1.  Peer Reviewed Title: 'And they kill me, only because I am a girl'...a review of sex-selective abortions in South Asia. Author: Abrejo FG; Shaikh BT; Rizvi N Source: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2009 Feb;14(1):10-6. Abstract: The low social status of women and the preference for sons determine a high rate of sex-selective abortion or, more specifically, female feticide, in South Asian countries. Although each of them, irrespective of its abortion policy, strictly condemns sex-selective abortion, data suggest high rates of such procedures in India, Nepal, China and Bangladesh. This paper reviews the current situation of sex-selective abortion, the laws related to it and the factors contributing to its occurrence within these countries. Based on this review, it is concluded that sex selective abortion is a public health issue as it contributes to high maternal mortality. Abortion policies of South Asian countries vary greatly and this influences the frequency of reporting of cases. Several socio-economic factors are responsible for sex-selective abortion including gender discriminating cultural practices, irrational national population policies and unethical use of technology. Wide social change promoting women's status in society should be instituted whereby women are offered more opportunities for better health, education and economic participation through gender sensitive policies and programmes. A self-regulation of the practices in the medical profession and among communities must be achieved through behavioural change campaigns. Language: English Keywords: ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CHILD, FEMALE | SEX PRESELECTION | SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION | BEHAVIOR CHANGE | Developing Countries | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Behavior Document Number: 341236 |
| 2. Peer Reviewed Title: Second-trimester abortions and sex-selection of children in Hanoi, Vietnam. Author: Belanger D; Oanh KT Source: Population Studies. 2009 Jul;63(2):163-71. Abstract: Because sex-selective abortions are generally conducted during the second term of the pregnancy, timing of abortion can be used as an indirect way of studying sex-selection by abortion. We examined the likelihood of having a first-trimester vs. second-trimester abortion among a group of 885 married women who had an abortion in an obstetric hospital in Hanoi in 2003. In the absence of sex-selection by abortion, the number and sex of living children should not affect the timing of abortion. Results indicate that women with more children, particularly those with more daughters or without a son, were more likely to undergo a second-term abortion than a first-term abortion. We estimate that, in 2003, 2 per cent of all abortions to women with at least one living child were intended to avoid the birth of a female. Language: English Keywords: VIETNAM | URBAN AREAS | RESEARCH REPORT | ABORTION | CURRENTLY MARRIED | SONS | PREGNANCY, FIRST TRIMESTER | PREGNANCY, SECOND TRIMESTER | SEX PRESELECTION | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX RATIO | POPULATION POLICY | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Geographic Factors | Population | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Marital Status | Nuptiality | Demographic Factors | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Reproductive Technologies | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors Document Number: 342945 Notification |
| 3. Peer Reviewed Title: Comparison of GnRH antagonist protocol with or without oral contraceptive pill pretreatment and GnRH agonist low-dose long protocol in low responders undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Author: Kim CH; Jeon GH; Cheon YP; Jeon I; Kim SH; Chae HD; Kang BM Source: Fertility and Sterility. 2009 Jun 10; Abstract: This prospective randomized study was performed to compare the efficacy of GnRH antagonist multiple-dose protocol (MDP) with or without oral contraceptive pill (OCP) pretreatment and GnRH agonist low-dose long protocol (LP) in 82 patients undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). GnRH antagonist MDP with OCP pretreatment was at least as effective as GnRH agonist low-dose LP in low responders, and can benefit the low responders by reducing the amount of FSH and the number of days of stimulation required for follicular maturation. Language: English Keywords: REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | CLIENTS | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | HORMONE ANTAGONISTS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Drugs | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Gonadotropins, Pituitary | Gonadotropins Document Number: 341712 |
| 4. Title: The unknown genocide: how one country's culture is destroying the girl child. Author: Sumner MM Source: International Journal of Nursing Practice. 2009 Apr;15(2):65-8. Abstract: Female feticide and infanticide is occurring at an alarming rate in India as a result of preference for sons. The cultural reasons for sex-selective abortions and the government's current strategies against this problem are identified. However, the problem's scope might be too great for the Indian government. Humanitarian efforts are needed to save the girl child. Nurses are a key group of people that need to be made aware of this issue as they are advocates for vulnerable populations. Language: English Keywords: INDIA | CRITIQUE | SONS | INFANTICIDE | ABORTION | ULTRASONICS | SEX PRESELECTION | LEGISLATION | SEX PREFERENCE | SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION | WOMEN'S STATUS | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Crime | Social Problems | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Political Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 342479 Notification |
