Effect of Carob Supplement on Spermogram Parameters and Sexual Function of Infertile Men Referred to the Infertility Center, Hamadan, Iran, 2019: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The purpose of this study is comparison of carob with placebo in the treatment of male infertility. Materials and methods: This study was performed as a clinical trial with two-group pretest-posttest design. Each group consisted of 30 members. The first group received 1.5 grams of carob per day, and the second group received placebo treatments. Treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Semen analysis as well as testosterone, prolactin, (LH), (FSH) and (TSH) were performed before and after drug treatment in two groups. Sexual function was assessed in the groups in two stages before and after the intervention using the standard International Index of Erectile Function. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS 16. Results: The participants’ mean age was 34.83 ±6.22 in the placebo and 33.67 ±5.82 years in the Carob group. The results showed in the carob group compared to the placebo group, the rate of normal sperm counts increased by 17% and also the normal level of testosterone was 40% higher than the abnormal levels of the placebo group and these differences were statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: It is recommended to use carob supplements to improve spermogram parameters and male sex hormones

Association of High Levels of Testosterone and Ferritin with Overweight in Women with PCOS

Background & Objective: The present study was conducted to determine testosterone and ferritin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and investigate its relationship with body mass index (BMI) Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, 104 PCOS cases and 99 controls were included. The concentration of testosterone, ferritin, lipid profile, insulin, glucose, and androgen was measured in fasting blood samples. Results: Testosterone level was equal to 1.08 ± 0.50 and 0.85 ± 0.42 in the case and control groups, respectively (P< 0.001). Values of ferritin (123.45 ± 18.21ng/dl vs. 92.14 ± 17.74 ng/dl in control group, p< 0.001), insulin (11.41 ± 3.84 µU/ml vs. 7.02 ± 3.29 µU/ml in control group, p< 0.001), and insulin resistance (11.41 ± 3.84 vs.7.02 ± 3.29 in control group, p< 0.001) were also measured. There was a significant relationship between serum concentration of testosterone and ferritin with BMI) p<0.001). The role of ferritin to predict PCOS was significant (ß:-1.1, P< 0.001). Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, the levels of testosterone and ferritin were increased in patients with PCOS. Although elevated testosterone levels are effective in PCOS, ferritin concentration is an important factor in predicting and exacerbating the disease

The Role of Using Cell Phones and the Internet on Miscarriage: a Case-control Study

Background & aim: Despite the concerns about using cell phones and internet on women's reproductive health, few studies have considered this issue, with most focusing on animal models. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of using cell phones and internet on miscarriage.Methods: In this case-control study, a sample of 211 cases and 394 controls were selected through stratified random sampling from women referred to urban health centers in Zanjan in 2019. Data on telephone and internet use was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, while health records were collected using a checklist. Women with miscarriage history were chosen randomly as the case and women with a successful pregnancy history as the control.Results:   Considering the average internet use per hour, and with the effect of other variables remaining constant, the odds of miscarriage increased, and this association was borderline significant (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.15, P=0.050). Meanwhile, for every hour of cell phone conversations during pregnancy, although the odds of miscarriage increased, but this association was not statistically significant (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.45, P=0.380). Similarly, turning off cell phones at night decreased the odds of miscarriage, but this association was also not statistically significant (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.58, 1.61, P=0.380).Conclusion: Although the effect of internet use on miscarriage was small and had borderline statistical significance, it appears reasonable to take preventive measures to reduce exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic waves by pregnant women

Evaluation of Insulin and Estradiol in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and its Relationship With BMI

Background & Objective:  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder, which is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism. This study was done to evaluate insulin and estradiol (E2) in women with PCOS and its relationship with Body mass index (BMI). Materials & Methods: This case-control study included, 104 women with polycystic ovary syndrome as a case group and 100 women without polycystic ovary syndrome as a control group. Concentrations of insulin, glucose and E2 were measured in fasting blood samples. Results: Insulin level was 7.02 ± 3.29 in control group, 11.41 ± 3.84 in the case group. FBS level was 82.75 ± 7.18 in control group versus 84.03 ± 5.82 in case group. E2 level was 70.74 ± 53.03 in control group and 60.21 ± 40.58 in case group. The insulin resistance level was 1.45 ± 0.74 in the control group versus 2.37 ± 0.83 in case group. According to correlation analysis, the insulin variable had a significant positive association with BMI (p < 0.0001, r=.245), although no significant correlation was seen between E2 and BMI (p-value = 0.245, r=.092) Conclusion: Present data showed that E2 levels were not different in PCOS and non-PCOS patients, but insulin levels in PCOS were significantly increased and PCOS women had significant insulin resistance which is dependent on BMI

Comparison Pregnancy Outcomes Between Minimal Stimulation Protocol and Conventional GnRH Antagonist Protocols in Poor Ovarian Responders

