Advancements in Treatment Options of Women Infertility

: Infertility is defined as inability to conceive pregnancy after one year or more of unprotected sex, among the women at the risk of conceiving pregnancy. In addition, to age-factor, it is known to be associated with pathological and genetic conditions that contribute to its early onset. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids and blockade in fallopian tubes are certain common pathological causes of female infertility. Researches are focused to eradicate primary cause of infertility in order to achieve healthy fertile ground for fertilization. Depending on the cause, therapeutic options include, medicines (chemical, herbal and Chinese), hormonal stimulation, surgery, assistive reproductive technology and tissue engineering. To the extent of research, biotechnology has played significant role to answer the problem. This review discusses advancements in these therapeutic fields, in order to treat women-associated infertility.

Unsuspected Pregnancies in Hysterosalpingography: Implementation and Review of a Multi-Institutional Pre-Procedural Pregnancy Screening Protocol

Purpose: Owing to the increasing average age of first-time mothers, as well as advances in assistive reproductive technology, the number of hysterosalpingography (HSG) requests has continued to rise. This increases the likelihood of patients presenting with unsuspected early pregnancies prior to HSG. Currently, there is no standard of practice for the pre-procedural screening of pregnancy prior to HSG, with most institutions using patient-reported pregnancy status and unreliable menstrual cycle dating methods. We implemented a multi-institutional pre-procedural pregnancy screening protocol in order to determine the rate of unsuspected pregnancies prior to HSG and improve the quality and safety of these procedures. Methods: Following multi-institutional and multidisciplinary input, a consensus protocol was formulated and implemented across 9 institutions in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Subsequent tracking of pregnancy testing was then performed over a period of 3 years. Results: Pre-implementation review of protocols demonstrated large disparities between institutions. A total of 6333 HSG examinations were scheduled in the review period following implementation. Of these, 10 patients were found to have positive pregnancy tests (0.16%), despite self-reporting that they were not pregnant or had recent menstrual bleeding. Discussion: Hysterosalpingography is contraindicated in pregnancy, yet we identified 10 unsuspected pregnancies in patients who would have otherwise undergone HSG examinations with existing guidelines. While there remains insufficient data on the deleterious effects of performing HSG on an unsuspected pregnancy, the potential physical, economical, and psychosocial consequences of performing an HSG during pregnancy are sufficient to merit consideration of relatively inexpensive routine pregnancy screening prior to HSG.

Application of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Techniques for IVF Analysis and Prediction

Infertility is the combination of factors that prevent pregnancy. It involves a lot of care and expertise while selecting the best embryo to lead to a successful pregnancy. Assistive reproductive technology (ART) helps to solve this issue. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the methods of ART which is very popular. Artificial intelligence will have digital revolution and manifold advances in the field of reproductive medicine and will eventually provide immense benefits to infertile patients. The main aim of this article is to focus on the methods that can predict the accuracy of pregnancy without human intervention. It provides successful studies conducted by using machine learning techniques. This easily enables doctors to understand the behavior of the attributes which are suitable for the treatment. Blastocyst images can be deployed for the detection and prediction of the best embryo which has the maximum chance of a successful pregnancy. This pioneering work gives one a view into how this field could benefit the future generation.

Surrogacy: Pathway to Parenthood

Assistive reproductive technology has progressed significantly over the past few decades. In spite of the advances, people may still resort to a surrogate for bearing and birthing a baby. Surrogacy, though an altruistic act, has been commercialized in the past few years, leading to emergence of several ethico-legal concerns. Nurses care for the surrogates, the infants, and the intended parents through their journey with sensitivity, advocacy, compassion, and confidentiality. This article intends to explore the implications of surrogacy to individuals, families, nations, and health care.

Missing Motherhood: Jordanian Women's Experiences with Infertility

Aim, Background, and Introduction. Bearing and rearing children are an important part of life in nearly all cultures and are a central role for Jordanian Muslim women. Infertility can create anxiety, stress, and depression for couples who are infertile. Women frequently bear the emotional stigma of a couple’s infertility. There is a paucity of literature focusing on Jordanian Muslim women experiencing infertility and failed assistive reproductive technology. Therefore, this study explored these women’s lived experience. Methods. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with 30 Jordanian Muslim women who experienced failed assistive reproductive technology for infertility. Perceptions of experiences with failed treatment of infertility were documented and analyzed. Results. Major themes were identified: missing out on motherhood and living with infertility, experiencing marital stressors, feeling social pressure, experiencing depression and disappointment, having treatment associated difficulties, appreciating support from family and friends, using coping strategies, and fear of an unknown future. Discussion, Conclusion, and Implications for Clinical Practice. Being infertile significantly influences the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health of Jordanian Muslim women as well as their quality of life. Perceived social support and personal coping strategies were used by study participants to mediate failed attempts to conceive. Designing and implementing culturally appropriate interventions for Muslim women globally who are experiencing infertility are essential.