ABSTRACT
The aim of the study is to evaluate the results of tests performed in "infertile" couples that have obtained spontaneous pregnancy. 953 couples were studied from 1986 to 1991; 108 spontaneous pregnancies occurred (11.1%). All patients were evaluated according to standard procedures recommended by literature. "Female factor" as cause of infertility was present in 41.5%; "cervical factor" was present in 19.4%; "male factor" was present in 48.1% while in 14.8% of the couples evaluated no pathology was showed. In this series, spontaneous pregnancy occurred within 4 year of infertility in more than 90%; no significant difference was present between primary and secondary infertility. A considerable incidence of pathologies was observed in couples that obtained spontaneous pregnancy. Our data suggest that common investigation for infertility may have not a real prognostic value.
Subject(s)
Infertility/epidemiology , Pregnancy/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Female , Humans , Infertility/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Time FactorsABSTRACT
18 males with beta-thalassaemia major were studied; mean age was 17.6 flAF 4.3, 8 of 18 males evaluated were prepubertal (Tanner 1), 5 were early and mid pubertal (Tanner 2-3) and 5 were full pubertal (Tanner 5). All patients (pts) underwent GnRH test and 61% showed positive response. 8 pts. were treated with hCG; 2 were azoospermic, 6 were aspermic. The starting dose was 1000 IU twice weekly; dose adjustments were made basing on testosterone levels and clinical features. Clinical examination, testosterone assays, semen analysis were performed every 3 months during the treatment period. Therapy was started 18-48 months ago and it is still in progress. Within 12 months of treatment 4 pts progressed to Tanner stage 4, 3 pts to Tanner stage 5, 1 showed no response. Semen analysis showed an improvement in 6 pts: after 12 months of therapy 1 pts was aspermic, 5 were azoospermic, 1 was oligozoospermic. Our data showed that hCG administration is effective in inducing and maintaining secondary sexual character.