Comparison of the pain experienced by infertile women undergoing hysterosalpingo contrast sonography or radiographic hysterosalpingography

Objective

To evaluate the pain and cause of pain experienced by women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) and contrast hysterosalpingo sonography (HyCoSy) with air in a saline solution for the assessment of uterine and tubal patency.

Method

In this prospective study, 121 infertile women undergoing these 2 procedures measured the pain incurred using a digital/analog scale (1-10). We looked for correlations between pain level and variables pertaining to the procedures. Vagal effects and their persistence were also recorded.

Results

The pain was less during HSG (median, 5) than during HyCoSy (median, 7). It was greater than menstrual pain for 38.8% of participants during HSG and for 70.5% of participants during HyCoSy. There was no correlation between pain and difficult catheter passage, degree of tubal obstruction, volume of contrast medium injected, or presence of IgG antibodies to Chlamydia when these variables were studied for HyCoSy alone. However, the strong correlation between pain score and volume of contrast medium injected during each procedure seems to explain the significantly higher pain levels during HyCoSy (P < 0.001). In 65.3% and 57.8% of participants, respectively, the pain disappeared immediately after the HSG or HyCoSy. Only mild vagal effects were recorded following both procedures, in 0.8% of participants after HSG and 2.5% of participants after HyCoSy.

Conclusion

Hysterosalpingo contrast sonography is similar to HSG regarding rapidity of pain disappearance, and infrequency and moderation of vagal effects, but the level of pain is slightly higher, probably due to the greater volume of medium injected.     

Hysteroscopic findings in infertile women: A retrospective study

BackgroundLower pregnancy rates are observed in patients with uterine cavity anomalies. The correction of these anomalies has been associated with improved pregnancy rates. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can be performed in an office with minimal discomfort and superior sensitivity and specificity in evaluation of the uterine cavity. Our study was done to evaluate the importance of office hysteroscopy (OH) in diagnosis of pathology among infertile women.ObjectiveTo study incidence of abnormal hysteroscopic findings among infertile women.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively studied 432 office hysteroscopies in patients referred to our unit because of their infertility problem. Two hundred and seventy-four patients (63.43%) were with primary infertility and 158 (36.57%) were with secondary infertility.ResultsNormal hysteroscopic findings were reported in 344 women (79.63%). The other 88 (20.37%) were with abnormal hysteroscopy. The most common reported hysteroscopic abnormality was intrauterine adhesions (IUA) 31.81% (28/88) followed by endometrial polyp 26.13% (23/88). Pre-hysteroscopic uterine investigations (ultrasound or hysterography) were available, only, in 207 women. In 143 patients with normal pre-hysteroscopic uterine investigations, office hysteroscopy revealed uterine cavity abnormalities in 21 women (14.68%). Of those with abnormal pre-hysteroscopic findings, 64 patients, hysteroscopy examinations were normal in 16 patients (25%).ConclusionsOffice hysteroscopy should be a part of routine work up in infertile patients as routine uterine investigatory methods (ultrasonography and hysterography) have only sensitivity and specificity value of 67.19% and 85.31% respectively.     

不育夫妇的心理状态分析

对６５２例不盲妇女和其中４２５例妇女的丈夫进行心理咨询调查。结果显示：８０．０％以上的夫妇承受着不育所致的各种心理压力，最普遍的心情是不甘认可。女方的压力略显严重，但与其丈夫间差异无显著性。然而男方对这种精神压力的自我调节能力明显优于女方。对不育治疗的信心及预后的态度，男女比较差异尤显著性。农民和文化水平较低的不育夫妇心理压力更大。不育使１２．０％～１５．０％的夫妇性生活受到影响，７．０％～８．０％婚姻关系恶化甚至濒临破裂，８．６％因不育而家庭关系紧张。约３０．０％的妇女表示不育检查和治疗过程本身亦带来一定的精神紧张和心理负担。提示：对要求治疗的不育夫妇，除药物治疗外．精神上的同情理解及心理支持，是不可忽视的。     

Hysterosalpingographic findings in infertile women with genital tuberculosis

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the hysterosalpingographic findings from infertile women who were subsequently diagnosed with genital tuberculosis. METHODS: A retrospective study of 70 infertile women who underwent hysterosalpingography to investigate infertility and were subsequently diagnosed with genital tuberculosis. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 27.3 years and the mean duration of infertility was 6.1 years. A total of 57 (81.4%) women had primary infertility while 13 had secondary infertility. Diagnosis of genital tuberculosis was made by polymerase chain reaction (54.3%), tuberculous granuloma on biopsy (22.8%), acid-fast bacilli culture (2.8%), and at laparoscopy or hysteroscopy (20%). Hysterosalpingographic findings were a normal uterine cavity observed in 57.1% of women, an irregular cavity in 18.5%, a shrunken cavity in 2.8%, and an irregular filling defect in 18.5%. Synechiae were observed in 17.1% of women. CONCLUSION: Genital tuberculosis is a common cause of infertility in India, causing significant uterine and tubal pathologies.     