| 5. Peer Reviewed Title: Second trimester abortions in India. Author: Dalvie SS Source: Reproductive Health Matters. 2008 May;16(31 Suppl):37-45. Abstract: This article gives an overview of what is known about second trimester abortions in India, including the reasons why women seek abortions in the second trimester, the influence of abortion law and policy, surgical and medical methods used, both safe and unsafe, availability of services, requirements for second trimester service delivery, and barriers women experience in accessing second trimester services. Based on personal experiences and personal communications from other doctors since 1993, when I began working as an abortion provider, the practical realities of second trimester abortion and case histories of women seeking second trimester abortion are also described. Recommendations include expanding the cadre of service providers to non-allopathic clinicians and trained nurses, introducing second trimester medical abortion into the public health system, replacing ethacridine lactate with mifepristone-misoprostol, values clarification among providers to challenge stigma and poor treatment of women seeking second trimester abortion, and raising awareness that abortion is legal in the second trimester and is mostly not requested for reasons of sex selection. Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | SEX DETERMINATION | SEX PRESELECTION | ABORTION LAW | POLICY | SAFETY | ABORTION | PREGNANCY, SECOND TRIMESTER | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Public Health | Pregnancy Document Number: 330099 Notification |
| 6. Peer Reviewed Title: Maintaining access to safe abortion and reducing sex ratio imbalances in Asia. Author: Ganatra B Source: Reproductive Health Matters. 2008 May;16(31 Suppl):90-8. Abstract: High sex ratios at birth (108 boys to 100 girls or higher) are seen in China, Taiwan, South Korea and parts of India and Viet Nam. The imbalance is the result of son preference, accentuated by declining fertility. Prenatal sex detection with ultrasound followed by second trimester abortion is one of the ways sex selection manifests itself, but it is not the causative factor. Advocates and governments seeking to reverse this imbalance have largely prohibited sex detection tests and/or sex selective abortion, assuming these measures would reverse the trend. Such policies have been difficult to enforce and have met with only limited success. At the same time, such policies are starting to have adverse effects on the already limited access to safe and legal second trimester abortion for reasons other than sex selection. Moreover, the sex selection issue is being used as a platform for anti-abortion rhetoric by certain groups. Maintaining access to safe abortion and achieving a decline in high sex ratios are both important goals. Both are possible if the focus shifts to addressing the conditions that drive son preference. Language: English Keywords: ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | PREGNANCY, SECOND TRIMESTER | SEX DETERMINATION | SEX PRESELECTION | Developing Countries | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproductive Technologies Document Number: 330098 |
| 7. Title: Sex selection, gender-based violence and human rights abuse [letter] Author: Liljestrand J; Shaw D Source: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2008;87(4):482-483. Abstract: In the People's Republic of China, over 10% of young women are missing. One major contributory factor to this loss of millions of human lives is sex selective abortion based on early ultrasound. This practice, legal or illegal, is also common in other countries such as parts of India. In this light, it is surprising that Hsiao et al. in Acta number 1, 2008, do not even mention this dilemma in their study of early fetal sex determination by ultrasound. They do refer to the fact that many Taiwanese/Chinese wish to have early information on fetal sex, however, they do not mention the ethical dilemma of disclosing such information, particularly in parts of the world where such information may lead to - and does lead to - the earliest form of gender-based violence and major human rights abuse, directed against the female sex. The Editor's comment does raise this dilemma, however this is insufficient, as many readers will read the original paper only. FIGO's ethical guidelines emphasize that professional societies and their members are accountable for the employment of techniques for sex selection only for medical indications; and that in regional areas with marked sex ratio imbalance, professional societies should work with governments to ensure that sex selection is strictly regulated. It is surprising to us that Acta would permit such a paper to go to print without any discussion in the paper of the ethical and human rights implications of the scientific findings. (full text) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | INDIA | TAIWAN | CRITIQUE | SEX PRESELECTION | ETHICS | HUMAN RIGHTS | SEX DETERMINATION | ULTRASONICS | SEX RATIO | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Developed Countries | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Sociocultural Factors | Political Factors | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 325877 |
| 8. Title: Spontaneous pregnancy after successful ICSI treatment: evaluation of risk factors in 899 families in Germany. Author: Ludwig AK; Katalinic A; Jendrysik J; Thyen U; Sutcliffe AG; Diedrich K; Ludwig M Source: Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 2008 Sep;17(3):403-9. Abstract: There are only scarce data on the incidence of spontaneous pregnancy in infertility patients. Contraception after infertility treatment is another topic that has been neglected so far. Therefore, a questionnaire was sent to 1614 couples with a child conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) aged 4-6 years. A total of 899 couples responded (response rate 55.7%). A total of 10.9% of couples had used contraception. Of the couples that had actively tried to conceive, 20.0% had conceived spontaneously, resulting in a live-birth rate of 16.4%. 74.5% of these pregnancies were conceived within 2 years after delivery. A further 26.6% of couples conceived again by ICSI, with a live-birth rate of 20.9%. Maternal age was the only prognostic factor for spontaneous conception. Parents of multiples after ICSI did not have a higher chance of spontaneous conception than parents of singletons. Couples can be counselled that one out of five couples conceive spontaneously after successful ICSI. Even when assuming that none of the families that were lost to follow-up had conceived spontaneously, one out of eight couples would have conceived spontaneously. Therefore, it is important to counsel patients about the possibility of natural conception and necessity to use contraception despite their history of subfertility. Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | FOLLOW-UP STUDIES | WOMEN | COUPLES | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | PREGNANCY | TIME FACTORS | INFERTILITY | MULTIPLE BIRTH | COUNSELING | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Health | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Population Dynamics | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 328898 |
