International Journal of Fertility & Sterility最新文献

{"title":"Influence of Borderline and Pathological Sperm Morphology on Pregnancy Outcomes following Intrauterine Insemination in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Study.","authors":"Roshan Nikbakht, Mahsa Afrough, Mahmoud Hashemitabar, Mojgan Barati, Sareh Amirzadeh, Narges Dibavand, Shokoofe Bazokarjoshaghani, Parvin Dorfeshan","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2042418.1769","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2042418.1769","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prognostic value of borderline and pathological sperm morphology (SM) in infertility treatment remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of SM on clinical pregnancy outcomes following intrauterine insemination (IUI).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective study reviewed IUI outcomes conducted between July 2012 to January 2017 at an infertility treatment center. Couples who underwent IUI and subsequently achieved a clinical pregnancy were included. Based on semen analysis according to the 6th edition of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the couples were divided into two groups: borderline (4-13% normal forms) and pathological (<4% normal forms) SM. The study assessed the association between SM and pregnancy outcomes, specifically live birth and spontaneous abortion rates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 111 IUI cycles with confirmed clinical pregnancy were analyzed. Gestational complication rates were 8.3% in the borderline SM group and 17.3% in the pathological SM group, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.255). However, live birth rates differed significantly between the two groups (borderline: 91.7%, pathological: 69.3%; P=0.009). Overall abortion rates were significantly higher in the Pathological SM group (borderline: 2.8%, pathological: 26.7%; P=0.001). First-trimester abortion rates were 5.6% and 18.7% in the borderline and pathological SM groups, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that for every one-unit increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm, the odds of abortion decreased by a factor of 0.6 (P=0.017; OR=0.614; 95% CI: 0.412-0.916).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pathological SM is associated with a significantly higher risk of first-trimester abortion. Therefore, SM is highlighted as a potential predictor of IUI outcomes following clinical pregnancy. Subsequently, SM should be considered a critical factor in fertility assessments, and alternative treatment strategies may be more appropriate for couples with pathological SM undergoing infertility treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"154-158"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emerging Frontiers in Ovarian Organoids: Bridging Development,Function, and Disease Modeling: A Review.","authors":"Mojdeh Salehnia, Seyed Sajad Moazzeni","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2059423.1866","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2059423.1866","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review highlights recent advances in ovarian organoid research. Ovarian organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from primary ovarian tissues, cancer cells, or stem cells that replicate key architectural and functional features of native ovarian tissue. Their formation requires both germ cells, such as oocytes and primordial germ cells, and somatic cells, including stromal, thecal, follicular, and epithelial cells. Ovarian organoids are typically characterized through histological, molecular, and functional analyses to confirm their structural and transcriptional resemblance to the native ovary. These organoids contain a heterogeneous population of cell types, reflecting the cellular diversity of ovarian tissue, and exhibit gene expression profiles closely aligned with those of primary ovarian tissues. Organoids derived from both normal and malignant sources hold great potential for a wide range of applications, including basic ovarian biology, cancer research and therapeutics, fertility studies, drug screening, disease and cancer modeling, endocrine function studies, personalized medicine, and pathogen interaction analysis. Despite existing technical and biological challenges, ongoing research and innovations continue to expand the potential of ovarian organoids in reproductive biology and disease management.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"80-95"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080713/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exercise Training Ameliorates The Tramadol-Induced Toxicity on VEGF/VEGFRs/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Testicular Tissue after Tramadol Withdrawal.","authors":"Vahid Saeidifard, Asghar Tofighi, Javad Tolouei Azar, Mazdak Razi","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2051764.1816","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2051764.1816","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The study investigated how exercise training protocols (ETPs) with different intensities can ameliorate the tramadol (TRA)-induced toxicity in the testicular tissue by upregulating VEGF/VEGFRs/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the post-withdrawal period.