Experience with a new fixed-stimulation protocol without hormone determinations for programmed oocyte retrieval for in-vitro fertilization.

A new fixed schedule of ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was developed that is not only simpler and easier to handle for the patients but also gives a better fertilization and pregnancy rate. The period and the start of stimulation is shifted by means of a contraceptive pill in such a way that stimulation is generally started on a Sunday. The patient takes clomiphene, (100 mg) for 5 days and prednisolone (7.

Studies on psychosomatic implications of infertility--effects of emotional stress on fertilization and implantation in in-vitro fertilization.

A case report shows the long and stony path of a couple who had to go through eight attempts at IVF in 4 years until the desired child was achieved. The psychosomatic implications of the various 'failures' of treatment become clearer when compared with the results of a psycho-endocrinological questionnaire completed by 551 patients and 115 controls since 1982. This questionnaire contains among others the Giessen personality test for the image of self, mother and father, a somatic complaints score to evaluate the severity of autonomic disorders, items for the presence and severity of possible gynaeco-endocrinological symptoms and items to evaluate the reference persons and their changes during childhood.

Membrane potential measurements in human oocytes.

Both maturation and fertilization of oocytes involve changes within the cell membrane as also in other cell structures. One method of documenting this phenomenon is the electrophysiological measurement of membrane potential (MP). Changes of MPs occurring coincidentally with the development of oocytes have been published previously for intervertebrates and vertebrates.

Trans-vaginal oocyte retrieval using a trans-vaginal sector scan probe combined with an automated puncture device.

A new trans-vaginal sector scanning ultrasound probe has been developed providing a forward viewing sector of 240 degrees. Due to its rotating one-beam scanner, the images of the uterus and the ovaries with their follicles are of high resolution and are clearly outlined on the screen. An automated puncturing device has been adjusted to this probe which gives the surgeon more precision in placing the tip of an aspiration needle into the middle of the follicle.