| 9. Title: Oral contraceptive pretreatment and half dose of ganirelix does not excessively suppress LH and may be an excellent choice for scheduling IUI cycles. Author: Meldrum DR; Cassidenti DL; Rosen GF; Yee B; Wisot AL Source: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 2008 Aug;25(8):417-20. Abstract: PURPOSE: To assess the effects of using a reduced dose of ganirelix with oral contraceptive pretreatment in a pilot study of COH using pure FSH for intrauterine insemination (IUI) METHODS: Patients received oral contraceptive (OC; 30 microg ethinyl estradiol/150 microg desogestrel) for 14-21 days and rFSH (50-225 IU/day SC) was started on day 4 after OC discontinuation. Ganirelix acetate (125 microg/day) was started with a lead follicle diameter of 14 mm. RESULTS: Of the 25 subjects who started oral contraceptives, one was cancelled due to an excessive response, and one subject was not included in the analysis because she did not receive ganirelix until the lead follicle was 18 mm. Median (range) starting FSH dose was 100 (50-225), cumulative rFSH dose was 1000 (675-2175) IU over 10 (9-17) days. Duration of ganirelix acetate treatment was 4.0 (2-5) days. Seven subjects (30.4%) delivered ten babies (three pregnancies were twins). There were no biochemical pregnancies or miscarriages. Of the 16 subjects with measurement of LH on the day of HCG administration, only one was under 0.5 mIU/ml (0.4), and only one was over 10 mIU/ml (17.7), and that subject delivered twins. CONCLUSION: OC pretreatment afforded flexibility in scheduling while a reduced dose of ganirelix avoided excessive suppression of LH. The excellent results in this pilot study for IUI suggest this regimen could be further evaluated for scheduling IUI and IVF cycles. Language: English Keywords: MOZAMBIQUE | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | PILOT PROJECTS | WOMEN | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, COMBINED | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, LOW-DOSE | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | ETHINYL ESTRADIOL | FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE | IN VITRO | TIME FACTORS | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Oral Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Drugs | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Gonadotropins, Pituitary | Gonadotropins | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Population Dynamics Document Number: 329209 |
| 10. Peer Reviewed Title: Analysis of socio-political and health practices influencing sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam. Author: Pham BN; Hall W; Hill PS; Rao C Source: Reproductive Health Matters. 2008 Nov;16(32):176-84. Abstract: Viet Nam has experienced rapid social change over the last decade, with a remarkable decline in fertility to just below replacement level. The combination of fertility decline, son preference, antenatal sex determination using ultrasound and sex selective abortion are key factors driving increased sex ratios at birth in favour of boys in some Asian countries. Whether or not this is taking place in Viet Nam as well is the subject of heightened debate. In this paper, we analyse the nature and determinants of sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam, including a small family size norm, recent reinforcement by the Government of the "one-to-two child" family policy, traditional son preference, easy access to antenatal ultrasound screening and legal abortion, and an increase in the proportion of one-child families. In order to prevent an increased sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam, we argue for the relaxation of the one-to-two child family policy and a return to the policy of "small family size" as determined by families, in tandem with a comprehensive approach to promoting the value of women and girls in society, countering traditional gender roles, and raising public awareness of the negative social consequences of a high sex ratio at birth. Language: English Keywords: VIETNAM | RECOMMENDATIONS | SONS | SEX RATIO | SEX PREFERENCE | ANTINATALIST POLICY | FAMILY SIZE | SEX DETERMINATION | ULTRASONICS | SEX PRESELECTION | ABORTION | LEGISLATION | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning Document Number: 342199 Notification |
11.  Title: Discrimination from conception to childhood: a study of girl children in rural Haryana, India. Author: Agrawal S; Unisa S Source: In: Watering the neighbour's garden: The growing demographic female deficit in Asia, edited by Isabelle Attane and Christophe Z. Guilmoto. Paris, France, Committee for International Cooperation in National Research in Demography [CICRED], 2007. :247-266. "Chapters in this volume originate from papers presented at an international seminar organized by the authors in Singapore on 5-7 December 2005". Abstract: The authors investigated both qualitative and less explored factors that can influence child sex ratio. In this study, the made use of the ecological model of gender discrimination developed by Heise (1998). As a first dimension in gender discrimination study, consideration of the individual perpetrator, i.e., the woman who has witnessed or experienced discrimination, marital violence or child abuse in her childhood. The diversity of synergistic effects that impinge on childhood is often ignored by social scientists. Here, the authors argue that their attention to a mother must start not once she has become a mother, neither when she is just about to become a mother, but when she was an infant and a child, as what happened to her during her own childhood may eventually determine the adequacy of her physical and mental state as a mother. Another dimension of gender discrimination examined in this study relates to marital conflicts, wealth control and decision-making in the family. Most of the time, it is found that women's fertility is culturally produced and controlled by marital arrangement. Hence, the importance of married life in demographic analysis cannot be ignored as women spend a major part of their life in marital union and their behaviour is greatly influenced by its characteristics. Studies on marital instability in some