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Male Factor Infertility and ICSI |
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 Infertility is a prevalent condition with significant societal and psychological impact. Thirty percent of couples seeking treatment for infertility are unable to conceive solely due to male related problems. Impaired sperm performance in conjunction with other female factors is noted in an addditional 20 percent of patients.
Normal male fertility requires completion of a daunting sequence of elaborate processes to include spermatogenesis, sperm transport, accessory gland function, along with timely sperm deposition through adequate coitus. Prior to acquiring fertilization ability the sperm undergoes complex morphological and biochemical changes. This process of capacitation allows hyperactivated motion characteristics, zona pellucida binding, acrosome reaction and oocyte penetration. Once within the oocyte, decondensation is necessary for male pronuclear formation; thus completing the most essential goal of spermatozoa: delivery of genetic material to the oocyte. Natural reproduction offers other obstacles requiring adequate sperm function. After vaginal deposition, a fraction of the total ejaculated sperm enters the cervical mucus, potentially extending viability of the male gametes to four days. The fertilizing spermatozoa must traverse the female reproductive tract to reach the distal fallopian tube, the usual site of fertilization. In the absence of patent fallopian tubes or surgically correctable tubal obstruction, couples have to resort to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for procreating. During IVF successful gamete interaction becomes dependant upon oocyte quality, sperm count, motility, morphology and ability to capacitate followed by acrosome loss (1,2).
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New research on motivating "lazy" sperm |
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Using innovative approaches, the clinicians at New LIFE developed a research model to assess the effects of a compound, Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) on sperm motion. Sperm must undergo changes in motility to be able to reach and fertilize an egg. This is part of a process called, sperm capacitation. PAF was known to enhance mechanisms inside of cells that is related to cell motion.
In this study, Drs Ripps, Minhas and colleagues showed that exposure of sperm to PAF at different concentrations resulted in increased sperm motility consistent with the capacitation process. This same treatment may prove useful for treating infertile men with slow sperm.
The full article can be viewed the recent issue of the journal: Early Pregnancy: |
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Natural approach to PCOS found to be effective |
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While managing the frustrating condition of PCOS remains a challenge, it becomes easier after careful evaluation in the specialty of reprodutive endocrinology. A research study conducted at New LIFE revealed that for patients with irregular periods, facial hair growth, uncontrollable weight gain and sometimes insulin resistance, careful lab evaluation identifies patients for whom natural approaches such as special diets and dietary supplements will allow ongoing weight loss, improved cholesterol levels and return of menstrual periods with pregnancy. This without taking medicines or starvation. These findings were reviewed by world-renowned specialists and accepted for presentation at the annual scientific meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in San Antonio, TX in October, 2003. Two of the senior authors were Drs Barry Ripps and Brijinder Minhas. |
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