Objective: To compare the pregnancy outcomes achieved by in vitro fertilization (IVF) between minimal stimulation and conventional antagonist protocols in poor ovarian responders (PORs). Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 77 PORs undergoing IVF were selected and divided into two groups. First group was the minimal stimulation group (n = 42) receiving 100 mg/day clomiphene citrate on day 2of the cycle for 5 day that was followed by150IU/day human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) on day 5 of the cycle. Second group was the conventional group (n = 35) receiving at least 300 IU/daygonadotropin on day 2 of the cycle. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol was applied for both groups according to flexible protocol. Number of retrieved oocytes and chemical pregnancy rate were the main outcomes. Results: There was no difference in number ofretrieved oocyte and pregnancy rate (2.79 ± 1.96 vs. 2.20 ± 1.71 and 5.6% vs. 4.1%; p > 0.05) between both groups. The gonadotropin dose used in the minimal stimulation group was lower than conventional group (1046 ± 596 vs. 2806 ± 583). Conclusion: Minimal stimulation protocol with lower gonadotropin used is likely to be considered as a patient- friendly and cost-effective substitute for PORs.

The value of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in predicting pregnancy outcome in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and candidate for in vitro fertilization: A case-control study

Abstract Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) as a known complication in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may occur following inducible fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and can affect the sequels of these treatments. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of OHSS on pregnancy outcomes through IVF in women with PCOS. Also, we assessed the value of baseline sexual hormones to predict the pregnancy's success. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 180 consecutive women suffering from PCOS who were candidates for IVF at Fatemieh hospital in Hamadan, Iran, from May-July 2022. The women were assigned to the case group (with OHSS, n = 129) and the control group (without OHSS, n = 51). Measuring the sexual hormones was performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent technique. Results: In the multivariable logistic regression model, OHSS could not predict the likelihood of clinical or chemical pregnancy following IVF. None of the baseline sexual hormones could predict the successful chemical or clinical pregnancy in PCOS women following IVF. Conclusion: OHSS may not influence IVF-related outcomes in PCOS women. The values of sexual hormones may not also determine the pointed outcome

Effect of carob and ginseng supplements on semen analysis parameters, sexual function, and sex hormones in Infertile men: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial study

Background: Infertility is one of the most common problems in the world; there is a growing demand for herbal medicines to treat infertility-related problems. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial with three groups was conducted, each with 30 participants. The first group was administered 1.5 grams of Carob daily, the second group was administered 1.5 grams of Ginseng daily, and the third group received a placebo. The treatment was administered for 12 weeks, and before and after the intervention, semen parameters, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones, and sexual function were evaluated. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire. Results: The mean (SD) age of participants was 34.83 (6.22), 34.60 (5.78), and 33.67 (5.82) years in Carob, Ginseng, and Placebo groups, respectively. The results showed that in the Carob group, the normal volume of semen (Z 133 = 3.05, p = 0.02) and the normal shape of sperm (Z 134 = 2.97, p = 0.01) increased significantly compared to the control group. In the Ginseng group, the normal volume (Z 133 = 3.90, p = 0.001) and the normal viscosity of semen (Z 133 = 2.36, p = 0.01) increased significantly compared to the control group.The Carob group showed a significant increase in normal sperm counts and testosterone hormone levels (Z 131 = 2.81, p = 0.05). The Ginseng group demonstrated a significant improvement in orgasm function (H2 = 6.14, p = 0.04) and the total score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (H2 = 5.8, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Carob supplements are suggested to enhance some semen parameters and male sex hormones. For infertile men, Ginseng can be beneficial in improving sexual function

Effect of CoQ10 Supplement on Spermogram Parameters and Sexual Function of Infertile Men Referred to The Infertility Center of Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, 2019: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the antioxidant supplement of CoQ10 and placebo in the male infertility treatment.Materials and Methods: The randomized controlled trial study was designed as a clinical trial. Samples in each group consisted of 30 members. The first group received 1 daily dose of 100 mg coenzyme Q10 capsules and the second group received a placebo treatment. Treatment in both groups lasted 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention of semen analysis, hormonal measurement of testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were done. Sexual function was assessed before and after the intervention by using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction questionnare.Results: The mean age of participants was 34.07 (5.26) years in the CoQ10 group and 34.83 (6.22) in the placebo one. Normal volume of semen (P=0.10), viscosity (P=0.55), sperm count (P=0.28), and sperm motility (P=0.33) in the CoQ10 group increased without statistically significant differences. But the normal sperm morphology increased with statistically significant differences in the CoQ10 group (P=0.01). There was an increase in normal FSH levels and testosterone levels in the CoQ10 group compared with the placebo patients, but these differences were not statistically significant (respectively P=0.58, P=0.61). The results also revealed that the scores of erectile function (P=0.95), orgasm (P=0.86), satisfaction with sexual intercourse (P=0.61), overall satisfaction (P=0.69) and the score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF, P=0.82) were greater after the intervention in the CoQ10 group than in the placebo group although the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: The use of CoQ10 supplement can improve sperm morphology; however, in other sperm parameters and also in some hormones increased after the intervention, this was not statistically significant and therefore the result is not conclusive (registration number: IRCT20120215009014N322)