Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration: aspirate analysis and straws available after cryopreservation in patients with non-reconstructable obstructive azoospermia. MESA/TESE Group Giessen.

Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) represents a great advance in the therapy of non-reconstructable obstructive azoospermia. For procedure synchronization, a great number of organizational facilities are needed. Intentional cryopreservation of the aspirate may reduce these problems, therefore the aim of this study was to analyse the amount and quality of aspirate fluid obtained by means of MESA and the quality of the vials after thawing.

[Preclinical hypothyroidism and disorders of ovarian function].

For sensitive assessment of thyroid function a TRH stimulation test using 200 micrograms TRH i.v. was routinely performed in 304 women admitted for evaluation and treatment of infertility.

[GnRH agonist/hMG stimulation in gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)].

During a period of 17 months 61 couples without pathological tubal factors were treated by follicular puncture and gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) at the department of Obstretrics and Gynaecology, University of Hamburg. The combination GnRH-antagonist (GnRH-A)/hMG was administered in 69 stimulation cycles. Two different GnRH-A application forms were used (daily intranasal spray/monthly depot injection).

[Gonadotropin stimulation and in vitro fertilization following selective hypophyseal suppression by LH/RH analogs].

Out of 109 hMG stimulations for in vitro fertilization (IVF) 41 cycles (38%) had to be cancelled because of premature endogenous luteinization. Pretreatment with the LH/RH-agonist Buserelin induces selective pituitary suppression and prevents spontaneous LH-surge during hMG stimulation. The pharmacologic hypogonadotropism allows considerable flexibility with respect to the timing of starting gonadotropin stimulation and ovulation induction.