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The infertility in women with an abnormal uterus seems a subject of controversy. The prognosis of in vitro fertilization among these patients with such an anomaly is even less founded. The results of in vitro fertilization have been only studied with few patients and recently. Through the literature, we will focus step by step, on the impact of uterine anomalies on natural reproduction, then the impact of metroplasty on natural reproduction, the role of anomalies on the endometrium quality and lastly, the results of Assisted Rerpoductive Techniques with women with such an anomaly. It seems that the main risk is obstetric complications such as spontaneous abortion or premature delivery, not implantation failure. However, when infertility exists, surgical treatment tends to improve the pregnancy rate for some. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two complications of ovarian drilling by fertiloscopy are described about two patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Ovarian drilling by fertiloscopy is a new minimally invasive surgery, but this procedure is not without risks. It requires larger studies with longer follow-up to evaluate effectiveness and risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Study Question: Can the Poor Responder Outcome Prediction (PROsPeR) score identify live birth outcomes in subpopulations of patients with poor ovarian response (POR) defined according to the ESHRE Bologna criteria (female age, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), number of oocytes retrieved during the previous cycle (PNO) after treatment with originator recombinant human follitropin alfa?Summary Answer: The PROsPeR score discriminated the probability of live birth in patients with POR using observational data with fair discrimination (AUC ≅ 70%) and calibration, and the AUC losing less than 5% precision compared with a model developed using the observational data.What Is Known Already: Although scoring systems for the likelihood of live birth after ART have been developed, their accuracy may be insufficient, as they have generally been developed in the general population with infertility and were not validated for patients with POR. The PROsPeR score was developed using data from the follitropin alfa (GONAL-f; Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) arm of the Efficacy and Safety of Pergoveris in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ESPART) randomized controlled trial (RCT) and classifies women with POR as mild, moderate or severe, based upon three variables: female age, serum AMH level and number of oocytes retrieved during the previous cycle (PNO).Study Design, Size, Duration: The external validation of the PROsPeR score was completed using data derived from eight different centres in France. In addition, the follitropin alfa data from the ESPART RCT, originally used to develop the PROsPeR score, were used as reference cohort. The external validation of the PROsPeR score l was assessed using AUC. A predetermined non-inferiority limit of 0.10 compared with a reference sample and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test) were the two conditions required for evaluation.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: The observational cohort included data from 8085 ART treatment cycles performed with follitropin alfa in patients with POR defined according to the ESHRE Bologna criteria (17.6% of the initial data set). The ESPART cohort included 477 ART treatment cycles with ovarian stimulation performed with follitropin alfa in patients with POR.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: The external validation of the PROsPeR score to identify subpopulations of women with POR with different live birth outcomes was shown in the observational cohort (AUC = 0.688; 95% CI: 0.662, 0.714) compared with the ESPART cohort (AUC = 0.695; 95% CI: 0.623, 0.767). The AUC difference was -0.0074 (95% CI: -0.083, 0.0689). This provided evidence, with 97.5% one-sided confidence, that there was a maximum estimated loss of 8.4% in discrimination between the observational cohort and the ESPART cohort, which was below the predetermined margin of 10%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test did not reject the calibration when comparing observed and predicted data (Hosmer-Lemeshow test = 1.266688; P = 0.260).Limitations, Reasons For Caution: The study was based on secondary use of data that had not been collected specifically for the analysis reported here and the number of characteristics used to classify women with POR was limited to the available data. The data were from a limited number of ART centres in a single country, which may present a bias risk; however, baseline patient data were similar to other POR studies.Wider Implications Of the Findings: This evaluation of the PROsPeR score using observational data supports the notion that the likelihood of live birth may be calculated with reasonable precision using three readily available pieces of data (female age, serum AMH and PNO). The PROsPeR score has potential to be used to discriminate expected probability of live birth according to the degree of POR (mild, moderate, severe) after treatment with follitropin alfa, enabling comparison of performance at one centre over time and the comparison between centres.