Effect of urinary bilharzial infection on male pubertal development and endocrine functions.

One hundred seventy-five males aged 9-20 years were selected. The subjects comprised two groups; controls and patients infected with urinary bilharziasis not associated with any other parasite. Pubertal development was assessed. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and progesterone were determined by radioimmunoassay procedure. Delay in pubertal development was evident in the normal control group as indicated by higher chronological age mean values at the various stages as compared to other world norms. Urinary bilharziasis exaggerated the delay in pubertal development as compared to that in the control group. In relation to the control group, the group with urinary bilharziasis had higher levels of serum FSH and LH, which were significant only at stages III and IV. No significant difference was noted between the two groups for serum testosterone and progesterone levels, except for the high progesterone mean value at stage V in the group with urinary bilharziasis.

Endocrine profiles in pediatric andrology. III. Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation test in cryptorchid boys.

Serum testosterone (T) concentration and urinary 17-ketosteroid (17-KS) excretion were measured under basal conditions and after stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in 36 prepubertal males (10 normal children and 26 cryptorchid patients). As a function of hCG stimulation, the increase in serum T level was evident in both groups, although the magnitude of the rise was higher in the control group than in cryptorchid boys. No significant differences in serum T or urinary 17-KS were observed between patients with unilateral and bilateral undescended testis, either before or after hCG stimulation. In spite of the wide individual variations in testicular response in all subjects, the test is valuable in assessing Leydig-cell function and in prognosis for virilization at puberty.

Corpus luteum function in medicated and non-medicated IUD users.

PIP: Serum estradiol and progesterone were determined by radioimmunoassay procedures at premenstrual days M-7 and M-6 in 30 nonlactating women: 1) control non-IUD users (n=10), 2) Lippes loop users (n=10), and 3) copper T 200 users (n=10). Results indicated ovulatory and normal corpus luteum pattern in the 3 groups. Comparable evaluation was performed at premenstrual days M-4 and M-2 in 30 lactating women: 1) control lactating (n=10), 2) copper T 200 users (n=10), and 3) Progestasert TM system users (n=10). Results indicated anovulatory figures in progesterone-releasing device users, and while about 40% of lactating controls and copper T 200 users showed evidence of ovulation, the rest were nonovulatory.^ieng

FSH, LH, E2, progesterone, and testosterone in peripheral blood, spermatic vein, and semen of subfertile men with varicocele.

Peripheral blood (PB), spermatic vein (Sp. V.), and semen samples were collected from 31 subfertile men with varicocele. Levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were determined in the three biological fluid compartments using RIA. Remarkable increases in both testosterone and estradiol in the spermatic vein samples, as compared to either peripheral blood or semen, were evident. Correlation coefficient indicated significant positive correlation between PB FSH and each of PB LH, Sp. V. FSH, and Sp. V. LH. Significant positive correlation existed between PB LH and each of Sp. V. FSH, LH, and testosterone. Significant positive correlations were found between PB testosterone and each of Sp. V. testosterone and semen testosterone, as well as between PB estradiol and each of Sp. V. FSH and progesterone. Significant positive correlations between Sp. V. FSH and Sp. V. testicular progesterone was significantly correlated with seminal estradiol.

Subdermal levonorgestrel implants: serum androgens.

Serum levels of androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone were determined by radioimmunoassay procedures in 25 female volunteers using subdermal levonorgestrel implants as a contraceptive. Mean serum androstenedione levels were increased after 1 and 6 months in comparison with preimplantation levels, the increase being significant only after 1 month. This could be attributed to increased production from the adrenal or ovaries and/or changes in clearance rate. Testosterone levels showed approximately 24% increase above basal values after 6 months' use of levonorgestrel implants, which was attributed to concomitant increases in androstenedione levels. The implication of these results is discussed.

Serum cortisol in women users of subdermal levonorgestrel implants.

The aim of this study was to reveal changes in serum cortisol levels in users of subdermal levonorgestrel implants (Norplant). The study was undertaken on 18 regularly menstruating females subdermally implanted with 6 silastic rods, each containing 34 +or- 2 mg levonorgestrel, between days M0-M+4 of the menstrual cycle. Venous blood samples were collected between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. under basal conditions, before and 1, 6, and 12 months after implantation. Sera were analyzed for cortisol by radioimmunoassay procedures. Mean +or- S.E.M. cortisol levels were 15.94 +or- 1.23, 10.20 +or- 0.84, 11.21 +or- 1.14, and 11.14 +or- 1.05 mcg prior to and 1, 6, and 12 months after implantation, respectively. All postimplantation values were significantly lower in comparison to basal levels. However, results obtained fell within the normal range of serum cortisol, with no subjects reporting symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency.