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this experimental study, thirty-six mature Wistar rats were included in two groups: one being a sedentary control group, and the other receiving TRA treatment (40 mg/kg, daily, ip). After 60 days, six rats from the TRA-received group were excluded (TRA-sole; euthanized after 60 days). The TRA administration was stopped and the rats were further divided into four subgroups: TRA/withdrawal (TRA/W), low (LICT), moderate (MICT), and high (HICT)-intensity continuous exercise training-received groups (n=6/each group). The expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), protein Kinase B (AKT), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 1 (VEGF R1) and 2 (VEGF R2) were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The expression levels of PI3K, AKT, VEGF, VEGF R1, and VEGF R2 were decreased in the TRA-sole group. No significant alterations were noted in the PI3K, AKT, VEGF, and VEGF R1 expressions after 60 days of withdrawal compared to the TRA-sole rats. However, this situation was reversed and the expression levels of PI3K, AKT, VEGF, VEGF R1, and VEGF R2 increased in the MICT and HICT-received groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TRA disrupts the PI3K/AKT interaction, and this disruption is not easily reversed shortly after withdrawal. However, ETPs exert positive effects on PI3K/AKT signaling by promoting the expression of VEGF, VEGFR1, and R2. These results highlight the potential of ETPs to ameliorate the adverse effects of TRA on VEGF/VEGF R1, R2/PI3K/AKT signaling, even a short time after withdrawal.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"137-146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Correlation between <i>miR-let-7b</i> Expression, Sperm Parameters, Oxidative Stress Markers, and Hormonal Levels in Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Men.","authors":"Leila Shavandi, Fatemeh Jamalloo, Rahil Jannatifar","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2030885.1704","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2030885.1704","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and play a role in various disease states. The let-7 family of miRNAs constitutes an important class of regulators for diverse cellular functions ranging from cell proliferation, differentiation in spermatogenesis. The aim of study review the current state of correlation between miR-let-7b expression and sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, and hormonal levels in Oligoasthenotratozoospermia (OAT) men.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In the experimental study, RNA was extracted from the spermatozoa of 60 volunteers 30 patients with OAT and 30 controls with normal fertility (NOR). After the separating sperms, the expression level of <i>miR-let-7b</i> was evaluated by real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was measured using TUNEL assay technique. Using World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) criteria, sperm parameters were evaluated. Oxidative stress markers, i.e., total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reactive oxidative stress (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as hormonal profile [luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone] were determined by ELISA kit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>miR-let-7b</i> level was significantly higher in OAT patients than the control group (P=0.008). Correlation analysis highlighted that sperm parameters (count, motility, morphology, r=-0.863, r=-0.723, r=0.875, respectively, P=0.001), TAC (r=-0.441, P=0.021), and hormonal profile (FSH; r=-0.335, P=0.027, LH; r=-0.246, P=0.034, and Testosterone; r=-0.106, P=0.036) were negatively correlated with <i>miR-let-7b</i> level, but positively correlated with the sperm DNA fragmentation (r=+0.691, P=0.011), ROS (r=0.376, P=0.031), and MDA (r=0.201, P=0.033).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this study indicate that miRNA can have a key role in spermatogenesis and might have a diagnostic and prognostic value in men infertility. Changes in <i>miR-let-7b</i> level in OAT patients may be associated with the susceptibility and progression of infertility.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 1","pages":"28-33"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12831596/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146051992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-administration of Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Royal Jelly Improved Ovarian Tissue Function in PCOS Rats via the Regulation of Inflammation and Angiogenesis.","authors":"Omeh Leyla Bakhshi, Seyed Gholam Ali Jorsaraei, Roya Bisheh Kolaei, Zahra Basirat, Maryam Gholami Tabar Tabari","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2050243.1806","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2050243.1806","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the possible restorative effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) along with royal jelly (RJ) on a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this experimental study, 50 female Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly assigned to five groups: control, PCOS, PCOS+BM-MSCs, PCOS+RJ, and PCOS+BM-MSCs+RJ. PCOS was induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone enanthate (100 mg/kg). BM-MSCs were administered via tail vein every two weeks. RJ was given orally (500 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Two weeks post-treatment, blood samples were analyzed for interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), using ELISA. Ovarian tissues were examined histologically, and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) levels were measured by Western blot.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>RJ and BM-MSCs improved abnormal follicle structure in PCOS rats. The mean serum levels of IL-6 (P=0.016) and TNF-α (P<0.0001) were significantly reduced in the PCOS+RJ+BM-MSCs group compared to the PCOS rats. However, there was no statistically significant reduction in expression of VEGF (P=0.090) and COX-2 (P=0.104). The expression levels of BMP15 and GDF9 proteins were significantly reduced in PCOS rats compared to the control group (P<0.0001), while in the PCOS+RJ+BM-MSCs group, the expression of BMP15 (P<0.001) and GDF9 (P<0.0001) proteins increased compared to the PCOS group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>RJ and BM-MSCs may restore ovarian function by regulating inflammation, angiogenesis, and oocyte quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 1","pages":"50-57"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12831594/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146052055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Soybean and Swimming Training Modifications on Inflammation, Neurogenesis and Cognitive Function in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Experimental and Bioinformatics Study.","authors":"Zohreh Massah, Farzaneh Taghian","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2039752.1750","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2039752.1750","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may extend to cognitive impairments. This preclinical and experimental study investigates the physiological effects of PCOS on neurogenesis and cognitive function, emphasizing the potential benefits of lifestyle modifications and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions. The proposed study covers the synergistic effects of swimming and soybean supplementation on genetic networks (mRNA-lncRNAs) in the context of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cognitive impairment corresponding to PCOS.