Obtaining good quality sperm for in-vitro fertilization, ICSI, or for cryopreservation can be a major problem if a man suffers from medical conditions that preclude normal collection. Major advances in sperm retrieval and preparation techniques have been witnessed in recent years, allowing a better understanding of the contribution of the sperm to a couple's fertility. This Manual is a complete guide to sperm retrieval methods performed for men with azoospermia. Covering all the basic and advanced steps for implementation of these procedures, the Manual includes descriptions of the underlying science along with detailed, practical advice on methods, including tips for optimizing outcomes and trouble-shooting, using an evidence-based approach. This will be an invaluable resource for andrologists, urologists, embryologists, male fertility specialists, gynecologists, and other healthcare workers practising reproductive medicine. It is particularly valuable for reproductive laboratory personnel wishing to refine or develop technique and improve outcomes, and for IVF Quality Managers.

This useful illustrated text summarizes for an audience of clinicians in Reproductive Medicine the practical essentials of what they need to know about diagnosis and management of the infertile male patient, whether they need to instruct or liaise with a colleague or undertake the procedures themselves.

Selecting good-quality sperm for use in in-vitro fertilization is a key step in assisted reproduction. For many years purely morphological attributes have been used to assess suitability, but increasingly biochemical and molecular biological techniques are now identifying sperm with the best chances of producing viable and healthy embryos. Focusing on modern sperm function testing, this manual provides technical details of commonly used tests and gives an overview of the laboratory techniques used to evaluate sperm samples. Covering a variety of testing methods in detail, from manual and computer-assisted semen analysis to zona pellucida binding assays, and tests assessing sperm DNA damage such as the TUNEL assay. Describing the underlying science, practical advice for performing the tests is given, including tips for optimizing outcomes and trouble-shooting. This is an essential guide for reproductive medicine specialists, clinical andrologists, urologists and gynecologists working with sub-fertile men.

This unique textbook - the first of its kind - presents a thoughtful and comprehensive discussion of the significance of varicocele and its impact on male fertility. This hot topic is covered from a multitude of angles in seven thematic sections: origin and pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, medical and surgical therapy, controversies, pro and con debates, and clinical case scenarios. The scope of varicocele includes basic and transitional research, genetics, diagnostic testing with conventional and advanced molecular biology approaches, hormonal control, interventional therapy and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Repair of varicocele, which can be carried out by various methods, not only alleviates oxidative stress-associated infertility but also prevents and protects against the progressive character of varicocele and its consequent upregulations of systemic oxidative stress. Even with the advances in the understanding of this intriguing disease and consensus on some areas such as diagnosis and pathophysiology, substantial controversy still exists, in particular concerning the benefits of treatment and to whom treatment should be offered. Additional chapters discuss, in depth, such controversies surrounding the role of varicocele in male infertility and present clinical case scenarios dealing with management of subclinical and clinical varicocele. A series of editorial comments is provided by the editors at the end of selected chapters, containing an objective and concise summary of the information from each chapter. In addition, chapters open up with key points for quick references and conclude with multiple choice questions and answers for immediate review and retention of the rich content. Generously illustrated, Varicocele and Male Infertility: A Complete Guide represents an invaluable tool for medical students in reproductive medicine as well as researchers and clinicians working in the field of infertility (e.g., urologists, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and embryologists) and is comprised of chapters written by leading and internationally recognized clinicians and scientists with expertise in varicocele, skillfully edited by leaders in the field.

The first book to take an integrative approach to the treatment of male infertility issues, this easily digestible guide uses graphics and visual aids to help explain key concepts in diagnosis, anatomy and treatment from a Western and Chinese medicine perspective. Dr Olivia Pojer, a Western medical doctor and Chinese medicine practitioner, uses a dual approach to the largely unexplored treatment of male infertility. The book covers common causes of the topic, the microbiome of the testes, and how to encourage better sperm production. It also includes chapters on nutraceuticals and laser therapy, as well as herbal formulas and acupuncture protocols to implement in clinical practice, along with Chinese medical lifestyle and nutrition. Addressing the so-called male factor in reproduction and its underrepresentation in treatment, this book provides a complete overview for acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners treating male infertility issues.

