Assisted reproduction refers to a number of advanced techniques that aid fertilization in a couple diagnosed to have reduced fertility such as in women who have irreversible damage to their fallopian tubes or cervical mucous problems. These techniques can also benefit couples with unexplained infertility. Before 1978, infertility diagnosis and treatment revolved around surgical interventions such as fallopian tube(s) repair or inserting sperms into the uterus. Thus, the management was applicable and aimed at removing the mechanical blockage that prevented the fertilization of egg. Then ca.me Louise Brown and Dr. Patrick Steptoe, a couple who were destined to be associated forever in the infertility history books forever. This is because in 1978, Dr. Steptoe made it possible for Louise to conceive in a laboratory in England with IVF. From this turning point in the science of infertility, came techniques that addressed the biochemical and hormonal aspects of infertility thus marking the beginning of a whole new subspecialty called Reproductive Endocrinology. With Dr. Steptoe’s technique, called IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), couples who otherwise had no problems that could be surgically treated now had another option. With the inclusion of Information technology in all aspects of our life, the explosion of Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) has resulted in further sophistication of additional techniques, now responsible for the existence of over 20,000 human beings a year that would never have existed. ART deals with all aspects of the science of conception, be it investigating the couple, or determining their ovarian reserve to application of the most appropriate technique to aid conception in that couple.

Historically, gynecologic endoscopy began in the 1930s with the development of diagnostic laparoscopy, but today gynecologic endoscopy has become an essential part of gynecologic surgery. In present practice, the benefits of hysteroscopy have become safely entrenched behind undeniable facts, to the hospitals as well as the patients. Hysteroscopy can be regarded as the gold standard for the evaluation of the uterine cavity in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and suspected intrauterine out-growth. It can be performed in the office setting (outpatient hysteroscopy) or as a day-case procedure, under general anesthesia (inpatient hysteroscopy). Outpatient hysteroscopy has been shown to be as accurate as inpatient hysteroscopy, and it has the advantage of reduced anesthetic risks, enhanced time–cost effectiveness, and patient preference. The factors behind the success of outpatient hysteroscopy are instrument quality, characteristics of the distension medium, the ability and experience of the operators, and recent technical advances, such as the introduction of small-diameter rigid and flexible hysteroscopes. The future looks to further simplification of instrumentation and hence, high safety and accuracy and expedited performance. "Hysteroscopy in Infertility" has addressed the relevant issues with dexterity by substantiating with relevant clinical experiences of authors, who are among the pioneers in this field.

Historically, gynecologic endoscopy began in the 1930s with the development of diagnostic laparoscopy, but today gynecologic endoscopy, both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, has become an essential part of gynecologic surgery. In present practice, the benefits of laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and minimally invasive surgical procedures have become safely entrenched behind undeniable facts, to the patients as well as the hospitals. The endoscopic gynecologic surgery now involves the whole gamut of fetal surgery, embryoscopy, outpatient local anesthetic laparoscopy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, and embolization of myomas. Another interesting fact to come to the fore is that, increasingly, the traditional treatments for infertility are being rendered obsolete by advanced reproductive technologies and gynecologic endoscopy. Endoscopy in Infertility has addressed the relevant issues with dexterity by substantiating with relevant clinical experiences of its authors, who are among the pioneers in this field.

Endometriosis is a condition that often leads to a variety of symptoms that range from pain complaints to infertility. Endometriosis is also found in women who are asymptomatic. The diagnosis of endometriosis can be made clinically with reliability similar to that of one made surgically. Medical treatment options are effective, as are surgical treatment options. Complications associated with surgery, however, push the balance in favor of medical therapy whenever possible. Based on the body of evidence available at present, women with endometriosis-related complaints should be treated with a first-line medical therapy. If that fails, a second-line medical therapy is warranted under most conditions. Laparoscopic surgery should be reserved for patients in whom second-line medical therapy has failed or is contraindicated by desire to conceive immediately or as soon as possible.

Critical Issues in Obstetrics and Gynecology - ECAB - E-Book

Globally, pregnancy and childbirth are periods of high morbidity and mortality for women. The key to reducing the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth is early recognition and provision of high quality care. The aims of critical care issues’ management are broad, the need to address the defects in conceiving followed by early recognition, prevention, and management of preterm births and threatened miscarriages along with studying the essential factors responsible for the same. Infertility has been ranked as one of the greatest sources of stress in a person’s life, comparable to a somatic disease such as cancer and ranked second to that involving the death of a family member or divorce. The role of stress and immunomodulation as a causative factor for infertility has been studied in greater details in recent times due to the changing lifestyles and a relevant discussion has been provided by the author with specific considerations in the Indian clinical settings. Endometriosis is the disease of the millennium, a sticky, perplexing and unconquerable pathology, which has remained an enigma. With increased awareness about endometriosis, improved methods of diagnosis like transvaginal sonography, liberal use of laparoscopy and more frequent evaluation of CA 125, the incidence of endometriosis is rising and thus, a clear understanding of the condition with application of the various advances in the recognition and also the new management protocols being followed, are the need of the day for the practitioners across the country. The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which features amenorrhea, hirsutism, and obesity, which was initially considered a reproductive and cosmetic concern of young women of reproductive age group, has more recently been recognized to have metabolic and cardiovascular associations that make it of major consequence for women of all age groups worldwide. Keeping in mind the requirements of the society, the practitioners need to update themselves on the current approach and the wide variety of choices now available. This book encompasses the rich experience of the specialists in India who are among the stalwarts in this field.

Reproductive Endocrinology - ECAB - E-Book