The role of enzymatic antioxidants detected in the follicular fluid and semen of infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction.

The follicular fluid environment surrounding the oocytes may play a critical role in fertilization and subsequent embryo development. The goal of our study was to evaluate the oxidative stress markers in the semen, blood serum, and follicular fluid of couples undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Two hundred and eight infertile couples underwent ICSI and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were evaluated.

Current concepts and future trends in male germ cell cryobanking.

While the idea of freezing human male gametes has been experimented since the late 1700's, it was not until 50 years ago that human sperm were frozen, and later thawed in such a way that they could fertilize an egg and initiate development. In the past several decades the technology of cryopreservation, or maintaining life in a frozen state, has advanced considerably. With the use of modern techniques, cryopreservation of sperm to preserve an individual's ability to reproduce has become successful, safe, and widely available.

The male biological clock is ticking: a review of the literature.

The term biological clock is usually used by physicians and psychologists to refer to the declining fertility, increasing risk of fetal birth defects and alterations to hormone levels experienced by women as they age. Female fecundity declines slowly after the age of 30 years and more rapidly after 40 and is considered the main limiting factor in treating infertility. However, there are several scientific reports, chapters in books and review articles suggesting that men may also have a biological clock.

Azoospermia after treatment with clomiphene citrate in patients with oligospermia.

Objective: To describe three cases of azoospermia in patients with oligospermia after clomiphene citrate (CC) intake.

Design: Case report.

Setting(s): Academic medical center.

Effect of cigarette smoking on antioxidant levels and presence of leukocytospermia in infertile men: a prospective study.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on antioxidant levels and the presence of leukocytospermia in infertile men.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Academic medical center.

High percentage of abnormal semen parameters in a prevasectomy population.

Objective: To evaluate semen characteristics, testicular volume, and hormonal levels of normal fertile men requiring vasectomy for sterilization.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting(s): Academic medical centers.

Induction of spermatogenesis in azoospermic men after varicocelectomy repair: an update.

Objective: To assess the treatment outcome after varicocele repair in azoospermic men and to correlate this outcome with the testicular histology patterns.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Academic medical centers.

Clinical diagnosis in men undergoing infertility investigation in a university hospital.

Introduction: It was the aim of this study to assess whether the changes in the diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities have altered the epidemiology of male factor infertility in the last decade.

Material And Methods: From September 1999 to July 2003, 822 patients were evaluated for infertility in a University Hospital. We divided our infertility patients according to the clinical diagnosis.

Is it worthwhile to operate on subclinical right varicocele in patients with grade II-III varicocele in the left testicle?

Purpose: To determine whether repair of subclinical varicoceles in the right testicle results in significant seminal improvement in patients with clinical left varicocele.

Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (unilateral varicocelectomy) and Group II (bilateral varicocelectomy-subclinical left varicocele). The mean sperm concentration before treatment was higher in Group I (21.

Relationship between the number of veins ligated in a varicocelectomy with testicular volume, hormonal levels and semen parameters outcome.

Purpose: Correlate semen analysis, hormones, and testicular volume with the number of veins ligated.

Methods: Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (< or = 5 veins), Group 2 (6-10 veins), and Group 3 (> 10 veins). We evaluated testicular volume, hormonal levels, sperm concentration, and motility before and after the surgical procedure.

Testicular growth, sperm concentration, percent motility, and pregnancy outcome after varicocelectomy based on testicular histology.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome following surgery in two different patterns of testicular histology in patients with varicocele.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Effects of medical therapy, alcohol, smoking, and endocrine disruptors on male infertility.

Infertility affects up to 15% of the sexually active population, and in 50% of cases, a male factor is involved, either as a primary problem or in combination with a problem in the female partner. Because many commonly encountered drugs and medications can have a detrimental effect on male fertility, the medical evaluation should include a discussion regarding the use of recreational and illicit drugs, medications, and other substances that may impair fertility. With the knowledge of which drugs and medications may be detrimental to fertility, it may be possible to modify medication regimens or convince a patient to modify habits to decrease adverse effects on fertility and improve the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.

Semen profile, testicular volume, and hormonal levels in infertile patients with varicoceles compared with fertile men with and without varicoceles.

Objective: To assess semen analysis, testicular volume, and hormone levels in fertile and infertile patients with varicoceles and fertile men without varicoceles.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Academic medical center.

The best infertility treatment for vasectomized men: assisted reproduction or vasectomy reversal?

In men with prior vasectomy, microsurgical reconstruction of the reproductive tract is more cost-effective than sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection if the obstructive interval is less than 15 years and no female fertility risk factors are present. If epididymal obstruction is detected or advanced female age is present, the decision to use either microsurgical reconstruction or sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection should be individualized. Sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is preferred to surgical treatment when female factors requiring in vitro fertilization are present or when the chance for success with sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection exceeds the chance for success with surgical treatment.

Risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy in older men.

The use of testosterone in older men, known as male hormonal replacement therapy or androgen replacement therapy, has become of increasing interest to both the medical and lay communities over the past decade. Even though the knowledge of the potential benefits and risks of male Androgen Replacement Therapy has increased dramatically, there is still much that needs to be determined. Although there are a number of potential benefits of male Androgen Replacement Therapy and data concerning clinical effects of such replacement have accumulated, as yet there have not been any large multicenter randomized controlled trials of this therapy.

Results of microsurgical anastomosis in men with seminal tract obstruction due to inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Unlabelled: The incidence of vasal injury during inguinal herniorrhaphy is estimated at 0.5%. We sought to assess the patency rates and long-term fertility outcome after microsurgical repair of vasal obstruction related to prior inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Trends in male contraception.

Methods that are available for male contraception, namely coitus interruptus, condoms, and vasectomy, have been used since the 19th century. With the exceptions of a few improvements of these methods, no major progress has been made with respect to introducing new male contraceptives since then. It is extremely urgent to develop new, safe, effective, and reversible male contraceptive methods.

Detection of testicular cancer in men presenting with infertility.

Purpose: Infertility is one of the less common presenting features associated with testicular tumors. We evaluated the histologic and biochemical findings, and pregnancy outcome in patients presenting with infertility who were found to have testicular tumors.

Methods: Seven patients with infertility were found to have testicular cancer over a 15-year period.