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This analysis was funded by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. P.L. received grants from Merck KGaA, outside of the submitted work. N.M. reports grants, personal fees and non-financial support from Merck KGaA outside the submitted work. T.D.H. is Vice President and Head of Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Research and Development at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. P.A. has received personal fees from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, outside the submitted work. C.R. has received grants and personal fees from Gedeon Richter and Merck Serono S.A.S., France, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, outside the submitted work. P.S. reports congress support from Merck Serono S.A.S., France (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Gedeon Richter, TEVA and MDS outside the submitted work. C.A., J.P., G.P. and R.W. declare no conflict of interest.Trial Registration Number: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare follicular flushing with a double-lumen needle with direct aspiration on the number of oocytes collected in a poor responder population in IVF.Study Design: We conducted a randomized controlled prospective single-center study between March 2011 and June 2016 at the ART center in the Medico-Surgical and Obstetric Center in Schiltigheim, France. Patients undergoing IVF who had ≤ 4 follicles ≥ 14 mm on the day of HCG administration were recruited and then randomized to one of two groups : simple aspiration group (= NO FLUSH) with a single-lumen 17-gauge needle or follicular flushing group (= FLUSH) which underwent oocyte puncture with aspiration and follicular flushing with a double-lumen 17-gauge needle. The primary end-point was the number of oocytes collected. Secondary assessment criteria were the fertilization rate, the number of transferable embryos, the number of clinical pregnancies and their outcome.Results: 252 patients were included: 127 in the Flush group and 125 in the No flush The number of oocytes retrieved per patient was significantly lower in the FLUSH group: 2.41 than in the NO FLUSH group: 3.42 (p < 0.001). The number of transferable embryos, fertilization rate (68.8 % in the FLUSH group versus 75 % p = 0.682), or pregnancy rate weren't different but (15 versus 13). However the number of failed punctures was significantly higher in the FLUSH group (11 % versus 3.2 % p = 0.016) and the duration of oocyte retrieval was significantly longer in the FLUSH group where the median time was 10 min whereas it was only 7 min in the NO FLUSH group, p < 0.001 CONCLUSION: Follicular flushing in poor responders is not beneficial and could be detrimental with an increasing procedure time and less oocytes retrieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We studied the impact of infertility and all the more Assisted Reproductive Techniques on marital relations and sexuality. Material and method: Our study is based on a questionnaire distributed in our centre and on a review of literature. Results: Our inquest shows that both partners keep a good relationship in their couple and support each other. But, whereas pleasure during intercourse is little affected, many couples feel a reduction of their desires. Discussion and conclusion: This diminution of sexual desires, also noted in literature, can be explained by medical requirements intrusive for intimacy and also by strategies settled by the couples themselves during intercourse in order to optimise the chance of pregnancy. Medical staffs should take into consideration eventual sexual difficulties of the couples. Making them aware that their intimate life must remain or become again an end in itself, and not only a way of procreation, often permits a beneficial change of behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to present the situation of embryo donation in France and around the world, to expound the difficulties of its practice and the results obtained in our centre 3 years after the introduction of this procedure. Patients and methods: Embryo donation in France is controlled by implemented decrees published between 1999 and 2004. The couples, who have stored frozen embryos since at least two years, were contacted for a pluridisciplinary medical consultation. The indication of embryo donation was evaluated for the recipients through a pluridisciplinary approach. Results: Among the interviewed couples, 16.7% have chosen embryo donation but only half of them have completed the procedure (6% of the couples with frozen embryos). The main indications for embryo donation were a double sterility, unexplained genetic disease, ART failures (poor fertilization or bad embryo quality) and oocyte donation when the delay was too long for the couples. The pregnancy rate was 28.6% after the 21 first embryo transfers. Discussion and conclusion: The results of embryo donation confirm the international experience both considering the poor number of donated embryos, medical indications and results. Embryo donation has its place among ART techniques, but one should not ignore the general debate on ethical questions raised by this procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of metroplasties is to restore a normal uterine anatomy to improve obstetrical outcomes in some uterine malformations. The hysteroscopic septoplasty cures the septate uterus. It is an effective procedure in the case of recurrent abortion losses. It probably improves the rate of live birth in women without obstetrical antecedent. For some authors, it could be considered at the time of the diagnosis, because of the simplicity of the gesture and the low complication rate. The enlarging hysteroscopic metroplasty has certainly a positive impact on the obstetrical outcome in patients presenting a uterine hypotrophy or dysmorphy, in particular in women exposed in utero to DES. However, the proofs are poor to propose this procedure as first-line treatment, apart from specific cases such as old null gravid patient or before inclusion in an Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) program. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. – To evaluate the efficiency of our treatment of vaginal infection for couples included in an IVF program.Patients and methods. – Microbiologic screening of vaginal flora and semen has been performed one month prior to in vitro fertilization for 951 couples in 2000. Antibiotic treatment was prescribed in case of positive culture.Results. – Positive microbial growths were observed from endocervical and vaginal cultures in 218 women (22.9%). The clinical pregnancy rate was 30.29% in the group of patients without growth and 30.27% in the group with positive microbial growth. The implantation rate was significantly diminished in case of bacterial growth: 14.6 compared to 19.3% (P <0.02) for sterile endocervical culture. Five main bacterial species were found at the cervical level: Candida albicans (69 cases), Ureaplasma urealyticum (49 cases), Gardnerella vaginalis (43 cases), Streptococcus B or D (24 cases) and Escherichia coli (22 cases). Positive cultures from both vagina and semen were observed for 77 couples whose clinical pregnancy rate was 19.5 vs 36.2% in case of vaginal infection alone (P <0.01) with a spontaneous miscarriage rate of 46.7 compared to 17.6% (P <0.01).Discussion and conclusion. – Endocervical microorganisms, even treated with adapted antibiotics, may affect embryonic implantation. Positive culture from both female and male partner may enhance this negative effect. In this case, the best strategy would be to cancel the IVF treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective.– The transfer of a single embryo would avoid obstetrical and neonatal complications due to multiple pregnancies. We studied the clinical value of both uterine and embryological parameters to define precise conditions allowing a single embryo transfer without decreasing pregnancy rates.Patients and methods.– Endometrial parameters expressed by a uterine score together with biological criteria of 131 in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection attempts were retrospectively analysed.Results.– Two hundred and sixty-two day-3 embryos were replaced through 131 transfers. Fifty-seven pregnancies were induced and 16 twins were obtained. The clinical pregnancy rate was 35.9% and the embryonic implantation rate 24.0%. After the transfer of two embryos, successful implantation was determined by the occurrence of top-quality embryos and simultaneously by a receptive endometrium. The uterine pulsatility index was significantly decreased for twin compared to singleton pregnancies.Discussion and conclusion.– This study confirms that a uterine score constitutes a powerful tool for evaluating the uterine receptivity. This parameter has to be taken into account as well as the embryonic quality, in order to optimise the success rate. Young patients with at least two top-quality embryos available, a high uterine score and a low pulsatility index, have a high risk of multiple births and are suitable for a single-embryo transfer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to compare the two endoscopic techniques of laparoscopy and fertiloscopy in routine evaluation of the pelvis in infertile women.Methods: A total of 92 women was selected in 14 University Hospitals to undergo fertiloscopy followed by transabdominal laparoscopy by a team of two surgeons in each hospital.Results: A high degree of concordance was observed between these two techniques, in that if fertiloscopy did not detect any abnormalities, this was also confirmed by laparoscopy. Discordance was observed in similar numbers of cases: eight after laparoscopy and nine after fertiloscopy. The diagnostic index for fertiloscopy and laparoscopy was calculated; sensitivity (86 and 87% respectively) and negative predictive value (64 and 67% respectively) were similar. The kappa index was also calculated for each of the six structures/regions (right/left tube; right/left ovary; peritoneum of pouch of Douglas; posterior uterus), and concordance (0.78 to 0.91) was considered almost complete.Conclusions: These results confirm fertiloscopy as a minimally invasive safe procedure that may be considered as an alternative to diagnostic laparoscopy in the routine assessment of women without clinical or ultrasound evidence of pelvic disease. On the basis of the additional advantages of fertiloscopy, namely salpingoscopy or microsalpingoscopy, it is considered that fertiloscopy could replace laparoscopy as a routine procedure in such women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. – To determine the homocysteine evolution during ovarian stimulation in IVF or ICSI protocols and in, a second time, to evaluate the role of hyperhomocysteine as thrombotic risk factor for the treated patients.Material and methods. – Plasma homocysteine was determined three times for each of 31 women included in an IVF/ICSI program. Dosages were realised before stimulation, after gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist treatment (GnRH) and on the day of hCG injection. Vitamin B12 and folates were determined before stimulation. In case of hyperhomocysteinemia, a research of APCR (Activated Protein C Resistance) was realised.Results. – Five hyperhomocysteinemia cases were discovered (16,12% of studied population). APCR was found in a patient with hyperhomocysteinemia (14 μmol/L, before stimulation). Molecular biology has confirmed an heterozygous mutation of factor V Leiden. During the ovarian stimulation the evolution of homocysteine was independant of the 17β œstradiol evolution.Conclusion. – The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was not significative according to the limited size of the studied population. The increase of œstradiol during induction protocols is unrelated to the homocysteine level. This work must be continued with largest population to have better knowledge of the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia among women included in ovarian stimulation protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]