Oxidants, Antioxidants and Impact of the Oxidative Status in Male Reproduction is an essential reference for fertility practitioners and research and laboratory professionals interested in learning about the role of reactive oxygen species in sperm physiology and pathology. The book focuses on unravelling the pathophysiology of oxidative stress mediated male infertility, recruiting top researchers and clinicians to contribute chapters. This collection of expertise delves into the physico-chemical aspects of oxidative stress, including a new focus on reductive stress. Furthermore, the inclusion of clinical techniques to determine oxidative stress and the OMICS of reductive oxidative stress are also included. This is a must-have reference in the area of oxidative stress and male reproductive function.

A groundbreaking contribution to the literature now in its revised and expanded second edition, this textbook offers a comprehensive review of diagnostic and treatment techniques for male infertility. This state-of-the-art, evidence-based textbook incorporates new multidisciplinary and complementary medicine approaches to create a first-of-its-kind guide to treatment strategies for male infertility and beyond. While this new edition is primarily designed as a reference for students and residents in reproductive medicine and andrology, it will be equally useful as well for professionals in urology, reproductive endocrinology, embryology, and research fields who are interested in the role that antioxidants play in male infertility. World-renowned experts in these areas have been selected to participate in this work. Careful selection of the highest quality content will span the whole range of topics in the area of male infertility, providing a complete review of well-established and current diagnostic and treatment techniques for male infertility. The incorporation of 20 new chapters will enhance the book's appeal by including the most recent advances brought to the male infertility arena. Additionally, this edition incorporates new features, including bulleted key points, review criteria and select video clips demonstrating some of the most fascinating male infertility treatment modalities. A dedicated new section on current guidelines on male infertility will enlighten readers on how to most optimally manage male infertility clinical scenarios. Covering all aspects of diagnosis and management, ART, lifestyle factors and associated conditions for male infertility, Male Infertility: Contemporary Clinical Approaches, Andrology, ART and Antioxidants will be a readily accessible, high quality reference for medical students and residents, and will be of significant value to professionals working in the various fields treating this condition as well.

Herbal Medicine in Andrology: An Evidence-Based Update provides a comprehensive overview of ethnomedical approaches in andrology, including ethnopharmacology of plant extracts and relevant bioactive compounds. It highlights information on the availability of medicinal plants and the legal and procedural processes involved in developing a marketable product. This reference helps clinicians and scientists develop an understanding on how herbal medicine can be used to treat andrological patients in practice. Only a limited number of journal articles are available on this topic, making this reference a valuable source of information for a large audience, including urologists, andrologists, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists and basic scientists.

This volume provides a comprehensive and technical presentation of numerous aspects of reproductive cell tissue cryopreservation, and presents readers with current procedures and detailed discussions of novel techniques and the latest innovations. The chapters in this book are divided into five parts and cover subjects such as: immature oocyte cryopreservation, human sperm vitrification and slow-freezing, directional freezing of ovarian tissue, automated vitrification systems, and detailed protocols on popular and commercially available cryopreservation/vitrification systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and practical, Cryopreservation of Mammalian Gametes and Embryos: Methods and Protocols includes chapters written by leading experts in the field and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of cryopreservation.

This book discusses the role of oxidative stress in the reproductive system. The book reviews endogenous sources, methods of determining its levels in body fluid/tissues, the physiological roles of ROS, as well as its negative effects on the human reproductive processes. Also discussed are multiple extrinsic factors that could induce oxidative stress in the reproductive system. This volume covers various clinical pathologies related to the reproductive system that arise from or produce oxidative stress, both in the male and female. The use of antioxidants as a therapeutic measure to keep ROS levels in check are highlighted, describing the outcome of various clinical studies involving antioxidant supplementation in infertile patients. Infertility is a global disease that affects 15-25% of all couples, and oxidative stress arising from a multitude of sources has been implicated as one of the major contributing factors to the decline in human fertility. As such, this book provides an up-to-date review on the significance of ROS in human reproduction.

