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Introduction: In different studies worldwide, gender ratios derived from ICSI (Assisted reproductive techniques) have been reported differently. Objective: Evaluation of neonatal gender in ICSI women referred to Mehr Infertility Research Center of Rasht. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the cases of infertile women referred to Mehr Infertility Research Center in Rasht for ICSI were examined to determine the sex ratio of the neonates. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 and descriptive and an alytical (Chi-square and independent t) tests. Results:The results showed that 52% of single-born neonates, 60% of multiple pregnancies (single sex) and 52.5% of multiple pregnancy (two sexes) were male. Conclusion:The ratio of male in single and multiple pregnancies in ICSI was higher than female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using counseling standards by fertility health counselors is necessary in achieving the goals of every fertility health and family planning program. The current study investigated the implementation of counseling standards by counselors from the viewpoint of fertility health clients in Isfahan, Iran during 2011. Methods: This study was conducted on 236 randomly-selected clients of the fertility health program in 20 counseling centers in Isfahan. The counseling standard questionnaire (designed based on a checklist provided by the Iranian Ministry of Health) was used to collect data. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance, chi-square test, and t-tests in SPSS16. Findings: Most clients ranked verbal and non-verbal communication, counseling conditions, selection of contraceptive method, and describing the importance of fertility health as satisfactory. In contrast, correcting the wrong beliefs of clients about the contraceptive methods and helping them choose the right decision were less satisfactory according to the standards. Conclusion: The use of counseling standards in the studied health fertility program was mostly ranked as satisfactory. Nevertheless, improvement of some qualitative domains of counseling seems necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Male infertility is one of the most challenging problems in andrology. The common cause of male infertility is related to disorders in sperm production and its improvement is synonymous with better treatment outcomes. Although, the etiology of infertility is not clear in most cases but different treatment options have been suggested to increase sperm count and motility. L-carnitine, which is found in different food items and it is derived from lysine and methionine, is a substance essential for the oxidation of long-chain fatty acids in the mitochondria and protection of cell membranes from damages caused by free oxygen radicals. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of L-carnitine in improving sperm quality in infertile men. Materials and Methods: This double blind randomized cross-over, clinical trial was conducted on 30 infertile men attending Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital's Infertility Clinic during 2005- 2006. Subjects that had at least two abnormal spermograms, based on WHO criteria, with a two-week interval during four weeks and their gonadotropins, testosterone an prolactin concentrations were within normal range were recruited for the study. The exclusion criteria were composed of individuals with medical conditions other than infertility such as grade 3 or 4 varicocele, testicular atrophy, ejaculatory disorders, use of any medications in the past two months prior to the study, azoospermia, endocrinological disorders, ICSI candidacy for severe spermogram abnormalities or other causes of infertility. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups of A and B. Group A and B received L-carnitine and placebo 2g/day for 8 weeks respectively. After a washout period of 8 weeks, the two groups, changed place and received placebo and L-carnitine (2g/day×8w). Sperm analyses were done in four stages: Before and after the first intervention, at the end of washout period and after the second intervention. Results: There were significant improvements in mean sperm concentration and progressive sperm motility upon two months of L-carnitine intake (p<0.05) but no significant changes were found in sperm volume or morphology. The aforementioned changes retracted to the primary status after two months. No changes were seen following the intake of placebos in the cases. Conclusion: L-carnitine intake effectively improved the mean sperm count and progressive sperm motility. However, confirmation of these results warrants more thorough clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]