Clinical and hormonal studies of subfertile males with varicocele.

To evaluate the hormonal factor in subfertile males with varicocele, FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) were assayed both from cubital and spermatic veins. The hormonal profile of patients showed no significant differences from the normal control group. Blood hormonal levels of E2 and T in the testicular veins were much higher than those in the cubital veins while FSH and LH levels showed no significant difference. FSH, LH, and testosterone blood levels in cubital and spermatic veins were statistically correlated. A preoperative hormonal study would be helpful in excluding cases in which varicocele is not the underlying cause of infertility.

Serum-prolactin levels in lactating women using the Progestasert system.

PIP: This study investigates possible changes in serum-prolactin levels in lactating women using the Progestasert system as compared with women fitted with a copper T device and lactating mothers not using any contraceptive method. 46 females (28-35 years of age, parity 1-6) were divided into 2 major groups: 1) 26 menstruating and lactating women (further subdivided into a) control group of 11 normally menstruating women without any contraception; b) 9 Cu T 200 users; and c) 6 Progestasert users); 2) amenorrheic and lactating mothers subdivided into 8 Progestasert users, and 12 Cu T 200 users. No significant differences in the premenstrual and menstrual mean prolactin values were observed in any of the groups. With the onset of menses, a uniform rise in prolactin levels was observed in 3 groups, but was significant only in the Progestasert group. Serum prolactin levels in lactating and amenorrhiec mothers 2 months after delivery showed no significant changes when Cu T 200 and Progestasert IUD users were compared. Further research on this subject should include a matched group of lactating and amenorrheic mothers.^ieng

Serum cortisol level in lactating women using the Progestasert system.

PIP: Premenstrual and menstrual serum-cortisol levels were determined in 3 groups of lactating and menstruating females 6 months after delivery: 1) control not using any contraception (n=11); 2) Progestasert group (n=6); and 3) Copper T 200 group (n=9). All IUDs were inserted immediately postpartum. Another group of women, the amenorrheic and lactating mothers were divided into: 1) Progestasert users (n=8), and Cu T users (n=12). Blood samples were collected from all groups and subjected to cortisol estimation using a competitive protein binding assay according to the method of Baum et al. Comparison of the data obtained revealed decreased levels in both IUD groups as compared to the normal controls at the onset of menstruation. However, the difference was significant only between the non-IUD and Cu T 200 groups. No significant differences between the groups were observed at day M (menstruation)-3. Serum cortisol levels were significantly raised in the control group with the onset of menses, which could be explained on the basis of stress. No significant differences were observed between the two groups of amenorrheic and lactating mothers. It was concluded that the Progestasert IUD system has no effect on cortisol levels in postpartum lactating women.^ieng

Endocrine profile of semen in subfertile males with varicocele.

The semen levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were estimated in normal fertile males and in patients with oligozoospermia and varicocele. The only significant difference between the mean values of the two groups was noted for semen LH. Patients with oligozoospermia and varicocele had lower level than the normal fertile males. As a function of prostatic infection, no significant difference was obtained.

Effect of mode of insertion of IUDs on the occurrence of complications.

PIP: The attempt was made to verify whether the mode of insertion of IUDs bears any relations to the subsequent occurrence of complications such as bleeding, pain, and expulsion. The study subjects were 70 women, randomly selected from the Family Planning Clinic of Cairo University Hospitals. Subjects' age ranged from 25-35 years, parity 4-5, with last labor more than 6 months previous. The women were non-lactating, with regular menstrual patterns, and all belonged to the same socioeconomic class. Participants were divided into 7 groups according to the mode of insertion in each group. Insertion was performed on the 5th day of menstruation. The mode of insertion depended basically on the part inside the uterine cavity to which the tip of the device in the inserter was directed before being released: anterior insertion; anterior reversed insertion; posterior insertion; posterior reversed insertion; tip of the loop placed away from the lateral borders; tip touching the lateral border; and the device placed in the middle of the uterine cavity ignoring the direction of its tip in relation to the walls and lateral borders of the uterus. All subjects were followed up and checked for event rates monthly for a 2-year period. The event rates calculated per year of use in each group of different modes of insertion were as follows: 0.3; 0.3; 0.3; 0.2; 0.4; 0.2; and 0.3, per 100 women for the consecutive groups, respectively. No difference was noted between the blind insertion group (group 7) and the other groups. In sum, the incidence of observed complications were not related or restricted to a particular mode of insertion.^ieng

Chronic pelvic pain in Lippes IUD users. Laparoscopic and venographic evaluation.