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this bioinformatic and experimental study, the mice were categorized into five groups: the control, the polycystic group [mice were orally administered 0.5 mg/kg of letrozole for 6 weeks then received 45% high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks], the polycystic group with swimming training (swimming for 5 days a week for 8 weeks), the polycystic group with soy supplement consumption (150 mg/kg), the polycystic group that received both swimming exercise and soy supplement intake. Gene expression was quantified using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach. mRNAs and lncRNAs were identified as potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers using a bioinformatics approach. Computational modeling technique is used to predict small molecules' binding affinity and orientation to a target protein.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Swimming exercise combined with soy isoflavone supplementation improved cognitive outcomes and neurogenesis in PCOS mice through upregulation of neurogenesis-related genes and restoration of hormonal balance, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for PCOS-associated cognitive dysfunction. The observed increases in the expression of neurogenesis-related genes and improvements in hormonal balance suggest that these interventions may mitigate some of the cognitive impairments associated with PCOS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that complementary and alternative medicine approaches offer therapeutic benefits for symptom mitigation and systemic health improvement in PCOS management.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 1","pages":"34-49"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12831593/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146051999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nano-Winter Is Coming for Sperm Cryopreservation: Advanced Approaches for Life in Ice: A Review.","authors":"Sayed Mehrdad Azimi, Kimia Fathollahi, Saman Sadeghpour Salamat, Vajiheh Asgari","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2039573.1759","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2039573.1759","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cryopreservation (CP) can negatively impact sperm quality, but recent studies have shown promising results using nanoparticles (NPs) as cryoprotectants. This review examines the potential of various NP types, including metallic, magnetic, polymeric, and lipid-based, in improving post-thaw sperm characteristics across different species, not only humans. The unique surface properties of NPs and their ability to inhibit ice formation are believed to mitigate freezing and thawing damage. A comprehensive literature review of over 40 recent studies revealed that multiple NP types, such as curcumin, cerium oxide, gold, silver, zinc oxide (ZnO), and soy lecithin, demonstrated cryoprotective properties. These NPs generally enhanced post-thaw sperm quality metrics, including motility, viability, chromatin integrity, mitochondrial activity, acrosome reaction, and antioxidant status. Proposed mechanisms of action include reducing freezing damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. However, some studies also revealed potential toxicity with long-term exposure. While NPs offer a promising platform for optimizing sperm CP protocols in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and reproductive management, further research is needed. Key areas for investigation include standardizing methodologies, understanding biological interactions, reducing cytotoxicity, and extending preservation strategies to diverse species. The development of cost-effective formulations applicable to all human ejaculates, along with a thorough investigation of bio-interactions, toxicity, and reproductive impacts, is crucial for advancing this field. Rational NP design and comprehensive assessments could lead to safer and more effective fertility preservation techniques, but optimization is still required to realize the potential of NPs in sperm CP fully.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 1","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12831597/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146052049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Serotype Prevalence of Group B <i>Streptococcus</i> among Pregnant Women in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses from 2007-2022.","authors":"Maryam Banar, Mohammad Emaneini, Fereshteh Jabalameli, Reza Beigverdi","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2011534.1540","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2011534.1540","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Group B <i>Streptococcus</i> (GBS; <i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i>) is a significant cause of invasive disease in newborns, often stemming from recto-vaginal colonization in pregnant women. The GBS capsular polysaccharide is a major virulence factor, and ten distinct serotypes (Ia, Ib, II-IX) have now been identified. Understanding the prevalence of these serotypes in maternal colonization is crucial for vaccine development. This study aims to determine the serotype prevalence of GBS among Iranian pregnant women.