Coping strategy in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment

Objective

The purpose of the study was to determine whether infertility is associated with coping processes and is there a difference between infertile women and men in the use of coping strategies?

Modern and traditional practices of Turkish infertile couples

Objective?This investigation was carried out to determine modern and traditional practices of infertile couples in Kayseri, Turkey.

Methods?Two hundred and fifty-two infertile couples were selected from the study area. Modern and traditional practices of the infertile women and their husbands were investigated through a questionnaire. The effects of some factors on the utilization of traditional methods were analysed through the logistic regression method.

Results?It was found out that 92.5% of the infertile women and 71.8% of their husbands had consulted a physician for infertility and 92.1% of the women and 32.6% of their husbands had applied for medical or surgical intervention. However, only 11.1% of the couples had attempted in vitro fertilization. In contrast, 61.5% of the infertile couples admitted to carrying out traditional practices. All traditional practices were more prevalent among the women than the men.

Conclusion?It was concluded that traditional practices were more prevalent in the rural areas and among the older couples.     

Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography versus radiographic hysterosalpingography in the evaluation of tubal patency

Objective

To compare the efficacy of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) using a saline solution with that of radiographic hysterosalpingography (HSG) in the assessment of tubal patency.

Method

We compared the findings obtained by the 2 methods with those obtained by standard diagnostic laparoscopy with the chromopertubation test in a study with 88 infertile women younger than 40 years.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of HyCoSy and HSG were similar, and 65 (74%) of the women reported the pain associated with HyCoSy as mild to moderate.

Conclusion

The HyCoSy procedure is well tolerated and can be used as a primary tool for the evaluation of tubal patency in infertile women.     

Effects of a psychological intervention on depression in infertile couples

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors affecting depression in infertile couples and the impact of a psychological intervention before or during infertility treatment. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study with 638 infertile couples assessed for depression, 140 couples with a member who had a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score of 17 or higher were randomized to receive psychological treatment either before or during infertility treatment. Logistic regression was performed to eliminate confounding factors. RESULTS: Depression was initially found in 48% of women and 23.8% of men. The mean+/-SD Beck scores fell from 18.7+/-9.7 to 10.7+/-5.8 (P<0.001) in the group psychologically treated before they received infertility treatment. CONCLUSION: The psychological intervention was found useful in alleviating depression in infertile couples before they received infertility treatment.     

Quality of life and sexual functioning of Polish infertile couples

Objectives To evaluate the influence of infertility on the quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning of infertile couples.

Methods The research group consisted of 206 infertile couples and the control group of 190 fertile couples. A specific questionnaire was used as a research tool. It gathered information about socio-demographic features and infertility status, and included validated scales: Short Form-36 Health Survey, Female Sexual Function Index and International Index of Erectile Function.

Results The QoL parameters in all categories were generally lower for infertile women than for those of the control group. Clinical sexual dysfunctions were not significantly more common among infertile than fertile women (17.5% versus 12.1%, p = 0.13). Clinically relevant erectile dysfunctions were diagnosed in 23.9% of infertile men and in 13.7% of the controls. Male infertility had the most significant negative effect on men's sexual functioning.

Conclusions The risk groups for decreased QoL are infertile women and older subjects with lower education and occupationally inactive. Clinically relevant sexual disorders in the infertile population most frequently affect older men, with a lower educational level and with previously diagnosed male infertility.     

A new technique for the diagnosis of fallopian tube patency by using hysteroscopy with ultrasound compared with hysterosalpingography in infertile women

Purpose  To evaluate the effectiveness of hysteroscopy as a method for the diagnosis of tubal patency using saline distention media. Methods  In this prospective study, 62 women between 21 and 38 years with a history of at least 1 year of infertility who underwent hysteroscopy and hysterosalpingography (HSG) on two consecutive cycles were studied. Transvaginal ultrasonography carried out before and after hysteroscopy in order to measure the abdominal fluid (in ml) in the peritoneal cavity of the cul-de-sac. The difference between the two results was calculated. A next cycle HSG was performed and patients were divided into three groups according to whether there was no tubal occlusion (group 1), a unilateral occlusion (group 2) or a bilateral occlusion (group 3): Peritoneal fluid measurements were compared among the three groups. Finally, pain and discomfort were recorded at the end of the process. Results  According to the HSG, 34 women were in group 1, 13 in group 2 and 9 in group 3. Peritoneal fluid measurements were 6.88 ± 2.7 ml in group 1, 4.21 ± 0.9 ml in group 2 and 1.08 ± 0.7 ml in group 3. Statistical differences were found between groups 1 and 3 and between groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). All of the patients reported significantly less pain during hysteroscopy in response to HSG. Conclusions  Using saline distension media during hysteroscopic evaluation was effective to allow measurement of the accumulating fluid in the peritoneal cavity and to confirm at least one patent tube with minimal pain.     