This volume provides a comprehensive and technical presentation of numerous aspects of reproductive cell tissue cryopreservation, and presents readers with current procedures and detailed discussions of novel techniques and the latest innovations. The chapters in this book are divided into five parts and cover subjects such as: immature oocyte cryopreservation, human sperm vitrification and slow-freezing, directional freezing of ovarian tissue, automated vitrification systems, and detailed protocols on popular and commercially available cryopreservation/vitrification systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and practical, Cryopreservation of Mammalian Gametes and Embryos: Methods and Protocols includes chapters written by leading experts in the field and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of cryopreservation.

This Brief explores the use of proteomics as a tool for biomarker discovery in human reproduction and summarizes current findings and trends of proteomic studies in both male and female infertility. This simplifies this important but complex topic and equips the novice reader with sufficient background information on the use of proteomics in human reproduction. The up-to-date scenario on proteomic investigations will also appeal to researchers and post graduate students looking to keep abreast with the latest developments in reproductive research. This review summarizes current findings of contemporary proteomic studies on infertility in both males and females with various reproductive pathologies, and its use in predicting the outcome of assisted reproduction. In human reproduction, the search for biomarkers via proteomics is a fast-evolving approach that involves the analysis of proteins in the reproductive tissues and fluids, such as the male gametes, seminal plasma, ovarian and endometrial tissue, and follicular and uterine fluid. By comparing the protein profile of a healthy, fertile individual against that of an infertile individual, the differentially expressed proteins may give an indication to certain proteins that could serve as useful biomarkers that are related to infertility. As proteomic studies continue to unravel the dynamic proteome behind various infertility conditions, there is potential for the discovery of prognostic markers that could ultimately help in both natural and assisted human reproduction.

Written and edited by leading, internationally recognized clinicians and scientists in reproductive medicine and related fields, this unique text is a practical and comprehensive review of the clinical and scientific significance of unexplained male and female infertility and its management. The book is divided into thematic sections to ensure the most useful presentation of topics, opening with definitions and epidemiology of unexplained infertility, including discussion of the WHO's cutoff values for human semen characteristics and its ramifications. Sections covering male and female reproductive pathophysiology follow respectively, covering biological, genetic and environmental causative factors, with a subsequent section on evaluative techniques for male and female patients. Expectant, medical and surgical treatment strategies comprise the fifth section of the book, where active interventions and outcomes of each treatment modality are carefully considered. The final section discusses assisted reproductive techniques to manage unexplained infertility, such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization, as well as future perspectives. Thoughtful and enlightening, Unexplained Infertility: Pathophysiology, Evaluation and Treatment will be an invaluable resource for all clinicians and scientists working in the fields of reproductive medicine and infertility.

This unique text provides a comprehensive yet concise review of the various environmental factors and lifestyle choices which impact male fertility, with special emphasis on the mechanisms that contribute to decreased sperm production and impaired function. Internationally recognized scientists and clinicians, leaders in the field of infertility, gather their insights and discuss how to prevent, address and cure male infertility caused by factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, medication and drug use, obesity, dietary and exercise habits, sexually transmitted infections, psychological stress and occupational exposure to chemicals and radiation. Written in an easy to follow, informal yet scientific style, Male Infertility offers invaluable clinical guidelines for physicians and infertility experts and new data and research of great interest to basic scientists, andrologists and embryologists.