developing countries show that the presence of a son in the family consistently decreases the likelihood of marital instability. In this study, the authors posit that the various spheres of women's autonomy may affect their reproductive behaviour and sex preferences. Education, work participation, and exposure to mass media are some of the means by which women gains status and autonomy. It has often been argued that women's status is an indicator of the level of development of a given society. Women's autonomy is likely to have a significant impact on demographic and health seeking behaviour of couples by altering women's relative control over fertility and contraception as well as influencing their attitudes and abilities. In the above perspective, the present study tries to investigate sex-selective discrimination in terms of active and passive elimination of a girl child through life-cycle approach. The specific purpose of the study is to examine female child neglect leading to death (passive elimination) and selective abortion (active elimination) according to childhood experiences, autonomy status and marital instability of the mothers. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | FOLLOW-UP STUDIES | CENSUS METHODS | KAP SURVEYS | CHILD, FEMALE | RURAL POPULATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX PRESELECTION | SEX DISCRIMINATION | SEX RATIO | DIFFERENTIAL MORTALITY | ABORTION | LIFE CYCLE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Studies | Research Methodology | Census | Population Statistics | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Social Discrimination | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Family Research | Family and Household Document Number: 308903 Notification |
| 12. Title: Sex selection through traditional drugs in rural north India. Author: Bandyopadhyay S; Singh AJ Source: Indian Journal of Community Medicine. 2007 Jan-Mar;32(1):[7] p. Abstract: Repidly declining sex ratio has highlighted a strong son preference among many societies various methods are employed by people to get a son. The objective was to determine the use pattern of sex selection drugs (SSDs) in rural North India. An integrated qualitative and quantitative study was conducted in rural North India. A rapid population and hospital based survey of women in their early reproductive life was done in the study area to enlist the respondents. Few SSD samples were collected and analyzed. SSDs were freely available from grocers, chemist shops and specific people in villages. These contained Shivalingi (Bryonia Laciniosa) and Majuphal (Gtuercus infectoria). SSD use rate was 46% and 30% in community based and hospital based studies respectively. Use rate was significantly higher in women who did not have any son. Of the SSD samples and two individual ingredients analyzed by thin layer chromatography, 3 contained testosterone and one progesterone; one ingredient contained testosterone and the other natural steroids. Use of SSDs seems to be very common in North India. Implication of presence of steroids in SSDs needs further evaluation. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | RURAL POPULATION | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX RATIO | DRUGS | SEX PRESELECTION | INFANTICIDE | ANABOLIC STEROIDS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Crime | Social Problems | Androgens | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology Document Number: 315290 |
| 13. Peer Reviewed Title: Fertility issues: the perceptions and experiences of young men recently diagnosed and treated for cancer. Author: Chapple A; Salinas M; Ziebland S; McPherson A; Macfarlane A Source: Journal of Adolescent Health. 2007 Jan;40(1):69-75. Abstract: The purpose was to explore fertility issues for young men who had been diagnosed and treated for cancer and to examine communication problems surrounding these fertility issues. Narrative interviews were conducted with 21 young men previously treated for cancer in the United Kingdom. Eighteen talked about fertility issues at some length. A qualitative interpretive approach was taken, combining thematic analysis with constant comparison. Communication about sperm storage was sometimes difficult and embarrassing. Young men wanted the opportunity to bank their sperm but decisions were often rushed. Some would have appreciated counseling and were unprepared for the process of sperm banking and criticized facilities. Uncertainty about fertility status caused worries for the future. More still needs to be done to help young men with cancer to address issues of fertility. All adolescents and young men treated for cancer should be offered sperm banking if their fertility may be affected. They should be offered counseling at every stage by professionals who feel comfortable talking about the subject. Interactive, educational CD-ROMs or websites may be useful. Physical facilities for sperm banking should be improved. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED KINGDOM | RESEARCH REPORT | KAP SURVEYS | FERTILITY SURVEYS | MEN | YOUTH | ADOLESCENTS, MALE | PERCEPTION | FERTILITY | CANCER | SPERM BANKS | DECISION MAKING | COUNSELING | STRESS | Europe, Western | Europe | Developed Countries | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Fertility Measurements | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Adolescents | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Neoplasms | Diseases | Artificial Insemination | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 310591 |