PIP: 39 women using the Lippes loop C, and complaining of chronic pelvic pain dating from after insertion of the IUD, were investigated by laparoscopy and transuterine pelvic venography in the premenstrual period of the cycle. Patients complaining only of cramp-like pain similar to spasmodic dysmenorrhea were not included. Other types of pain noticed were dull aching low abdomen, deep seated pelvic pain with associated dyspareunia, and low backache mainly on the sacrum. Pain was attributed to the presence of pelvic variocele diagnosed by laparoscopy (52%), and venography (95%), chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (28%), and pelvic adhesions (8%). The sites of maximum pain correlated well with the sites of maximum varicosities and/or venous stasis. Menorrhagia was associated with pain in one-third of the cases and was explained on the basis of increased pelvic vascularity, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, and cystic changes in the ovaries. The possible factors predisposing to uterine perforation during venography in 3 cases are discussed.^ieng

Serum cortisol level in lactating women using Progestasert system.

PIP: This study is designed to reveal any possible change in serum cortisol levels of lactating mothers, both menstruating and amenorrheic, fitted with a progestasert intrauterine system immediately postpartum. The subjects of the study were 46 lactating females, in the 28-35 age group and of parity from 1 to 6. The women were classified into 2 groups: 1) menstruating and lactating females (n-26), with restored menstruation for at least 3 successive cycles prior to the study. These women were classified into a control group of 11 normally menstruating mothers not using any type of contraception, 9 mothers fitted with Cu T-200 IUDs, and 6 mothers fitted with a progestasert IUD. Both devices were inserted immediately postpartum. The 2nd group comprised amenorrheic and lactating mothers, delivered 2 months prior to the study, and classified as Progestasert users (n-8) and Cu T-200 users (n=12). Comparison of serum cortisol levels in the various categories revealed decreased levels in both IUD groups as compared to normal controls, at the onset of menstruation. However, a significant difference was only obtained between the non-IUD and Cu T-200 groups. Otherwise, no significant differences between the groups were ovbserved at day M-3. Serum cortisol levels were significantly raised in the control groups with the onset of menses which could be explained on the basis of menstrual stress. Serum cortisol levels were also determined in 2 groups of lactating amenorrheic mothers, 2 months after delivery, fitted with Progestasert and Cu T-200 IUDs. Results indicate non significant difference between the 2 groups. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the progestasert intrauterine system has no effect on cortisol levels of postpartum lactating women.^ieng

Serum prolactin levels in lactating women using progestasert system.

PIP: The aim of the present study is to ddemonstrate any possible change in the serum prolactin level of lactating mothers using the Progestasert system, compared with women fitted with a Copper T device and lactating mothers not using any form of contraception. The study was carried out on a total of 46 females (28 to 35 years of age and 1 to 6 parity), classified into 2 major groups. The 1st included 26 menstruating and lactating women, delivered 6 to 8 months and with restored menstruation for at least 3 successive cycles prior to the study. These women were classified into the following subgroups: control group of 11 normally menstruating mothers not using any type of contraception; Cu T-200 users. The 2nd group included amenorrheic and lactating mothers delivered 2 months prior to the study. These women were classified as follows: Progestasert users and Cu T-200 users. For all users, both devices were inserted immediately postpartum. No significant differences in the premenstrual and menstrual mean + or - SE prolactin values were noted in comparison with a matched group not using any form of contraception. A uniform rise in prolactin levels was observed with the onset of menses in the 3 categories studied, but this was only significant in the Progestasert group. Serum prolactin levels in lactating and amenorrheic mothers, 2 months after delivery, did not reveal significant changes when Cu T-200 and Progestasert IUD users were compared. The amount and biochemical composition of milk were not affected in lactating mothers using inert IUDs, and evidence indicates that progestational contraceptive compounds have no adverse effects on milk yield and composition.^ieng