Bringing together the latest knowledge on the growth and development of children and the most important abnormalities of puberty, this comprehensive text presents the current views on the pathogenesis, diagnostic possibilities and therapeutic options of the main deviations from the normal course of puberty (e.g., precocious and delayed puberty). The chain of physical and hormonal changes in the transitional years is carefully followed, including the regulation of the hypothalamic pulse generator as well as the timing of puberty. Further topics include growth disturbances, adolescent varicocele, adolescent gynecomastia, polycystic ovary syndrome, pubertal acne, and the psychosocial development of adolescents with pubertal abnormalities. Written and edited by internationally noted experts, Puberty will be an excellent resource for pediatricians, endocrinologists, gynecologists, andrologists, urologists, family practitioners, child psychologists and public health specialists - all those who will be challenged in their everyday practice with the problems of puberty.

This SpringerBrief analyzes varicocele from a novel approach, and provides the reader with a comprehensive view of its scientific and clinical significance. The Brief covers all the important aspects of varicocele related to infertility, from epidemiology to assisted reproduction techniques, contemplating pathophysiology, semen analysis, specialized sperm function tests, and clinical management including all available treatment options form three distinct perspectives, i.e., current concepts, consensus and controversies. Each topic is addressed using the same template, offering the best information from all angles to readers. This SpringerBrief is aimed at both clinicians and scientists involved in the study and care of male and female fertility, and is written by a team of three internationally recognized authors with expertise in andrology and male infertility. The text is the first of its kind, and presents an invaluable tool both for the basic scientists with an interest in reproductive medicine and for clinicians working in the field of infertility.

This book discusses the various antioxidants that are in use to overcome oxidative stress in an assisted reproduction setting. Antioxidant therapies may range from enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, either alone or in combination. While no one antioxidant regime has been identified as effective in improving fertilization and pregnancy rates, antioxidant supplementation has been shown to defend sperm cells from lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to DNA, and thus improve pregnancy rates. The prevention of oxidative stress and its consequent damage is imperative to ensure a successful outcome of the in vitro fertilization procedure and embryo transfer. Strategies that could be employed to minimize or prevent the detrimental effects of OS during assisted reproduction include supplementation with various types of antioxidants.

Providing the latest evidence-based information on etiology, evaluation and treatment, this unique text provides an in-depth, comprehensive discussion of the epidemiology, genetic and endocrinologic factors and medical and surgical management of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Taking a multidisciplinary approach including psychological treatment and patient perspectives, all aspects of current RPL prevention and treatment are elucidated. Detailed chapters provide real-world illustrative material and cover the set-up and management of RPL clinics and databases, containing practical tips. Recurrent Pregnancy Loss will be an excellent resource for OB-GYN specialists, general and reproductive endocrinologists, radiologists, hematologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and any other investigators or clinicians treating patients confronted with this emotionally and physically trying condition.

This volume covers data describing the role of free radicals and antioxidants that deal with clinical and pre-clinical trials, as well as basic research in the area of women's health. There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress is a causative, or at least a supporting factor in female pathology and infertility. During advancing gestational age, oxidative stress biomakers rise. Oxidative stress plays a regulatory role in transcription, signal transduction, gene expression and membrane trafficking. A search on Pub Med shows 449 papers have been published to date related to women's health disorders and use of antioxidants in a variety of disease that are prevalent in women, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, obesity and restless leg syndrome.

"Studies on Men s Health and Fertility "provides a comprehensive series of up-to-the-minute reviews addressing the role of oxidative stress in the aetiology of reproductive pathologies in the male. This volume represents by far the most detailed, authoritative review of the field that has been produced to date. The text encompasses the basic science of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by mammalian spermatozoa, the way in which these highly reactive molecules are processed by the germ line and the physiological significance of this redox activity in the generation of a functional gamete. The factors responsible for perturbing the delicate balance between physiological redox signaling on the one hand and oxidative stress on the other are also extensively reviewed and some of the first clues concerning the underlying mechanisms (age, heat, infection, cryostorage, aberrant lipid metabolism), clearly identified. From a clinical perspective there are chapters setting out the methods we should be using to diagnose oxidative stress in the male germ line, a clinical perspective on the aetiology of this condition and detailed considerations of the most suitable means of ameliorating such stress from a therapeutic point of view.

