Obesity and overweight are common conditions that have consequences not only on general health but also to a great extent on reproductive health. There is a high prevalence of obese women in the infertile population and numerous studies have highlighted the link between obesity and infertility. Obesity contributes to anovulation and menstrual irregularities, reduced conception rate and a reduced response to fertility treatment. It also increases miscarriage and contributes to maternal and perinatal complication. Reduction of obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is associated with improvements in reproductive functions; hence, treatment of obesity itself should be the initial aim in obese infertile women before embarking on ovulation-induction drugs or assisted reproductive techniques. While various strategies for weight reduction, including diet, exercise, pharmacological and surgical intervention exist, lifestyle modification continues to be of paramount importance.
Background
To determine whether a minimal stimulation (MS) or high-dose stimulation (HDS) protocol is a better option for patients classified as poor ovarian responders (POR) in terms of reproductive and pregnancy outcomes.
Materials and methods
A database search for evaluation of the study outcome by using meta-analysis method was carried out. The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy (CP) rate for each of two groups, namely, the MS and HDS groups. The secondary outcomes were the gonadotropin dose used, duration of stimulation, cancellation rate, number of oocytes retrieved, number of fertilized oocytes, number of embryos transferred and live birth rates.
Results
Across five databases, 4670 potential studies for further screening were selected. But ultimately only six studies, three RCTs and three retrospective or case control studies were selected that meet the Bologna criteria for POR. In all there were 624 cycles. Our meta-analysis indicated that the CP rates, cycle cancellation rates, durations of stimulation, numbers of oocytes fertilized and numbers of embryos transferred were not statistically significant. Clearly, the number of oocytes retrieved in the MS group was significantly lower than in the HDS group, while the HDS group consumed significantly higher doses of gonadotropins than the MS group. The live birth rates were significantly higher in the MS group than in the HDS group.
Conclusion
MS should be the first-line protocol for managing POR because the live birth rate is significantly higher, even with fewer oocytes retrieved.
Main findings:A typical male looking adolescent with a legal female gender assignment presented with haematuria. Investigations led to the diagnosis of Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome. The condition is indeed a rare entity that needs a multidisciplinary team management.Case hypothesis:A case of Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome undiagnosed at birth because karyotyping was defaulted, thus resulting in a significant impact on the legal gender assignment and psychosocial aspects.Promising future implications:The reporting of this case is important to create awareness due to its rarity coupled with the rare presentation with hematuria as a possible masquerade to menstruation. There were not only medical implications, but also psychosocial and legal connotations requiring a holistic multidisciplinary management.
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