| 14. Peer Reviewed Title: Fetal sex-determination in Delhi: A population-based investigation. Author: Chaturvedi S; Chhabra P; Bharadwaj S; Smanla S; Kannan AT Source: Tropical Doctor. 2007 Apr;37(2):98-100. Abstract: A population-based cross-sectional inquiry was carried out in Delhi to assess the practice of fetal sex determination, sex-selective abortions and awareness about the related law. A total of 1514 respondents, selected through multistage cluster sampling from all across Delhi, were interviewed using a pretested, semistructured questionnaire. Legal awareness (73.6%) was significantly better among the male and urban respondents. Only 39 (2.6%) of the respondents had ever gone for fetal sex determination. In 17 (43.6%) of them, it was done in spite of being aware of its unlawfulness, and in 33 (84.6%), the couple had one or more living male children. Frequency of fetal sex determination was comparable for slum and urban areas. Fifty-six additional cases of fetal sex determination, occurring in the neighbourhood of the respondents, were also reported. A total of 28 cases of female feticide were reported. Awareness about the illegality of fetal sex determination has improved, compared with the 1997--1998 data collected from East Delhi (55.3--73.6%). However, this comparison also shows a marginal increase in the practice of fetal sex determination (2.1--2.6%). In all cases of feticide, a qualified doctor was involved. A number of couples abandoned the abortion plan midway, even after detecting that the fetus was female, and there were occasional cases where the doctor refused to abort the female fetus. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | INTERVIEWS | COUPLES | SEX PRESELECTION | AWARENESS | SEX DETERMINATION | LEGISLATION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Data Collection | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Knowledge | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Political Factors Document Number: 316527 |
| 15. Title: Is there a role for hysteroscopic tubal occlusion of functionless hydrosalpinges prior to IVF / ICSI in modern practice? Author: Darwish AM; El Saman AM Source: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2007;86(12):1484-1489. Abstract: The objectives were to determine whether hysteroscopic tubal occlusion will produce the same efficacy as laparoscopic tubal occlusion of functionless hydrosalpinx prior to IVF/ICSI. The design used was a prospective comparative study. The setting for the study was the Endoscopy Unit of the Women's Health Center, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. A pilot safety phase included 10 uteri removed by hysterectomy in perimenopausal women subjected to roller ball coagulation of the peritubal bulge. The study phase included 27 patients with uni- or bilateral functionless hydrosalpinges, who were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A comprised 14 patients who were randomly allocated for laparoscopic occlusion. Group B included 13 patients scheduled for a hysteroscopic approach. Laparoscopic occlusion of the isthmic part of the fallopian tube was carried out using bipolar diathermy in 9 (64%) cases or clips in 3 (21.4%) cases in Group A. Roller ball electrode of the resectoscope was utilised for occlusion of the tubal ostium under local, spinal, or general anesthesia in Group B. Second-look office hysteroscopy was performed in Group B whenever possible. In both groups, hysterosalpingography or sonohysterography was carried out 1 month later to confirm tubal occlusion. The main outcome measures were safety phase aimed at confirming tubal occlusion with minimal harm to adjacent tissues. Confirmed tubal occlusion of the functionless hydrosalpinx. The safety phase resulted in bilateral complete occlusion of the proximal part of the tubes with secondary coagulation < 8 mm, as shown in the histopathologic sections. The suspected main cause of functionless hydrosalpinges was iatrogenic (pelvic surgery) in 9 (64%) and 8 (61.5%) cases in both groups, respectively. The mean number of abdominal scars/patient was 1.4 and 1.5 in both groups, respectively. Unilateral functionless hydrosalpinx was encountered in 7 (50%) and 5 (38%) cases in both groups, respectively. In Group A, the procedure was possible and successful in 10 cases (76.9%), while in Group B, hysteroscopic access and occlusion were achieved in 12 (85.7%) and 9 (64.2%) cases, respectively. In Group B, diagnostic hysteroscopy showed fine marginal adhesions in 2 cases (15%), and a small polyp in 1 case (7.7%). Hysteroscopic tubal occlusion showed shorter operative time (9 +or- 2.8 versus 24 +or- 4.8 min, p = 0.0001) and hospital stay (291.8 versus 5 +or- 1.1 h, p = 0.0001). Second-look office hysteroscopy was performed in 8 cases in Group B and revealed no significant corneal lesions at the site of hysteroscopic occlusion. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of hysteroscopic tubal occlusion of functionless hydrosalpinx in all cases with acceptable efficacy. It has the advantage of adding a valuable evaluation of the endometrial cavity prior to IVF/ICSI. It should be an option for treatment protocol in cases of functionless hydrosalpinges. Further large sample-sized studies are required to test its impact on the implantation rate and clinical outcome. (author's) Language: English Keywords: EGYPT | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | HYSTEROSCOPY | TUBAL OCCLUSION | IN VITRO | EMBRYO TRANSFER | LAPAROSCOPY | TIME FACTORS | Developing Countries | Africa, North | Africa | Studies | Research Methodology | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Endoscopy | Physical Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Female Sterilization | Sterilization, Sexual | Family Planning | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 322683 |
| 16. Title: Considerations of third-party reproduction in Iran. Authors' reply [letter] Author: Isikoglu M; Senol Y; Berkkanoglu M; Ozgur K; Donmez L Source: Human Reproduction. 2007;22:902-903. Abstract: We greatly appreciate the valuable comment by Dr Zahedi on our article entitled 'Public opinion regarding oocyte donation in Turkey: first data from a secular population among the Islamic world'. During the preparation of our manuscript, we consulted with Dr Azimaraghi from Iran and also with Dr Schenker JG from Israel (who has several publications on the issue) regarding the status of third-party reproduction in the Islamic world. We realized that although oocyte donation is practised in Iran, most of the professionals were not fully aware of the details of the regulations. For this reason, the information presented by Dr Zahedi is extremely important. As far as I know, Iran is the only country in the Islamic world where third-party reproductive treatment is allowed. Sperm donation is not permitted in any Islamic country so far. Interestingly, egg donation is permitted in less than one-third of 39 European countries practising assisted reproductive treatment, but sperm donation is allowed in 24 of 39 countries. Because culture is patriarchal based especially in eastern societies including the Persian culture, lineage and genetics is believed to be transmitted via sperm. This common belief in the population probably influences the law-makers to ban sperm donation while permitting oocyte donation. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: TURKEY | CRITIQUE | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | OVUM | ISLAM | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS | EMBRYO TRANSFER | Europe, Southeastern | Europe | Developing Countries | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Germ Cells | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology | Religion | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Human Rights | Political Factors Document Number: 312207 |