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, and the Iranian Databases (SID and Magiran) for studies published between January 2000 and March 2023. Studies were included if they used standardized methods for GBS detection, including recto-vaginal specimen collection and identification [selective media and molecular detection of GBS-specific gene (<i>dltS and atr</i>)]. Studies using nonstandard methods (e.g., cervical, perianal, perirectal or perineal specimens), or focusing on non-maternal GBS colonization were excluded. Meta-analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Biostat V2.2) software to estimate serotype prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 330 articles identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses showed that 93.2% (95% CI: 90-95.5) of GBS isolates had identifiable serotypes. The predominant serotype was serotype III [39.6% (95% CI: 31.6-48.2)], followed by serotypes II [16.8% (95% CI: 13.8-20.4)], V [14.1% (95% CI: 11.2-17.6)], VI [12.4 (95% CI: 8.2-18.5)], Ia [11.7% (95 CI: 7.8-17.2)] and Ib [11.2 (95% CI: 6.9-17.6)].</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serotype III is the most common GBS serotype among pregnant women in Iran, followed by serotypes II, V, VI, Ia, and Ib. These findings suggest that a pentavalent vaccine targeting these serotypes could be beneficial for preventing GBS-related complications in Iranian pregnant women. However, further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and implementation of such a vaccine.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 1","pages":"21-27"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12831592/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146051983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sperm Retrieval in Non-Azoospermic Patients with Intact Ejaculation: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Naser Amir Jannati, Hamed Akhavizadegan, Hamid Kalantari, Marjan Sabbaghian, Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2040424.1755","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2040424.1755","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although existing research on sperm retrieval predominantly focuses on azoospermic patients, assisted reproductive technology (ART) candidates without azoospermia may still face challenges during oocyte retrieval. Notably, approximately 10% of men with normal sexual function undergoing routine ART insemination experience transient ejaculatory failure during the ART cycle. This failure results in unsuccessful sperm retrieval, thereby disrupting standard treatment protocols. In this narrative review we strive to evaluate the efficacy of sperm retrieval combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection in managing patients with intact ejaculation and difficulties in semen retrieval. In non‑azoospermic ART candidates, timely sperm retrieval and structured management of transient ejaculatory failure or semen collection difficulties are essential to optimize intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes and should be incorporated into standardized protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 1","pages":"14-20"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12883015/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146052027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Stop GnRH-Agonist/Antagonist versus GnRH-Antagonist Protocols in <i>In Vitro</i> Fertilization Cycles of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Azadeh Tarafdari, Fatemeh Keikhah, Maryam Bagheri, Masoumeh Masoumi, Rana Karimi, Mohammad Amin Prasaei, Mohadese Dashtkoohi, Marjan Ghaemi","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2041275.1762","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2041275.1762","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder impacting fertility. Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is a crucial step during <i>in vitro</i> fertilization (IVF) procedure to enhance oocyte retrieval and embryo generation. This study aims to compare the efficacy of the stop gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-agonist)/GnRH-antagonist protocol versus the conventional GnRH antagonist protocol in PCOS patients undergoing IVF.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted from March to December 2023 at ValiE-Asr Hospital, Tehran. Forty PCOS patients were randomized into two groups: stop GnRH-agonist/GnRH-antagonist (n=20) and conventional GnRH antagonist (n=20). Participants' demographics, hormonal profiles, and treatment outcomes were recorded. The primary outcome was the number of mature oocytes retrieved; secondary outcomes included the number of follicles >12 mm on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration day and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) incidence. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21.0, employing t tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and Chi-square tests as appropriate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The conventional protocol group had significantly more 16-18 mm follicles but no differences in total oocytes retrieved, metaphase 1 and 2 oocytes, or degenerated oocytes. Stimulation duration was shorter in the conventional group. No significant differences were observed in OHSS incidence or total gonadotropin dose.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Stop GnRH-agonist/GnRH-antagonist protocol is a viable alternative for PCOS patients, offering comparable oocyte yields and safety profiles to the conventional GnRH antagonist protocol. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term outcomes such as pregnancy and live birth rates (registration number: IRCT20180409039247N10).</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 1","pages":"62-68"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12831591/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146052052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}