Assisted
Reproduction Therapy (IVF)
Erectile
dysfunction
Infertility
Study
Low
Sperm Quality
Male
Sterility
Menopause
Sperm
Density
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Infertility
Studies - continued
Electroacupuncture effects
on uterine artery blood flow impedance (1)
Research on in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment has, among other
things, focused on optimizing positive results with minimum complications.
One line of research has been to modify different stimulation regimens,
and another has been to investigate and improve the quality of the
culture medium and the selection of the best embryos. Successful
IVF and embryo transfer (ET) require optimal endometrial receptivity
at the time of implantation. Blood flow impedance in the uterine
arteries, measured as the pulsatility index (PI), is considered
valuable in assessing endometrial receptivity in association with
IVF and ET treatment. An optimal range of PI at the time of ET seems
to be between 2.0 and 2.9. Steer et al. (1992) showed that a mean
uterine arterial PI >3.0 at the time of ET predicted 35% of pregnancy
failures (2). A third line of research, aimed at improving IVF outcome,
is now conceivable.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether repeated electro-acupuncture
(EA) treatments can reduce high blood flow impedance in the uterine
arteries to an optimal PI level between 2.0 and 2.9.
Ten infertile women, aged between 25 - 40 years, with a mean PI
>3.0 in the uterine arteries, attending the clinic for IVF and
ET treatment were included. The mean PI of the uterine arteries
(mean of three PI on each side) was measured on each patient with
transvaginal ultrasonography and pulsed Doppler curves. The measurements
were done twice before the first EA treatment, after the eight EA
treatments and again 10-14 days after the EA period. EA was given
eight times, twice a week for 4 weeks. There were no differences
between the first two PI measurements, which were taken prior to
the first EA. However, in comparison with the mean baseline PI taken
before down regulation and before the first EA, the mean PI taken
both after the last EA and 10 - 14 days later was significantly
reduced.
The
present study showed that repeated EA treatments reduce a high PI
value in the uterine arteries to normal levels directly after and
10 - 14 days after the EA period. Whether the subsequent increase
in blood flow influences endometrial receptivity, and therefore
implantation and pregnancy rate, in women undergoing IVF and ET
remains to be shown.
Electroacupuncture as
anesthesia during oocyte aspiration (3)
The anesthetic method used during oocyte aspiration should provide
adequate analgesia during the procedure and rapid recovery afterwards.
In Sweden the most frequently employed procedure is a paracervical
block (PCB) in combination with i.v. opiates. Premedication with
sedative drugs may be used. Intravenous opiates and different combinations
of premedication can cause side-effects such as tiredness, nausea,
and confusion.
The aim of the
present study was to compare EA and PCB, EA group, with a fast-acting
opiate (alfentanil) and PCB, alfentanil group, with regard to pain
related to oocyte aspiration, discomfort, adequacy of anesthesia,
abdominal pain, stress, nausea, and IVF outcome parameters.
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