| 17. Title: Factors influencing the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques and sex ratio at birth in India. Author: Mari Bhat PN; Zavier AJ Source: In: Watering the neighbour's garden: The growing demographic female deficit in Asia, edited by Isabelle Attane and Christophe Z. Guilmoto. Paris, France, Committee for International Cooperation in National Research in Demography [CICRED], 2007. :131-160. "Chapters in this volume originate from papers presented at an international seminar organized by the authors in Singapore on 5-7 December 2005". Abstract: The Indian subcontinent is one of the few regions in the world where there are more males than females in the population. Before the landmark study of Pravin Visaria on the sex ratio of India's population, several hypotheses were in circulation to account for this unusual occurrence. The latest census in 2001 has recorded a significant increase in the sex ratio of children age 0-6 while registering a decline in the overall male-female ratio from the previous census in 1991. Many attribute the increase in the child sex ratio to a possible rise in the sex ratio at birth (SRB) owing to the increasing incidence of female foeticide in regions where son preference remains strong. But it has also been pointed out that there could be other factors at work such as changing pattern of age misstatements by sex, and increase in the SRB because of improvements in health status and midwifery practices and from the decline in the proportion of higher-order births. The data from India's National Family Health Surveys provide an opportunity to analyze the effect of a larger set of factors from a fairly sizeable sample of births using multivariate techniques. Also, as the second round of the survey (NFHS-2) had collected data on the use of ultrasound and amniocentesis during pregnancies of live births born during the threeyear period preceding the survey, they additionally made it possible to analyze how socioeconomic and demographic factors affect the SRB through the 'misuse' such techniques. Although some attempts have already been made to analyze this data set for this purpose, its potential is yet to be fully exploited. An attempt in this direction is made in this chapter. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS | HEALTH SURVEYS | INFANT | CHILD, FEMALE | SEX RATIO | SEX DETERMINATION | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX PRESELECTION | HUMAN GEOGRAPHY | CENSUS | RELIGION | CULTURE | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Health | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Child | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Geography | Social Sciences | Science | Sociocultural Factors | Population Statistics | Economic Factors Document Number: 308898 |
| 18. Title: [Investigation and assisted reproduction in the treatment of male infertility] Investigacao e reproducao assistida no tratamento da infertilidade masculina. Author: Pasqualotto FF Source: Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetricia. 2007 Feb;29(2):103-112. Abstract: Male infertility affects 10% of couples in the reproductive age worldwide and is treatable in many cases. In addition to other well-described etiologies, genetic causes of male infertility are now more commonly diagnosed. In men with prior vasectomy or varicocele, microsurgical reconstruction of the reproductive tract or varicocelectomy is more cost-effective than sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection if no female fertility risk factors are present. If epididymal obstruction after vasectomy is detected or advanced female age is present, the decision to use either microsurgical reconstruction or sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection should be individualized. Sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is preferred to surgical treatment when female factors requiring in vitro fertilization are present or when the chance for success with sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection exceeds the chance for success with surgical treatment. Language: Portuguese Keywords: LITERATURE REVIEW | CLINICAL RESEARCH | MEN | INFERTILITY | TREATMENT | REVERSIBLE STERILIZATION | CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES | IN VITRO | FERTILIZATION | VASECTOMY | COST EFFECTIVENESS | COMPLICATIONS | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproduction | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Sterilization, Sexual | Family Planning | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Diseases | Male Sterilization | Evaluation Indexes | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Reproductive Technologies Document Number: 324623 |
| 19. Peer Reviewed Title: Maximum number of live births per donor in artificial insemination. Author: Wang C; Tsai MY; Lee MH; Huang SY; Kao CH Source: Human Reproduction. 2007 May;22(5):1363-1372. Abstract: The maximal number of live births (k) per donor was usually determined by cultural and social perspective. It was rarely decided on the basis of scientific evidence or discussed from mathematical or probabilistic viewpoint. To recommend a value for k, we propose three criteria to evaluate its impact on consanguinity and disease incidence due to artificial insemination by donor (AID). The first approach considers the optimization of k under the criterion of fixed tolerable number of consanguineous mating due to AID. The second approach optimizes k under fixed allowable average coefficient of inbreeding. This approach is particularly helpful when assessing the impact on the public, is of interest. The third criterion considers specific inheritance diseases. This approach is useful when evaluating the individual's risk of genetic diseases. When different diseases are considered, this criterion can be easily adopted. All these derivations are based on the assumption of shortage of gamete donors due togreat demand and insufficient supply. Our results indicate that strong degree of assortative mating, small population size and insufficient supply in gamete donors will lead to greater risk of consanguinity. Recommendations under other settings are also tabulated for reference. A web site for calculating the limit for live births per donor is available. (author's) Language: English Keywords: TAIWAN | RESEARCH REPORT | SPERM DONOR | CHILD | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | INCIDENCE | HEREDITARY DISEASES | CONSANGUINITY | PREVALENCE | POPULATION SIZE | FERTILITY RATE | Developed Countries | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Research Methodology | Diseases | Genetics | Biology | Population Dynamics | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility Document Number: 315511 |
