Clinical case studies have long been recognized as a useful adjunct to problem-based learning and continuing professional development. They emphasize the need for clinical reasoning, integrative thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork and self-directed learning - all desirable generic skills for health care professionals. This volume contains a selection of cases on assisted reproduction that will inform and challenge reproductive medicine practitioners at all stages in their careers. Both common and uncommon cases are included. The aim is to reinforce diagnostic skill through careful analysis of individual presenting patterns, and to guide treatment decisions. Each case consists of a clinical history, examination findings and special investigations, before a diagnosis is made. Clinical issues raised by each case are discussed and major teaching points emphasized. Selective references are provided. The book provides a useful complementary adjunct to existing textbooks of reproductive medicine, and an excellent resource for teaching and continuing professional development.

Die medizinische Behandlung der ungewollten Kinderlosigkeit wird hierzulande nach wie vor mit einer Mischung aus Interesse am medizinisch-technischen Fortschritt und Sorge uber die mogli- cherweise nicht mehr kalkulierbaren Risiken dieses Fortschrittes betrachtet. Die Reaktionen reichen dabei von der implizi ten Gleichsetzung konkreter Formen der Reproduktionsmedizin mit den fiktiven Verhaltnissen in der 'Schonen Neuen welt'1, bis hin zu Einschatzungen, wonach sich die Reproduktionsmedizin in naher Zukunft als ein unverzichtbares Instrument bei der Bekampfung eines langandauernden Bevolkerungsruckganges in der BRD erweisen 2 werde. Auch wenn sich in den letzten 5-10 Jahren das Interesse der Offentlichkeit verstarkt den verschiedenen Formen der medizini- 3 schen Behandlung ungewollter Kinderlosigkeit zugewandt hat, so scheint mit diesem verstarkten Interesse kein Anstieg der Anzahl Der Vergleich des heutigen Potentials der Reproduk- tionsmedizin mit den Schilderungen der industriellen Erzeugung von Menschen in A. Huxleys Roman "Schone Neue Welt" gehort zu den Standardbildern in weiten Teilen der Literatur uber die medizinische Behandlung der ungewollten Kinderlosigkeit. So z.B. auch bei: Hirsch, G. und Eberbach W. (1987): Auf dem Weg zum kunstlichen Leben - Retortenkinder, Leihmutter, pro- grammierte Gene Basel, Boston, Stuttgart. S.31ff. 2 So ein Reproduktionsmediziner in der Fernsehsendung 'Explosiv' (RTL 22.5.'91). 3 Man denke z. B. nur an die Kontroversen im Zuge der Erarbeitung des Embryonenschutzgesetzes, an die Richt- linien zur Durchfuhrung der In-vitro-Fertilisation der Bundesarztekammer, an die Initiativen auf dem 56.

In order to maximize the chance of IVF success, couples need to ensure that their preconceptual health is optimal to increase the quality of gametes and reproductive fitness. This text reviews the medical and lifestyle factors that can affect the body at preconception stage, such as micronutrients, stress, hormonal and gynecologic assessment, as well as environmental factors such as optimal weight and age for childbirth. This book will enable all medical practitioners and healthcare professionals to give evidence-based advice to influence the success rate of subsequent IVF cycles, and ensure that every child is born in the best possible condition. Part of a four-book series on optimizing different aspects of the IVF cycle, this book focusses on preparing the body for assisted conception. Other books in the series focus on the egg and embryo, the endometrium, and the sperm.

Human Assisted Reproductive Technology: Future Trends in Laboratory and Clinical Practice offers a collection of concise, practical review articles on cutting-edge topics within reproductive medicine. Each article presents a balanced view of clinically relevant information and looks ahead to how practice will change over the next five years. The clinical section discusses advances in reproductive surgery and current use of robotic surgery for tubal reversal and removal of fibroids. It looks into the refinement of surgical procedures for fertility preservation purposes. Chapters also discuss non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis with proteomics technology, new concepts in ovarian stimulation and in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome, and evidence-based ART. The embryology section discusses issues ranging from three-dimensional in-vitro ovarian follicle culture, and morphometric and proteomics analysis of embryos, to oocyte and embryo cyropreservation. This forward-looking volume of review articles is key reading for reproductive medicine physicians, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists and andrologists.