输卵管性不孕的危险因素分析及检测方法探讨

目的 :观察引起输卵管性不孕的危险因素并对其诊断方法进行评价 ,以研究和预防输卵管阻塞引起的不孕 ,探讨检查输卵管通畅度的方法价值。方法 :回顾性分析34 9例输卵管阻塞性不孕妇女的情况及危险因素 ,并对子宫输卵管碘油造影、腹腔镜检查结果与手术发现进行比较。结果 :盆腔炎病史、人工流产手术史、阑尾炎手术史、结核病史等均在输卵管性不孕的发生中起一定的作用 ,前两者更危险。HSG和腹腔镜检查的符合率为 66% ,但腹腔镜诊断输卵管的通畅度和其他盆腔病变更准确。结论 :盆腔炎和反复的人工流产是引起输卵管性不孕的主要危险因素 ,HSG和腹腔镜对输卵管通畅度的检查均有一定价值     

Comparison of oral naproxen and intrauterine lignocaine instillation for pain relief during hysterosalpingography.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of oral naproxen with intrauterine instillation of 1% lignocaine for pain relief in women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) as an infertility investigation. Methods: One hundred women undergoing HSG were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A (n = 50) underwent intrauterine instillation of 5 mL of 1% lignocaine 2 minutes prior to the procedure, while the women in group B (n = 50) were instructed to self-administer a single oral dose of 375 mg of naproxen 1 hour prior to HSG. Pain scores immediately after the procedure (0 minutes) and delayed pain scores (30 minutes) were recorded and compared. Results: Women in both groups were comparable in age and parity. The mean +/- SD pain scores in group A and group B at 0 minutes and 30 minutes were not significantly different (P = 0.12 and P = 0.07). Conclusion: Intrauterine lignocaine was no more effective than oral naproxen for pain relief during HSG.     

宫腔镜下输卵管插管通液术与子宫碘油造影诊断输卵管性不孕作用的研究

目的:比较宫腔镜下输卵管导管通液术与子宫输卵管碘油造影(HSG)诊断输卵管性不孕的临床价值。方法:对2008年1月至2009年12月880例不孕症患者行宫腔镜下输卵管插管通液术,术前均常规行子宫输卵管碘油造影术,比较两者诊断的符合率并分析两种检查方法在评价输卵管通畅度方面的特点和应用价值。结果:子宫输卵管碘油造影和宫腔镜插管通液均诊断输卵管不通784条,通畅799条,通而不畅65条,两者符合率93.6%(1648/1760),不符合率6.4%(112/1760)。HSG检查输卵管通畅度的假阳性率为11.8%(107/906)。结论:宫腔镜下输卵管导管通液术能更精确地判断输卵管的通畅度,患者未接触有害物质,同时可以直接观察宫腔情况并治疗。在判定输卵管梗阻部位方面HSG优于宫腔镜检查。     

Quality of life of infertile Tunisian couples and differences according to gender

Objective

To compare quality-of-life gender differences within infertile couples from Tunisia and between infertile couples and controls.

Methods

The present case–control study included 100 couples with primary infertility who, during 2009, underwent assisted reproductive technology at Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia, and 100 control couples. The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was administered to assess quality of life.

Results

Compared with male controls, men in the infertility group had lower scores in the mental dimension (P = 0.020), social functioning (P = 0.007), and role–emotional (P < 0.001) categories of the SF-36. Women in the infertility group had lower mental and physical dimension scores (P < 0.001) and lower vitality (P = 0.022), social functioning (P < 0.001), role–emotional (P < 0.001), and mental health (P < 0.001) scores than female controls. Within infertile couples, female partners had lower total (P = 0.01) and mental dimension (P < 0.001) scores than their spouses. Delay of the first consultation was correlated with bodily pain, vitality, and mental health among women in the infertility group.

Conclusion

Women in infertile couples had a lower quality of life than their spouses, and infertile couples had a lower quality of life than controls. These findings confirm the need for psychological support for infertile couples.     