| 20. Title: Impact of intrauterine insemination as first line treatment of subfertility. Author: Zafar M; Jameel T; Abdullah KN Source: Journal of Pakistan Medical Association. 2007 Mar;57(3):133-136. Abstract: The objective was to determine the success rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in couples presenting with subfertility following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) by the use of cost effective intrauterine catheter (insertion tube). An experimental study was conducted at the Obstetric and Gynaecology Departments of Combined Military Hospital Kharian and PNS SHIFA Karachi in collaboration with the Department of Pathology from June 2002 to March 2005. A total of 89 couples were studied, out of which 28 couples presented with abnormal finding in the seminal fluid of husband whereas in 61 couples no identifiable cause could be detected. The mean age of women was 29 years and the duration of infertility was variable. All women had tubal patency confirmed before undergoing COH. IUI was performed at follicular maturity of 18-22 mm. Main outcome measures analyzed were pregnancy rate per cycle of IUI, miscarriage rate and ongoing pregnancy rate. Prognostic factors associated with successful outcome in IUI, such as maternal age and motile sperm count was also observed. For cost effective measures, we used the sterilized disposable insertion tube of the 'Copper-T 380 A' device for insemination of reated sperms into the uterine cavity. Chi-square test was applied to assess the effectiveness of IUI in relation with these variables. A total of 205 insemination cycles were performed resulting in achievement of pregnancy in 31 patients. Miscarriage occurred in 3 patients. Out of these 31 women who conceived, 21 (67.7%, p=0.003) were aged < 35 years with higher pregnancy rate per cycle (21/90 = 23.3%). Intrauterine insemination may be regarded as valuable procedure for couples presenting at younger age with lesser duration of infertility and unexplained subfertility. (author's) Language: English Keywords: PAKISTAN | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | COST EFFECTIVENESS | PREGNANCY RATE | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Evaluation Indexes | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 317906 |
| 21. Title: Considerations of third-party reproduction in Iran [letter] Author: Zahedi F; Larijani B Source: Human Reproduction. 2007 Mar;22(3):902. Abstract: We have read the article written by Isikoglu et al. published in January 2006 issue of this journal with interest. We would like to mention some points about the situation of gamete donation in Iran that authors have also pointed out in the discussion. Based on the decree (Fatwa) by the spiritual leader of Iran, donor technologies are permitted and could be effectively used. According to this Fatwa, oocyte donation is not in and by itself forbidden, and also, it is not prohibited to fertilize a woman's oocyte with a sperm donor in and by itself, but the opposite gender should avoid touching or seeing the woman or man. Owing to this Fatwa, 'the Act of Embryo Donation to Infertile Couples' was ratified by the parliament in 2003. Nevertheless, it needs to be remembered that although the consensus of physicians and religious leaders has paved the way for progress of third-party-assisted reproduction in Iran, there are numerous ethical, legal, psychological and socio-cultural issues that could have important influences on application of these technologies in practice. The issues of new forms of kinship, the importance of safeguarding lineage, welfare of the resulting child and inheritance would be challenging concerns. Some aspects of the issue were discussed at the Conference of Gamete and Embryo Donation in Infertility Treatment. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: IRAN | TURKEY | CRITIQUE | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | OVUM | ISLAM | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | LEGISLATION | REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS | INTERNET | EMBRYO TRANSFER | Middle East | Developing Countries | Europe, Southeastern | Europe | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Germ Cells | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology | Religion | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Political Factors | Human Rights | Information Networks | Communication Document Number: 312206 |
| 22. Peer Reviewed Title: Predictive value of the hemizona assay for pregnancy outcome in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with intrauterine insemination. Author: Arslan M; Morshedi M; Arslan EO; Taylor S; Kanik A Source: Fertility and Sterility. 2006 Jun;85(6):1697-1707. Abstract: Objective: The hemizona assay (HZA) is an established functional test that examines in vitro sperm--zona pellucida binding capacity with high predictive power for fertilization outcome in IVF. The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of the HZA as a predictor of pregnancy in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: Academic center. Patient(s): Eighty-two couples with unexplained or male factor infertility that underwent 313 IUI cycles. Intervention(s): Basic semen analysis and HZA were performed within three months of starting COH/IUI therapy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Hemizona index (HZI) and clinical pregnancy. Result(s): Overall, patients with an HZI of <30 had a significantly lower pregnancy rate compared to patients with an HZI of =30 (11.1% vs. 40.6%, respectively; P<.05; relative risk for failure to conceive: 1.5 (confidence interval 1.2--1.9)). In all patients combined, and in the range of HZI 0--60, the duration of infertility (P=.000) and the HZI (P=.004) were significant determinants of conception (receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis). In couples with male infertility, the average path velocity and HZI were significant predictors of conception (P=.001 and P=.005, respectively, ROC analysis). The negative and positive predictive values of the HZA for pregnancy were 93% and 69%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis provided models of HZI (P=.021) and duration of infertility (P=.037) with highest predictability of conception in male factor and unexplained infertility groups, respectively. Conclusion(s): The HZA predicted pregnancy in the IUI setting with high sensitivity and negative predictive value in couples with male infertility. Results of this sperm function test are useful in counseling couples before allocating them into COH/IUI therapy. