2.Best evidence summary for the fertility management in testicular cancer patients.
Cang-Mei FU ; Ya HU ; Ao-Xi LIANG ; Xue FU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(6):526-534
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the relevant evidence of testicular cancer patients' fertility management which provides a basis for fertility guidance for young testicular cancer patients.
METHODS:
The evidence, guidelines, expert consensus, evidence summary, systematic review and Meta-analysis on fertility-related clinical decision-making were searched from computer decision support systems, relevant guideline websites, evidence-based databases, original research databases, and professional association websites at home and abroad. The search period was set dating from the establishment of the database to July 2024. Two researchers with evidence-based nursing research background independently completed the quality evaluation, evidence extraction and summary of the literature.
RESULTS:
A total of 21 articles were selected, including 4 clinical decisions, 8 guidelines, 4 expert consensuses, 3 systematic reviews and 2 Meta-analyses. Thirty-three pieces of best evidence from six aspects were summarized, including fertility assessment, fertility counseling, fertility preservation timing, fertility preservation regimen, anti-tumor therapy and fertility, and contraceptive timing.
CONCLUSION
The best evidence summarized in this study provides a basis for clinical medical staff to carry out fertility management in testicular cancer patients. In clinical application, medical staff need to fully consider the patient's wishes in combination with the clinical situation, and promote the maximum benefit of the patient, so as to further improve the life quality of the patients.
Humans
;
Male
;
Evidence-Based Medicine
;
Fertility
;
Fertility Preservation
;
Testicular Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Systematic Reviews as Topic
3.Influencing factors of fertility preservation decision-making in patients with testicular cancer: A qualitative study.
Ya HU ; Xue FU ; Cang-Mei FU ; Xiang-Dong LI
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(8):717-722
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study is to explore the influencing factors of fertility preservation decision-making in testicular cancer patient and provide a basis for clinical decision.
METHODS:
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling in 18 testicular cancer patients. Semi-structured interviews were performed, and data were analyzed through content analysis.
RESULTS:
A total of 3 themes and 10 subthemes were extracted including individual factors (fertility circumstance, concerns about sperm cryopreservation efficacy/quality, the preferred choice between treatment and fertility preservation, confidence in future fertility), medical factors (physicians' recommendations on fertility preservation, fertility-related information, urgency of treatment), and socio-environmental factors (traditional beliefs of fertility, family/partner support, accessibility/cost of cryopreservation).
CONCLUSION
This study highlights many influencing factors of fertility preservation decision-making in testicular cancer patients, emphasizing the need for clinicians to enhance awareness of fertility preservation, provide timely and targeted information, and advocate for policy interventions to reduce financial barriers. Strengthening healthcare support and systemic safeguards may optimize patients' decision-making outcomes.
Humans
;
Male
;
Fertility Preservation
;
Testicular Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Decision Making
;
Qualitative Research
;
Cryopreservation
;
Adult
;
Infertility, Male/prevention & control*
4.Efficacy of single and double platelet-rich plasma treatment for diminished ovarian reserve.
Enuo PENG ; Miao AI ; Xiaojun TAN ; Xingping ZHAO ; Dabao XU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(1):45-51
OBJECTIVES:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment has been reported to improve ovarian function in women, but the relationship between the dose and frequency of PRP treatment and its therapeutic effect remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of single and double PRP treatments for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
METHODS:
A total of 65 patients treated at the Reproductive Center of Xiangtan Central Hospital from September 2020 to October 2022 were randomly divided into 4 groups: A single PRP treatment group (21 patients, PRP treatment once), a double PRP treatment group (15 patients, PRP treatment twice), a blank control group (15 patients), and an artificial cycle control group (14 patients, treated with estrogen and progesterone). The differences in baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian volume, number of oocytes retrieved, number of good quality embryos, and pregnancy outcomes before and after treatment were compared among the 4 groups.
RESULTS:
Compared to before treatment, both single and double PRP treatment groups showed a significant reduction in FSH, and an increase in AFC, ovarian volume, numbers of oocytes retrieved, and number of MII oocytes (all P<0.05). Compared to the blank control group, the single and double PRP groups showed a decrease in FSH, with an increase in AFC, number of oocytes retrieved, and number of MII oocytes (all P<0.05). The rates of good quality embryos, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in the single and double PRP groups were higher than those in the blank control group and artificial cycle control groups, but the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Compared to the single PRP treatment group, the double PRP group had lower FSH and higher AFC, but the differences were not statistically significant (both P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Both single and double PRP ovarian injections can effectively improve ovarian reserve function in DOR patients and enhance ovarian response. Compared to single PRP ovarian injection, double PRP ovarian injection shows a trend of better improvement in ovarian reserve function.
