Reproductive treatments Flashcards
How do we treat primary hypogonadism?
Difficult to treat
How do we treat secondary hypogonadism?
Treat with Gonadotrophins (ie LH and FSH) to induce Spermatogenesis
How does LH help with sperm induction?
LH stimulates Leydig cells to increases intratesticular testosterone to much higher levels than in circulation (x100)
How does FSH help with sperm induction?
FSH stimulates seminiferous tubule development and spermatogenesis
Give some symptoms of hypogonadism due to opioid abuse?
Low morning Testosterone
Fatigue and reduced shaving frequency
Why do we avoid giving T to those desiring fertility?
Secondary hypogonadism (low sperm and testosterone levels) desiring fertility, giving testosterone treatment will lower LH / FSH further and further reduce spermatogenesis
How can you treat hypogonadism in those desiring fertility?
Give hCG injections (which act on LH-receptors)
If no response after 6 months, then add FSH injections
Why would someone with Kallmann’s have a worse prognosis with treatment?
Congenital Hypogonadotrophic Hypogonadism (CHH) eg Kallmann syndrome have not had mini-puberty.
FSH during mini-puberty important for growing the pool of immature spermatogonia and germ cells
How do we overcome problems with treating those with congenital hypogonadism?
2-4 months pretreatment with FSH before hCG treatment
Which testicular size is better for the affect on treatment?
Pretreatment Testicular size (Seminiferous tubules)
ie testicular volume >6ml have better prognosis
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
loss of early morning erections, libido, decreased energy, shaving
How do you diagnose low T?
At least 2 low measurements of serum testosterone before 11am.
Investigate the cause of low testosterone.
How do we replace T?
Daily Gel eg Tostran. Care not to contaminate partner. 3 weekly intramuscular injection (eg Sustanon) 3 monthly intramuscular injection (eg Nebido) Less Common (Implants, oral preparations)
What must you bear in mind safety wise whilst replacing T (biochemical risk)?
Increased Haematocrit (risk of hyperviscosity and stroke)
Prostate (Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels)
What is the aim of ovarian induction (product)?
Aim to develop one ovarian follicle
What is the most common cause of anovualtion?
PCOS
Why do we only want to stimulate one follicle?
Multiple pregnancies
Increased risk
How is ovulation induction done? (its aim)
Ovulation induction methods aim to
increase FSH by a small amount
How can we restore ovulation? (from PCOS)
- Lifestyle / Weight Loss / Metformin
- Letrozole (Aromatase inhibitor)
- Clomiphene (Oestradiol receptor antagonist)
- FSH stimulation
Why do we use aromatase inhibitors?
Low oestrodial level which normally causes negative feedback on hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Increase FSH
How do oestrodiol receptor antagonist work?
Decreased negative feedback
Increases FSH
How does IVF work?
Oocyte retrieval
Fertilisation in vitro
(IVF or ICSI)
Embryo incubation
Embryo transfer
What is ICSI?
Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection
How do we collect eggs?
FSH stimulation (super ovulation)
Egg retrieval directly from ovary
Want to stop premature ovulation
Do this by giving drug that prevents LH surge
Make eggs mature by giving LH
How do we prevent LH surge?
GnRH Antagonist protocol (SHORT protocol)
GnRH agonist (LONG protocol)
How can both a GnRH agonist or a GnRH antagonist be used to block an LH surge?
GnRH is pulsatile so low dose can prevent surge
Non-pulsatile GnRH high dose is a blocker causes desensitisation
What happens when eggs mature (milestone)?
Becomes haploid
Achieves its capability of being fertilised by sperm
How do we mature eggs?
give hCG to trigger egg maturation
What is ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome?
Main side effect of IVF
Pleural effusion
Ascites
Renal failure
Ovarian Torsion