Reproductive Treatments Flashcards
How to confirm hypogonadism in a man?
Man with low testosterone (Hypogonadism)-
(Confirm at least 2 low fasting measurements of serum testosterone in morning)
Investigate the cause of low testosterone.
What symptoms suggest low testosterone
loss of early morning erections
libido
decreased energy
shaving
What can be done to replace testosterone
Daily Gel. Care not to contaminate partner.
3 weekly intramuscular injection
3 monthly intramuscular injection
Less Common (Implants, oral preparations)
Why is it important to safely measure testosterone levels
Increased Haematocrit (risk of hyperviscosity and stroke)
Prostate (Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels)
What to do for a man with hypogonadism desiring fertility:
Secondary Hypogonadism-
deficiency of gonadotrophins (LH/FSH) ie hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism:
Gonadotrophins (ie LH and FSH) needed to induce Spermatogenesis
LH stimulates Leydig cells to increases intratesticular testosterone levels much higher than in circulation (x100).
FSH stimulates seminiferous tubule development and spermatogenesis.
Should you give testosterone to men desiring fertility?
Avoid giving testosterone to men desiring fertility.
Giving testosterone treatment could further reduce LH / FSH and worsen spermatogenesis!
Treatment for inducing spermatogenesis:
hCG injections (which act on LH-receptors)
If no response after 6 months, then add FSH injections.
What does this woman have?
30 year old woman trying to conceive for 3 years.
Lack of periods (amenorrhoea)
Hyperandrogenism (hirsutism and acne)
Ultrasound Scan –
Polycystic ovarian (PCO) morphology.
LH 8.0 iU/L, FSH 4.5 iU/L
Testosterone 2.5 nmol/L (raised)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS
-Hyperandrogenism
(Clinical or Biochemical)
—-Therefore hirsutism and acne
-PCO morphology
on Ultrasound
-Irregular periods
Hypothalamic
Amenorrhoea (not enough energy for fertilisation)
-Irregular periods
-Low body weight
-Excessive exercise
-Stress
-Genetic susceptibility
What is ovulation induction?
Aim to develop one ovarian follicle
If >1 follicle develops, this risks multiple pregnancy (ie Twin / Triplet)
Multiple pregnancy has risks for mother and baby during pregnancy
Ovulation induction methods aim to cause small increase in FSH
How to restore ovulation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Lifestyle / Weight Loss 5%
Metformin, reduces insulin resistance and increases androgen production
Letrozole (Aromatase inhibitor)
Clomiphene (Oestradiol receptor modulator)
FSH stimulation
How to restore ovulation in Hypothalamic amenorrhoea
Lifestyle / Weight gain / reduce exercise
Pulsatile GnRH pump
FSH stimulation
Letrozole (Aromatase inhibitor)
Clomiphene (Oestradiol receptor modulator)
What happens in IVF treatment
Stimulate ovaries to make follicles by giving more FSH
Oocyte retrieval is a small surgical procedure with an ultrasound
Fertilisation in vitro or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (directly inject sperm into egg - usually when sperm is the problem)
After eggs are fertilised, zygotes formed and then embryo that is incubated for a few days
Then transfer embryo into endometrium
What are contraception methods?
Barrier: male / female condom / diaphragm or cap with spermicide
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP)
Progestogen-only Pill (POP)
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Emergency Contraception
What are permanent methods of contraception
Vasectomy
Female sterilisation
What are the positives and negatives with condoms?
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
Can interrupt sex
Can reduce sensation
Can interfere with erections
Some skill to use eg correct fit.
Two are not better than one
How does the oral contraceptive pill work?
Either oestrogen or progesterone
Negative feedback to decrease GnRH, and lower FSH and LH (both in hypothalamus and pituitary gland)
1) Anovulation
2) Thickening of cervical mucus
3) Thinning of endometrial lining to reduce implantation