A Monocentric Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial to Compare Single- and Double-Lumen Needles in Oocyte Retrieval Procedure in Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

The purpose was to determine any difference in outcomes, primarily in terms of number of retrieved oocytes per procedure, between two different needles used for oocytes retrieval procedure in Assisted Reproductive Technologies: the single-lumen needle (SLN) versus the double-lumen needle (DLN) with follicle flushing after aspiration. This randomized controlled trial included oocyte retrieval (OR) cycles for IVF and ICSI performed in 18 to 42-year-old women between March 2019 and January 2021 at a tertiary-care Fertility Center. A total of 200 ORs were randomized, 100 in each group.

Metformin doses and body mass index: clinical outcomes in insulin resistant polycystic ovary syndrome women.

Objective: PCOS is the most common endocrinopathy among reproductive age women. Approximately 60% of PCOS women have insulin resistance. While the efficacy of metformin in reducing insulin resistance and decreasing androgen level has been widely validated, there is no agreement on the dose of metformin to be used.

Appraisal of clinical complications after 23,827 oocyte retrievals in a large assisted reproductive technology program.

Objective: To assess complications encountered after transvaginal oocyte retrieval procedures.

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Setting: University hospital, fertility center.

Hormone replacement therapy in menopause and in premature ovarian insufficiency.

Menopause is defined by world health organization (WHO) as the permanent cessation of menstruating resulting from a loss of ovarian follicular activity, after one year of amenorrhea. It signifies the last menstrual cycle and the end of women's fertile and reproductive life. The average age for a women to undergo menopause is 51 years; unlike menarche, whose average age has decreased over the past decades, the age of menopause has remained unchanged.

Effect of a new oral contraceptive with estradiol valerate/dienogest on carbohydrate metabolism.

Background: Insulin resistance may be induced by both the estrogen and progestin component in hormonal contraception. When estrogen dose is reduced from 50 to 20 mcg, the extent of hyperinsulinemia decreases. Recently, the oral combination contraceptive (COC) containing estradiol valerate (E2V) in combination with dienogest (DNG) was developed in a new estrogen step-down, progesterone step-up dosing strategy (Qlaira, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals).

Combined oral contraceptives in women with menstrual migraine without aura.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of two regimens (21 active pills + 7 placebo pills vs. 24 active pills + 4 placebo pills) of combined oral contraception (COC), both containing 20 μg of ethinyl E(2) and 3 mg of drospirenone, in improving the severity of pure menstrual migraine without aura.

Design: Prospective randomized study.

[Treatment with carnitine, acetyl carnitine, L-arginine and ginseng improves sperm motility and sexual health in men with asthenopermia].

Aim: Among the factors contributing to male infertility, asthenospermia constitutes both a health and a social problem frequently associated with alterations in sexual function. Studies have shown that acetyl carnitine and L-arginine improve sperm motility and that ginseng enhances libido and sexual performance. This study examined the effect of treatment with carnitine, acetyl carnitine, L-arginine and ginseng in men with idiopathic asthenospermia and altered sexual function.

Effect of oral contraceptives on markers of hyperandrogenism and SHBG in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: This randomized study's aim was to compare the effect of four oral contraceptives (OCs) containing 30 mcg of ethinylestradiol (EE) and different progestogens [drospirenone, (DRSP), chlormadinone acetate (CMA), desogestrel (DSG), gestodene (GSD)] on biochemical and hormonal parameters of hyperandrogenism and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Study Design: Forty women with PCOS (age 16-35 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups of 10 women each, treated, respectively, with 3 mg DRSP/30 mcg EE (Yasmin, Bayer Shering), 2 mg CMA/30 mcg EE (Belara, Grunenthal), 75 mcg GSD/30 mcg EE (Minulet, Wyeth Lederle) and 150 mcg DSG/30 mcg EE (Practil 21, Organon Italia). Blood samples were obtained on day 6-8 of the control cycle and day 6-8 of the third treatment cycle for assay of the following hormones: androsteredione (A), total testosterone (T), free T, SHBG, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS).

[Low dose oral contraceptives: 30 microg are still used?].

The choice between oral contraceptives (OC) containing 30 or 20 microg of ethinylestradiol (EE) is founded on clinical sign and medical history of the women. Not always a lower dose of EE cause less side effects than an higher dose. Often 20-microg-EE OC induces menstrual cycle alterations and sexual dysfunctions, inducing the women to stop the treatment.