Reproductive Treatments Flashcards
What investigations should be done for suspected hypogonadism in a man with low testosterone?
Confirm at least 2 low fasting measurements of serum testosterone in morning
Investigate the cause of low testosterone
What is the aim of testosterone replacement?
Treat symptoms: loss of early morning elections, libido, decreased energy and shaving
What are the different types of testosterone replacement?
Daily gel - must take care not to contaminate partner
3 weekly intramuscular injection
3 monthly intramuscular injection
Less common - implants, oral preparations
What must be monitored when a person is on testosterone replacement?
Increased Haematocrit - risk of hyperviscosity and stroke
Prostate - PSA levels (prostrate specific antigen)
How are the gonadotrophins LH and FSH involved in fertility?
LH - stimulates Leydig cells to increase intratesticular testosterone levels (much higher than in circulation)
FSH - stimulates seminiferous tubule development and spermatogenesis
Why should you avoid giving testosterone to men desiring fertility?
Giving testosterone treatment could further reduce LH / FSH and worsen spermatogenesis
What is the treatment for inducing spermatogenesis?
hCG injections (which act on LH-receptors)
If no response after 6 months, then add FSH injections
What are the symptoms/signs of PCOS?
Hyperandrogenism (clinical, e.g. hirsutism or biochemical)
PCO morphology (US)
Irregular periods
What can cause hypothalamic amenorrhea?
Low body weight
Excessive exercise
Stress
Genetic susceptibility
What is the aim of ovulation induction and why?
Aim to develop one ovarian follicle by causing a small increase in FSH
If >1 follicle develops, this risks multiple pregnancy (ie Twin / Triplet)
Multiple pregnancy has risks for mother and baby during pregnancy
What steps are taken to restore ovulation in PCOS?
- Lifestyle/weight loss (5%)
- Metformin
- Letrozole (aromatase inhibitor)
- Clomiphene (oestradiol receptor modulator)
- FSH stimulation
What steps are taken to restore ovulation in hypothalamic amenorrhea?
- Lifestyle/weight gain/reduce exercise
- Pulsatile GnRH pump
- FSH stimulation
- Letrozole (aromatase inhibitor)
- Clomiphene (oestradiol receptor modulator)
What are the steps of IVF?
Oocyte retrieval
Fertilisation in vitro
Embryo incubation
Embryo transfer
What are the two different types of fertilisation in vitro?
IVF - sperm left to penetrate egg
Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection - usually male factor infertility - one sperm is injected directly into egg
What are the non-permanent methods of contraception?
Barrier: male/female condom/diaphragm or cap with spermicide
Combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)
Progesterone-only pill (POP)
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Emergency contraception
What are the permanent methods of contraception?
Vasectomy
Female sterilisation
What are the positives of condom use?
Protect against STI’s
Easy to obtain – free from clinics
No need to see a healthcare professional
No contra-indications as with some hormonal methods
What are the negatives of condom use?
Can interrupt sex
Can reduce sensation
Can interfere with erections
Some skill to use, eg correct fit
Two are not better than one
What are the effects of the combined OCP on the HPG axis?
Oestrogen and prog - negative feedback - decrease GnRH, LH and FSH
Ovaries:
1. Anovulation
2. Thickening of cervical mucus
3. Thinning of endometrial lining to reduce chance of implantation
What are the positives of the combined OCP?
Easy to take - one a day
Effective
Doesn’t interrupt sex
Can take several packets back to back and avoid withdrawal bleeds
Reduces risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer
Weight neutral in 80% of people