Humans
;
Female
;
Platelet-Rich Plasma
;
Ovarian Reserve/physiology*
;
Adult
;
Pregnancy
;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood*
;
Pregnancy Rate
;
Ovary
;
Ovulation Induction/methods*
;
Ovarian Follicle
;
Oocyte Retrieval
5.Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and fertility outcomes of intrauterine adhesions due to endometrial tuberculosis.
Jianfa JIANG ; Dabao XU ; Yimin YANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(1):52-60
OBJECTIVES:
Endometrial tuberculosis, which commonly affects women of reproductive age, is a significant cause of intrauterine adhesions (IUA), potentially leading to hypomenorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is the primary treatment for IUA; however, studies specifically addressing its efficacy in tuberculosis-induced IUA remain scarce. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis for IUA caused by endometrial tuberculosis.
METHODS:
This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with tuberculosis-induced IUA who underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between May 2014 and October 2022. Clinical data including age, medical history, adhesion severity, surgical treatment, and reproductive outcomes were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among 39 patients identified, 2 were lost to follow-up. A total of 37 patients were included, with a follow-up duration ranging from 6 months to 9 years. Hypomenorrhea was reported in 24 (64.9%) patients, secondary amenorrhea in 10 (27.0%) patients, and normal menstruation in 3 (8.1%) patients. Most patients presented with primary infertility (59.5%), and only 2 (5.4%) had secondary infertility. The median American Fertility Society (AFS) score at initial assessment was 10 (range, 8-12); 8 (21.6%) patients had moderate IUA, and 29 (78.4%) had severe IUA. A total of 86 surgical procedures were performed across 37 patients, with 27 patients undergoing 2 or more surgeries. Postoperatively, 25 (67.6%) patients achieved normalization of the uterine cavity, while 12 (32.4%) still had a reduced cavity. Only 7 (18.9%) patients had a grossly normal endometrium at the final surgery, all of whom had moderate adhesions at the initial procedure. Menstrual flow returned to normal in 12 (32.4%) patients, while 25 (67.6%) continued to experience hypomenorrhea. Of 29 patients who attempted in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), only 6 (20.7%) conceived. Among these, 4 (13.8%) delivered at term via cesarean section; one case was complicated by postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony and another by placental adhesion.
CONCLUSIONS
Endometrial tuberculosis can lead to severe IUA. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis facilitates cavity restoration and improvement of menstrual conditions, but the overall reproductive outcomes remain suboptimal.
Humans
;
Female
;
Hysteroscopy/methods*
;
Tissue Adhesions/etiology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Adult
;
Uterine Diseases/etiology*
;
Infertility, Female/surgery*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Tuberculosis, Female Genital/surgery*
;
Fertility
;
Pregnancy
6.Successful pregnancies following individualized treatment for diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis: A report of 5 cases.
Shudan CHEN ; Sili HE ; Ruizhen LI ; Chunxia CHENG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(6):1099-1105
OBJECTIVES:
Hysterectomy remains the only definitively effective treatment for diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis (DUL). However, no standardized management strategy exists for DUL patients wishing to preserve fertility. This study summarizes and analyzes 5 cases of individualized treatment in DUL patients desiring fertility preservation, aiming to provide a clinical reference for personalized management of similar patients.
METHODS:
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 5 DUL patients with fertility intentions admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. To preserve fertility, individualized treatment plans were selected based on clinical manifestations and fibroid distribution. One patient received high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU); one underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy (HM) combined with laparoscopic myomectomy (LRM); one underwent HIFU combined with HM and LRM; one received drug therapy combined with staged HM; and one underwent HIFU combined with staged HM and drug therapy. Treatment outcomes and pregnancy results were analyzed.
RESULTS:
After treatment, all 5 patients showed marked improvement in menstrual volume or dysmenorrhea symptoms and significant reduction in uterine volume; mild intrauterine adhesions occurred in 3 cases. All 5 patients achieved successful pregnancy. One patient with chronic hypertension developed severe preeclampsia at 34 weeks and underwent cesarean section, while the remaining 4 delivered at term by cesarean section. Three cases of placenta accreta and 2 cases of postpartum hemorrhage occurred. During long-term follow-up, one patient underwent hysterectomy 2 years postpartum due to increased menstrual volume, while the other 4 remained stable.
