In a nutshell This study examined the factors associated with the chances of in vitro fertilization failure. Some background In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a fertility treatment in which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside of the body. While IVF is often recommended as a treatment for couples struggling with infertility, only 32%...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined whether weight loss through diet or exercise affected production of antimüllerian hormone and menstrual function in overweight polycystic ovarian syndrome patients. Some background Polycystic ovarian syndrome can present with a variety of symptoms, including multiple cysts on the ovaries (immature eggs,...
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In a nutshell This study reviewed the effectiveness and safety of cabergoline (Caberlin / Dostinex) for reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome among women receiving ovarian stimulation drugs during the course of fertility treatments. Some background Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is one serious potential complication of drugs...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study evaluated the effects of ultrasound guidance during intrauterine insemination (IUI) on pregnancy rates. The impact of physician experience on intrauterine insemination success was also assessed. Some background Intrauterine insemination is often the first treatment attempted by couples experiencing unexplained infertility....
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In a nutshell This review analyzed recent studies evaluating biomarkers of ovarian reserve as indicators of reproductive potential and fertility. Some background Ovarian reserve (referring to the pool of eggs within the ovaries) is known to be closely associated with reproductive potential. Diminishing ovarian reserve results in an insufficient...
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In a nutshell This review explored the use and benefits of progesterone supplementation in women undergoing ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination. Some background The successful implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterus is only possible if the uterus is receptive. This requires progesterone, a hormone released during the luteal...
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Smoking and Tobacco Products Sales in the News According to a review of the history of tobacco control in the US, by the CDC, the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in 1950, provided the first evidential link of smoking to cancers and other diseases. It took 40 years for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)...
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In a nutshell This study examined the effect of antioxidant supplementation on time to pregnancy among infertile women. Some background Nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E are referred to as natural antioxidants, molecules known to protect the body from damaging chemical reactions. Antioxidants are widely used as dietary...
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In a nutshell This article reviewed the role of endocannabinoids (eCBs) as potential biomarkers of human reproduction. Some background Biomarkers refer to biological molecules used as indicators of normal or abnormal processes in the human body. Successful biomarker profiling could help predict the reproductive potential of couples, as well as...
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In a nutshell This study evaluated out-of-pocket costs incurred by couples seeking fertility care. Some background Many treatments are currently offered to couples attempting to overcome infertility problems. Medications to induce ovulation, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are just some of the methods commonly used...
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Why do patients blog? Why do they reveal personal information and medical experiences on the Internet? 1) To Share Information Annette McKinnon, author of ‘Here’s Your Gold Watch, Rheutired,’ started her blog “to inform people about things I learned that seem obvious to me now, but were hard to learn.” Carolyn Thomas, author of “My Heart...
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In a nutshell This analysis examined the effects of different assisted reproductive techniques on birth outcomes. Some background For women and men with fertility issues, assisted conception techniques can be the only path to pregnancy. Techniques such as intrauterine insemination, or IUI (when semen is inserted directly into the uterus), in...
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