"Studies on Men s Health and Fertility "is intended to provide clinicians and scientists with a snap shot of the current status of this exciting, rapidly moving field. The book will be of value to clinicians interested in strategies for the management of oxidative stress in their infertility patients and scientists wishing to understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning the generation of ROS by these cells and its pathophysiological significance. It was not so long ago that the ability of spermatozoa to generate ROS was a hotly disputed topic. With the publication of this book such doubts can finally be laid to rest. There is now no doubt that these cells actively generate ROS, that oxidative stress is a major contributor to defects in male reproductive health and that the successful clinical management of this condition depends on developing a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this quest, "Studies on Men s Health and Fertility "will be seen as a clear and important milestone. "

This concise, truncated version of Nagy, Varghese and Agarwal's Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization is comprised of select clinical chapters for a portable, affordable and up-to-date resource. Clinical Embryology covers a variety of topics, including: - Sperm processing methods - Embryo culture methods - Insemination procedures - Embryo evaluation - Genetic testing of embryos - Cryopreservation - Embryo transfer Also included are two new chapters on predicting embryo developmental potential and viability using automated time-lapse analysis (Eeva) and predicting embryo implantation potential using Embryoscope. (TM) Practical for both clinicians and researchers alike, Clinical Embryology brings together all of the need-to-know information about these important topics in reproductive medicine.

This concise, truncated version of Nagy, Varghese and Agarwal's Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization is comprised of select clinical chapters for a portable, affordable and up-to-date resource. Gamete Assessment, Selection and Micromanipulation in ART covers a variety of topics, including: - Human oocyte evaluation - Sperm evaluation and selection - Micromanipulators and micromanipulation - Biopsy procedures on oocytes and embryos - Molecular insights in IVF Practical for both clinicians and researchers alike, Gamete Assessment, Selection and Micromanipulation in ART brings together all of the need-to-know information about these important topics in reproductive medicine.

"THE MITOCHONDRIA IN HEALTH AND DISEASE" is an attempt to include the various aspects of mitochondria ''the powerhouse of cell." It starts the evolutionary aspects and ends with the recent advances, including structure, its genome, role in metabolic cycles, and many other important aspects. This is not only useful for students persuing higher education but even for students obtaining their graduation degree. This book is not only for medical students but also for any biology student persuing degree in any branch of biology.

"Fertility Preservation in Males: Emerging Technologies and Clinical Applications" contains a selection of the valuable chapters and protocols of Seli and Agarwal s previously published hardcover text "Fertility Preservation: Emerging Technologies and Clinical Applications." Newly available in this convenient and affordable softcover format, this practical reference guide provides an update on options for fertility preservation in men, while also discussing important related epidemiologic, ethical, medico-legal, psychological, and social aspects. Using a format that combines concise scientific background with practical methodological information and easy-to-grasp algorithms, the chapters all conform to a uniform structure, including step by step protocol of laboratory procedures, key issues in commentary and a list of references. The result is a unique resource for reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, embryologists, reproductive scientists, and oncologists."

A growing majority of women in the western hemisphere have been delaying initiation of childbearing to later in life. Consequently, more than ever before, women in their late 30s to early 40s are attempting their first pregnancy. Since the incidence of most cancers increases with age, delayed childbearing results in more female cancer survivors interested in fertility preservation." Fertility Preservation in Females: Emerging Technologies and Clinical Applications" contains a selection of the valuable chapters and protocols of Seli and Agarwal s previously published hardcover text "Fertility Preservation: Emerging Technologies and Clinical Applications." Newly available in this convenient and affordable softcover format, this unique and practical reference guide for reproductive endocrinologists, gynecologists, embryologists, reproductive scientists, and oncologists provides strategies for fertility preservation in women, using a format that combines concise scientific background with practical methodological information and easy-to-grasp algorithms."