Beneficial effect of adding pentoxifylline to processed semen samples on ICSI outcome in infertile males with mild and moderate asthenozoospermia: a randomized controlled prospective crossover study

No extensive studies were done that included the use of pentoxifylline or verify its effect on the outcome of ICSI in cases of mild and moderate asthenozoospermia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pentoxifylline used in preparation of semen samples which doesn't need motility enhancement prior to ICSI. The study was carried on 30 infertile patients where pentoxifylline was used for semen processing [group 1], another 30 patients without pentoxifylline [group 2] in addition to 60 infertile patients where crossing over of the semen sample was done further subdividing it into 2 subgroups in which the first half of the semen sample was incubated with pentoxifylline [group 3A] and the second half of the sample without pentoxifylline [group 3B]. The numbers of oocytes injected, numbers of oocytes fertilized, fertilization rate, the total numbers of embryos, numbers of good embryos and the numbers of embryos transferred of group 3A were found significantly higher than that of Group 3B [p=0.00]. The overall 6 month pregnancy rate of group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2 [73.3% vs. 60% respectively, p=0.04]. The abortion rate of [Group 1] and that of [Group 2] was found non - significantly different [20% vs. 27.8% respectively, p=0.53]. Pentoxifylline can be used as a useful compound for improving ICSI outcome in semen samples preparation prior to oocytes injection regardless of the state of sperm motility or the degree of asthenozoospermia

Influence of embryo transfer distance on pregnancy rate in ICSI cycles

To investigate the influence of transfer distance to the fundus on pregnancy rate. Retrospective single center study, including 674 consecutive cycles of ICSI done at Adam International Clinic between January 2005 and December 2005. All patients were included and data examined regarding; their age, endometrial thickness at day of HCG, endometrial pattern at day of HCG, number and quality of embryos transferred, difficulty of embryo transfer as reported by the transferor, transfer distance to the fundus as measured by trans abdominal ultrasound and if the ejection of the media inside the inner sheath of the transfer catheter was seen or not. Our data indicate that the actual distance to the fundus did not affect the pregnancy rate. Our data proves that the exact position of embryo deposition from the fundus does not influence pregnancy rate, however the use of trans-abdominal ultrasound can be of help in visualizing the catheter in the more difficult transfer and air bubbles can be documented, also ultrasound guidance adds to the confidence in the procedure by both the physician and the patient

comparative study of mixed urinary gonadotrophins regimens

To evaluate the value of using mixed protocol of urinary gonadotrophins for an ICSI/TESE program. Adam International Clinic. Normo-ovulatory women whose partners suffer from severe oligospermia or azospermia were divided into two groups: Group I: Received Fostimon/Merional and Group II received Fostimon/Menogon. All cases underwent ICSI/TESE program and followed-up till clinical pregnancy rate. There was a statistical significant difference in favor of Fostimon/Menogon protocol regarding the number of good quality embryos together with cryo good embryos. More importantly, there was statistically significant difference regarding clinical pregnancy rate in Favor of Fostimon/Menogon protocol. [49/120Vs 33/124]. Mixed protocols were also achieving better results than menogon alone or merional alone. Based on the available results achieved and according to the two cell theory, mixed gonadrotophins using Fostimon/Menogon has become the preferred protocol of ovarian simulation in our ICSI/TESE program

Semen parameters in men with spinal cord injury: changes and aetiology / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To assess the changes in semen parameters in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the possible causes of these changes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study included 45 subjects with SCI. Semen retrieval was done by masturbation (2), vigorous prostatic massage (n = 13), penile vibratory stimulation (n = 13) or electroejaculation (n = 17).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The semen of men with SCI showed normal volume (2.3 +/- 1.9 mL) and sperm count (85.0 X 10(6) +/- 83.8 X 10(6)/mL) with decreased motility (11.6% +/- 0.1%), vitality (18.5% +/- 5.2%) and normal forms (17.5% +/- 3.4%), and pus cells has been increased (6.0 X 10(6) +/- 8.2 X 10(6)/mL). Total (13.4 +/- 9.9 vs. 7.1 +/- 6.8) and progressive (4.4 +/- 3.9 vs.2.2 +/- 2.1) motility were significantly higher in subjects with lower scrotal temperatures. There was no statistical significant difference between electroejaculation and penile vibratory stimulation groups as regards any of the semen parameters. Subjects'age, infrequent ejaculation, injury duration and hormonal profile showed no significant effect on semen parameters.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The defining characteristics of the seminogram in men with SCI are normal volume and count with decreased sperm motility, vitality and normal forms, and the increased number of pus cells. The most acceptable cause of the deterioration of semen is elevated scrotal temperature.</p>