collected on variables of interest by using the structured questionnaire designed for interview, observation, clinical examination, and biochemical investigation of the patients and analyzed by using the t-test, non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U test) and chi-square test as appropriate.Results: We found no significant difference between PCOS & control group, but acanthosis nigricans (AN), waist hip (W:H) ratio were statistically significant in PCOS group. We found serum LH (11.98±6.29 mIU/ml), LH: FSH (1.71±0.92), AMH (10.09±3.8 ng/ml), fasting insulin (26.53±28.34 µU/ml), ovarian volume (16.91±4.57), was significantly higher in PCOS patients. Kisspeptin value in PCOS patients was 85.92±56.59 pg/ml and control group was 63.74±43.16 pg/ml. In the PCOS group, there was a positive correlation between kisspeptin and LH, AMH, and ovarian volume.Conclusions: Serum kisspeptin levels were similar in women with or without PCOS but positively correlated with ovarian volume, serum LH and AMH in PCOS patients.

Effect of D-chiro-inositol on hormonal parameters and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance. D-chiro-inositol, a naturally occurring inositol isomer, has been suggested as a potential treatment option for PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of D-chiro-inositol supplementation on hormonal parameters, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS.Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted among 60 women of PCOS with insulin resistance, who were assigned to either Group A (D-chiro-inositol) or Group B (placebo) for 12 weeks. S. FSH, LH, S. total testosterone, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23.0 for Windows.Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, significant reductions in serum luteinizing hormone, serum total testosterone, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were observed in the D-chiro-inositol group compared to the placebo group. However, no significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose levels. D-chiro-inositol was well-tolerated, with no significant differences in side effects between the two groups.Conclusions: D-chiro-inositol supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved hormonal parameters, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. The treatment was well-tolerated, suggesting that D-chiro-inositol can be an effective therapeutic option for patients with PCOS.

Effects of autologous stem cell therapy for fertility enhancement among women with premature ovarian insufficiency

Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition where the ovary loses its normal reproductive potential earlier than 40 years, compromising fertility. There is no treatment for POI, only ovum or embryo donation. Autologous stem cell ovarian transplant (ASCOT) may be a procedure that creates new eggs in the ovaries of women with POI. The aim of the study was to find out the efficacy of ASCOT in patients suffering from POI.Methods: A total of 50 patients were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria in this prospective observational study. POI was confirmed with low levels of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) (<0.5 ng/dl), high level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) >25 ng/ml, and or a low number of antral follicle count (AFC) (<3 in each ovary).Results: Results showed that after stem cell therapy, mean AMH values increased by 0.48±0.306 and mean FSH values increased by 2.73±3.98 but the difference was not statistically significant. AFC values significantly decreased by 1.33±0.625 at 1st post-stem-cell cycle. During the second cycle, AMH and AFC increased by 0.110±0.051 and 4.63±1.49, respectively, and FSH decreased by 7.4±2.78. In third cycle, AMH & FSH was significantly increased by 0.820±0.44 & 4.120±0.470 and FSH has been decreased by 2.150±3.625. The increase in AMH & AFC was statistically significant, and the decrease in FSH was not statistically significant compared to baseline values.Conclusions: The study showed that autologous stem cell therapy can have a significant effect on women’s ovarian function and fertility. It showed that ASCOT can increase AMH and AFC, and decrease FSH in patients with POI, with a total pregnancy rate of 4% after the third cycle follow-up.