Transvaginal sonography of the endometrium during ovum pickup in stimulated cycles for in vitro fertilization.

The endometrium of a series of 190 in vitro fertilization patients was investigated by transvaginal ultrasound. The endometrial pattern was related to the likelihood of implantation. No such relationship was found for the thickness of the endometrium. There was not a strong correlation between the endometrium and hormonal values. However, three endometrial patterns were detected after hormonal stimulation. The predominant pattern consisted of an outer hyperechogenic layer and an inner hypoechogenic layer. This pattern correlated in a positive fashion with subsequent implantation. It is concluded that the texture of the endometrium at the time of ovum pickup has a prognostic value for the likelihood of implantation to occur.

[The effect of a synthetic androgen (mesterolone) on semen quality]. / Der Einfluss eines synthetischen androgens (mesterolon) auf die Samenqualität.

224 infertile men were treated with mesterolone (M.;30, or 60 mg/die) for a minimum of three months. When comparing semen analyses done before and after treatment with M., a small but distinct reduction of hyperspermia as well as an augmentation of hypospermia were evident, an increase of sperm density in oligozoospermia grade I (20-40 kx 10(6) sperm/ml) was revealed, and an improvement of sperm motility in asthenozoospermia was seen. These was no change in sperm morphology. According to our data, careful selection of patients for treatment with M. Based on aetio-pathogenic considerations appears to be the "salient point" in the administration M. As a general rule, treatment with M. should be confined to patients with mild idiopathic oligo (astheno) zoospermia where no specific therapy - such as, e.g., high ligation for varicocele - is available.