Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction

153-154

Authors: Rashmi Baid

Delaying assisted reproductive treatment is a major concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, the pandemic has landed everyone in uncertain times, but for infertile couples, it has only added to their already building mental stress. A global challenge as it is, there is probably no definite answer to its time to resolution. There are ethical and moral dilemmas associated with reproductive care during the pandemic. Indeed, now as vaccines become available to populations, and with the severe variants of the virus having calmed down – though we do not know if a newer variant could emerge – fertility clinics have started operating again, albeit with cautious optimism. However, attendance is low, for both health-care providers and patients, particularly in places seeing an upsurge of cases due to the new omicron variant. As the pandemic abates down further, we can anticipate the numbers of infertile couples seeking treatment increase, with possibly poorer prognosis. We could have an ARTemic in the making. And it is something we, as clinicans and fertility treatment specialists gear up for. This could be the silence before the storm.

158-164

Authors: Ankita Wal , Pranay Wal , Ashutosh Pandey , Himangi Vig , Rohini Karunakaran , Biswajit Dash

Male infertility is responsible for an estimated 50% of all cases of infertility. Treatments for male infertility include surgery, in- vitro fertilization, hormone therapy, and herbal remedies. Assisted reproductive technologies and methods have made it possible to identify and treat previously untreatable causes of male infertility. Currently available treatments for male infertility are prohibitively expensive, difficult to obtain, necessitate a lengthy course of treatment, and have a host of side effects. Herbal therapy offers male infertility treatment that is less expensive and has fewer side effects than other treatments. The current review focuses on the various treatment options for male infertility.

175-182

Authors: Yogita Dogra, Neeta Singh, Neena Malhotra, Reeta Mahey, Vanamail Perumal

Objective: To evaluate the impact of seasonal and geographical temperature on sperm parameters in Indian men who were partners in subfertile couples. Methods: A retrospective review of the records of semen analysis from January 2009 to December 2017 that was performed as part of primary evaluation of infertile couple was undertaken. Mean values of various semen parameters were compared between seasons using one-way analysis of variance test followed by Bonferroni pair wise post-hoc comparison test. Bivariate Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to measure the correlation between age, sperm parameters and annual temperature/seasons. The logistic regression analysis was further carried out to identify significant variables contributing to normal progressive motility of sperm. Results: A total of 3 433 reports of semen samples were analysed. There was no significant seasonal variation in the mean volume, concentration, and total motility levels (P>0.05) except the mean values of progressive motility (P<0.001). The mean values of progressive motility during pre-monsoon were significantly higher compared to the corresponding values during monsoon and autumn seasons (P<0.01). In all the seasons, total motility had significant positive correlation with sperm concentration and progressive motility (P<0.05). Pre-monsoon emerged as the significant favourable season to get normal progressive motility level (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.68) compared to winter. The chances of getting normal progressive motility reduced due to longer abstinence period (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.93). When the temperature was more than 28 ℃ , the likelihood of getting normal progressive motility decreased (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.95). Conclusions: The progressive motility of sperms significantly decreases from pre-monsoon to autumn with recovery towards winter, which substantiates the effect of rising temperature on the progressive motility of sperm. This is clinically important to counsel infertile patients, so that they can plan their treatment accordingly.

193-200

Authors: Elshymaa A. Abdelnaby , Ibrahim A. Emam

Objective: To assess the hemodynamic changes that occurred in the main testicular artery at two different locations such as supra and marginal ones in bulls at three different ages. Methods: Eighteen Baladi bulls were divided according to their age into three different age groups: 1 year [n=6; group Ⅰ with bodyweight (380±10) kg], 3 years [n=6; group Ⅱ with bodyweight (570±10) kg], and 6 years old [n=6; group Ⅲ with bodyweight (650±10) kg] Baladi bulls. Circumference of the scrotum, thickness of the mediastinum, testicular dimensions, vascularity, and hormonal levels were measured. Testicular hemodynamics were assessed by Doppler ultrasound scanning. Results: Testicular width, length, and volume were significantly different among the three age groups, with the highest in bulls of group Ⅲ (P<0.05). The bulls in group Ⅲ had significantly higher mediastinal line thickness and scrotal circumference than group Ⅰ (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ . Bulls in group Ⅱ showed a decline in Doppler indices (resistance and pulsatility indexes) at both testicular branches compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Supra and marginal end diastolic velocities in the three age groups were significantly different, with the highest in group Ⅱ (P<0.05). Time average velocity (cm/s) was significantly elevated in group Ⅱ compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Both testicular echotextures were significantly decreased in group Ⅱ (P<0.05). Estradiol and nitric oxide metabolites were significantly high in group Ⅱ compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the level of plasma testosterone was maximum in group Ⅲ (P<0.05). Positive correlations were found between supratesticular artery resistance and pulsatility indexes (r=0.81; P<0.001), while both resistance and pulsatility indexes had correlated negative with estradiol (r=-0.71 and r=-0.91; P<0.001), and nitric oxide metabolites (r=-0.92 and r=-0.72; P<0.001). Conclusions: Three-year old Baladi bull has the lesser Doppler indices with lesser echotexture and greater nitric oxide with estradiol concentrations, which directs a significant ability for the thermoregulation process. These parameters will help in breeding selection.