The therapeutic effect of hysterosalpingography in couples with unexplained subfertility: a post-hoc analysis of a prospective multi-centre cohort study

Research question

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) with an oil-based contrast has been shown to increase ongoing pregnancy rates compared with HSG with water-based contrast, but it remains unclear if an effect of HSG occurs compared with no HSG.

Cytogenetic findings and reproductive outcome of infertile couples referred to an assisted reproduction program

It is still undefined whether all the couples entering an assisted reproduction program should undergo to karyotype analysis. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in a non-selected sample of 1,146 couples referred to assisted reproduction technologies (ART), and to analyze the outcome of pregnancies from couples in whom cytogenetic anomalies were detected. Irrespective of the infertility factor, fertilization was achieved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A total number of 35 karyotype anomalies were diagnosed, corresponding to an abnormality frequency of 1.52% (1.83% for men and 1.22% for women). As could be expected, the majority of men presenting katyotype anomalies had a low sperm count. Among women, the majority of cytogenetic anomalies were detected in individual not presenting risk factors for aberrant karyotype. Around 41% of pregnancies achieved in couples presenting chromosomal anomalies ended in spontaneous abortion. Information on fetal karyotype was limited. No major malformations were observed among newborns from parents with abnormal karyotype. In consideration of the elevated frequency of pregnancy loss, it seems advisable to recommend that chromosomal analysis be performed in all couples undergoing ART. This with the aim of identifying patients that would possibly benefit from pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.     

Comparison of hysterosalpingography, hysterosonography and hysteroscopy in evaluation of the uterine cavity in patients with recurrent pregnancy losses

Aim To evaluate the accuracy and acceptability of hysterosonography (HS) in the diagnosis of uterine anomalies in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.Method Sixty non-pregnant patients with a history of at least three previous recurrent miscarriages were submitted to the HS, HSG and hysteroscopy (HTC) exams. The findings fall into three categories: synechiae, polypoid lesions and abnormal uterine cavity shape. The HTC exam was used as the gold standard. The findings of the HS and the HSG were compared to the HTC’s and the agreement was evaluated using the Kappa coefficient. Significance was established at < 0.05. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were determined for each method.Result Uterine anomalies were present in 38.3% (23) of the patients: 16 (26.7%) with synechiae, 3 (5.0%) with polypoid lesions and 8 (13.3%) with abnormal uterine cavity shape. Accuracy of the HS and the HSG was 90.9 and 85.2%. General sensitivity of the HS was superior to the HSG (90.5 vs. 75.0%). It also had a higher degree of agreement with the HTC (Kappa = 0.81 vs. 0.68). The HS caused significantly less pain than the other two methods.Conclusions The HS had higher diagnostic accuracy in the detection of uterine cavity anomalies and it was better tolerated by the patients when compared to hysterosalpingography and hysteroscopy.     

Comparison of the accuracy of hysteroscopy and hysterosalpingography in evaluation of the uterine cavity in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of hysteroscopy and hysterosalpingography (HSG) in evaluating the uterine cavity in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). One hundred and twenty consecutive patients with a history of RPL were enrolled into this prospective-observational study in the reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic of a tertiary referral center. Diagnostic office hysteroscopy without anesthesia or sedation, HSG, and diagnostic laparoscopy when indicated were performed in each case. Eighty-five of 120 (70.83%) hysteroscopic studies performed for RPL demonstrated an acquired (55 cases: 64.7%) or congenital (30 cases: 35.3%) intrauterine lesion. Furthermore, several other etiologic factors were also identified in RPL patients with intrauterine lesions. HSG accurately diagnosed an intrauterine defect in only 56 of 85 (65.88%) cases, based on hysteroscopic confirmation. Fifty percent of the cases with incomplete uterine septum were overlooked during HSG. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of HSG were 74.6%, 79.5%, 90.4%, and 54.7%, respectively. There was a single complication (0.83%) due to hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy is more accurate than HSG in evaluating the uterine cavity in patients with RPL. We recommend it as a routine procedure instead of HSG.     

不孕症患者子宫内膜容受性的评估及改善研究

在辅助生殖技术(assisted reproductive technology,ART)中,优质的胚胎、良好的子宫内膜容受性(endometrial receptivity,ER)以及胚胎和子宫内膜的同步发育是影响胚胎成功植入的三个关键因素,多项研究表明移植失败的主要原因是ER的欠缺,而胚胎因素仅占三分之一,因此如何提高胚胎着床率已成为辅助生殖领域讨论的焦点。本文对目前国内外在ER评估和改善这两方面的进展进行综述,以期对临床决策有所帮助。