CONCLUSIONS
Individualized treatment tailored to DUL patients' conditions can preserve fertility, support successful pregnancy, and achieve favorable pregnancy outcomes.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Leiomyomatosis/therapy*
;
Uterine Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Adult
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Fertility Preservation/methods*
;
Hysterectomy
;
Uterine Myomectomy/methods*
;
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation
;
Pregnancy Outcome
7.GGN repeat length of the androgen receptor gene is associated with antral follicle count in Chinese women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation.
Xinyan LIU ; Qi FAN ; Mingfen DENG ; Yan XU ; Jing GUO ; Ping CAO ; Canquan ZHOU ; Yanwen XU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):213-222
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the association of GGN repeat polymorphism of androgen receptor (AR) with ovarian reserve and ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS).
METHODS:
This genetic association study was conducted among a total of 361 women aged ≤40 years with basal FSH≤12 U/L undergoing the GnRH-agonist long protocol for COS in a university-affiliated IVF center. GGN repeat in the AR gene was analyzed with Sanger sequencing. The primary endpoint was the number of antral follicle counts (AFCs), and the secondary endpoints were stimulation days, total dose of gonadotropin (Gn) used, total number of retrieved oocytes, ovarian sensitivity index, and follicular output rate.
RESULTS:
The GGN repeat in exon 1 of the AR gene ranged from 13 to 24, and the median repeat length was 22. Based on the genotypes (S for GGN repeats <22, L for GGN repeats ≥22), the patients were divided into 3 groups: SS, SL, and LL. Generalized regression analysis indicated that the number of AFCs in group SS was significantly lower than those in group SL (adjusted β=1.8, 95% CI: 0.2-3.4, P=0.024) and group LL (adjusted β=1.5, 95% CI: 0.2-2.7, P=0.021). No significant difference was observed in the number of AFCs between group SL and group LL (P>0.05). Generalized regression analysis indicated no significant differences in ovarian stimulation parameters among the 3 groups, either before or after adjusting for confounding factors (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
GGN repeat length on the AR gene is associated with AFC but not with ovarian response in Chinese women, indicating that AR gene polymorphisms may affect ovarian reserve.
Adult
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Genotype
;
Ovarian Follicle/cytology*
;
Ovarian Reserve/genetics*
;
Ovulation Induction/methods*
;
Polymorphism, Genetic
;
Receptors, Androgen/genetics*
;
East Asian People/genetics*
8.Exogenous triggering with hCG/GnRHa improves outcomes of natural cycle IVF/ICSI in patients with diminished ovarian reserve: a propensity score matching and logistic regression analysis.
Xinyue CHANG ; Ningning YAO ; Yan ZHAO ; Yinfeng WANG ; Ancong WANG ; Huihui ZHANG ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1519-1526
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the effects of exogenous trigger (hCG/GnRHa) versus endogenous LH surge in natural cycle IVF/ICSI (NC-IVF/ICSI) for patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,118 NC-IVF/ICSI cycles from two reproductive centers between 2013 and 2024. Propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate logistic regression were used to adjust for confounding factors. The trigger-day hormone threshold was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Outcome measures included oocyte retrieval rate, 2PN fertilization rate, clinical available embryo rate, high-quality embryo rate, fresh cycle clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and live birth rate (LBR).
RESULTS:
After adjusting for confounders via PSM and logistic regression, the exogenous trigger group demonstrated significantly better outcomes across all the evaluated parameters (oocyte retrieval rate, 2PN fertilization rate, transferable embryo rate, high-quality embryo rate, fresh cycle CPR, and LBR) than the endogenous LH surge group (P<0.05). Age-stratified analysis revealed that for the entire cohort, exogenous triggering significantly increased the number of transferable embryos and high-quality embryos (P<0.001). In the 35-39 years old subgroup, exogenous triggering showed significant advantages in oocyte yield, high-quality embryo rate, CPR, and LBR (P<0.05) and resulted in the most pronounced improvement in LBR (OR=6.25, 95% CI: 1.34-29.23). ROC analysis established a decision-day LH threshold of 19.055 mIU/mL (AUC=0.945, specificity=93.3%) for precise stratification of the clinical pathways.
CONCLUSIONS
For DOR patients undergoing NC-IVF/ICSI, exogenous triggering comprehensively improves the treatment outcomes, particularly providing significant live birth benefits for women aged 35-40 years. An individualized protocol incorporating the LH threshold (19.055 mIU/mL) effectively enhances embryonic developmental potential and live birth rates.
Humans
;
Female
;
Ovarian Reserve
;
Pregnancy
;
Propensity Score
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Fertilization in Vitro
;
Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
;
Chorionic Gonadotropin
;
Pregnancy Rate
;
Logistic Models
;
Ovulation Induction/methods*
;
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
;
Adult
;
Oocyte Retrieval
9.Electroacupuncture at acupoints of liver meridian for diminished ovarian reserve of liver depression: a randomized controlled trial.
Qiuping LUO ; Zhihong YANG ; Lingmin JIN ; Panbi CHEN ; Yun JIANG ; Qingke LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Xiaofang YANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2024;44(11):1261-1266
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at acupoints of liver meridian in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) of liver depression.
METHODS:
A total of 62 patients with DOR of liver depression were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group (31 cases, 1 case discontinued) and a western medication group (31 cases, 1 case was eliminated). Electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral Taichong (LR 3), Ligou (LR 5), Ququan (LR 8), Jimai (LR 12) in the electroacupuncture group, with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current of 0.5-1.0 mA, 30 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week. Femoston was taken orally in the western medication group, oral estradiol tablets were taken for the first 14 days, followed by oral estradiol/progesterone complex tablets for the rest 14 days, 1 tablet a day. Both groups were treated for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. Before and after treatment, the scores of TCM syndrome, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were observed, serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were detected, and antral follicle count (AFC), peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistance index (RI) of ovarian artery were measured by color Doppler ultrasound in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment.
RESULTS:
After treatment, the scores of primary symptom and secondary symptom, as well as the total scores of TCM syndrome were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), the scores of SAS and SDS, as well as the serum FSH levels and RI of ovarian artery were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), while the serum AMH levels, AFC and PSV of ovarian artery were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the two groups. After treatment, in the electroacupuncture group, the primary symptom score of TCM syndrome was higher than that in the western medication group (P<0.01), the secondary symptom score of TCM syndrome and the scores of SAS and SDS were lower than those in the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total effective rate was 70.0% (21/30) in the electroacupuncture group and 73.3% (22/30) in the western medication group respectively, there was no significant difference in the total effective rate between the two groups (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Electroacupuncture at acupoints of liver meridian can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, anxiety and depression, regulate the serum sex hormone levels, increase AFC and improve ovarian blood supply in DOR patients of liver depression.
Humans
;
Female
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Adult
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Meridians
;
Ovarian Reserve
;
Young Adult
;
Liver Diseases/physiopathology*
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Ovary/physiopathology*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Depression/therapy*
10.Testis tissue cryopreservation may be considered in boys with cryptorchidism.
Linn Salto MAMSEN ; Simone HILDORF ; Elissavet NTEMOU ; Danyang WANG ; Dina CORTES ; Jens FEDDER ; Jørgen THORUP ; Claus Yding ANDERSEN
Asian Journal of Andrology 2024;26(6):610-616
This study assessed the feasibility of testis tissue cryopreservation (TTC) for fertility preservation in prepubescent boys with cryptorchidism. From January 2014 to December 2022, the University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark) implemented TTC for 56 boys with cryptorchidism to preserve their reproductive potential. Testis tissue samples were collected during orchiopexy (32 cases) or at subsequent follow-up procedures (24 cases), necessitated by an increased risk of infertility as indicated by hormonal assessments and/or findings from initial surgical biopsies. Testis samples were procured for TTC and pathological analysis. The cohort had an average age of 1.3 (range: 0.3-3.8) years at the time of orchiopexy, with 91.1% presenting bilateral cryptorchidism. The study revealed a median germ cell count of 0.39 (range: 0-2.88) per seminiferous tubule, with germ cells detected in 98.0% of the bilateral biopsies and 100% of the unilateral, indicating a substantial potential for fertility in these immature tissues. A dark spermatogonia (Ad) was detected in 37 out of 56 patients evaluated, with a median Ad spermatogonia count of 0.027 (range: 0.002-0.158) per seminiferous tubule. A total of 30.2% of the samples lacked Ad spermatogonia, indicative of potential gonadotrophin insufficiency. The median hormone levels measured were as follows: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at 0.69 (range: 0.16-2.5) U l -1 , luteinizing hormone (LH) at 0.21 (range: 0.05-3.86) U l -1 , and inhibin B at 126 (range: 17-300) pg ml -1 . Despite early orchiopexy, 20%-25% of boys with cryptorchidism remain at risk for future infertility, substantiating the necessity of TTC as a precaution. The study highlights the need for refined predictive techniques to identify boys at higher risk of future infertility.
Humans
;
Male
;
Cryptorchidism/pathology*
;
Cryopreservation
;
Testis/pathology*
;
Fertility Preservation/methods*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Infant
;
Orchiopexy
;
Spermatogonia/pathology*
;
Infertility, Male/etiology*

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