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | COUPLES | INFERTILITY | OVARY | DRUGS | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | IN VITRO | FERTILIZATION | PREGNANCY RATE | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproduction | Genitalia, Female | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproductive Technologies | Clinical Research | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 303382 |
| 23. Title: Attitudes to and practices regarding sex selection in China. Author: Chan CL; Blyth E; Chan CH Source: Prenatal Diagnosis. 2006 Jul;26(7):610-613. Abstract: This paper explores the problem of China's 'missing' girls--estimated to run into many millions. It considers the impact of the underpinning Confucian value system in China that has produced a culture of son preference and which, together with China's compulsory family planning program and 'one child policy', has effectively established a 'one son policy'. Discussion of the various means by which the birth or survival of daughters have traditionally been prevented provides the context for identifying the contribution of new sex selection procedures to the maintenance of son preference in contemporary Chinese society. The paper concludes that China's son preference is not simply a personal problem for the millions of 'missing girls' who were destined to live a shorter life and for the surviving girls who continue to face considerable discrimination simply because they are of the 'wrong' sex; it heralds a social and demographic disaster of major proportions for which neither the government nor the people of China appear to have the will or the means to forestall. (author's) Language: English Keywords: CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | SEX PRESELECTION | ATTITUDES | SONS | SEX RATIO | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 306516 |
| 24. Title: Role of latent genital tuberculosis in repeated IVF failure in the Indian clinical setting. Author: Dam P; Shirazee HH; Goswami SK; Ghosh S; Ganesh A Source: Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 2006;61(4):223-227. Abstract: Genital tuberculosis is reported to be a major pelvic factor causing infertility in Indian women and often exists without any apparent signs and symptoms. The role of latent tuberculosis in repeated IVF failure in unexplained infertility is examined. 81 women with unexplained infertility having repeated IVF failure tested for Mycobacterium tuberculosis using PCR, ZN staining and BACTEC-460 culture were selected. Fresh IVF-ET or frozen embryo transfer (FET) was attempted on patients successfully treated with anti-tubercular drugs (ATD). ATD-treated fresh cycles (group A1) and frozen cycles (group B1) were compared to previously failed fresh cycles (group A2) and FET attempts (group B2), respectively. Main outcome measures were gonadotropin required, terminal E2, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, embryo quality, endometrial thickness and sub-endometrial blood flow (V/max). Gonadotropin required in group A1 was significantly less as compared to group A2. Number of oocytes retrieved and grade I embryos, endometrial thickness and V/max were significantly higher in group A1. Endometrial thickness and V/max were significantly increased in group B1 as compared to B2. The study indicates that latent tuberculosis should be considered in young Indian patients presenting with unexplained infertility with apparently normal pelvic and non-endometrial tubal factors and repeated IVF failure. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | TUBERCULOSIS, FEMALE GENITAL | INFERTILITY | IN VITRO | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | EMBRYO TRANSFER | ANTIBIOTICS | GONADOTROPINS | PREGNANCY RATE | ENDOMETRIAL EFFECTS | TUBAL EFFECTS | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Tuberculosis | Infections | Diseases | Reproduction | Reproductive Technologies | Drugs | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Endometrium | Uterus | Genitalia, Female | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Fallopian Tubes Document Number: 302367 |
| 25. Peer Reviewed Title: Can we reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancy following ART? Author: Dastidar SG Source: Journal of the Indian Medical Association. 2006 Aug;:[2] p.. Abstract: Since the birth of Louise Brown in England using IVF technology, the procedure has been readily introduced to clinical infertility management programme throughout the world. The implantation rates of human embryo remaining relatively low, there has been a practice of replacing multiple embryos in order to increase the clinical pregnancy rate following IVF or ICSI. Consequently the fertility centres are confronted with an unacceptable level of high order multiple pregnancy. Though modern perinatal and neonatal care have improved the outcome of multiple gestations, a large share of adverse pregnancy related complications like antepartum haemorrhage, pre-eclamptic toxaemia, anaemia and polyhydramnios are associated features. Preterm and low birth weight babies, common in multiple pregnancy, are associated with incidence of handicapped children. The probability of severe handicap has been calculated to five times greater in twins than singletons, ten times in triplets and fifteen times in quadruplets. To overcome this problem, some countries have mandated the number of embryos that can be replaced, in some instances limiting this number to two in certain age groups. Such a policy of reducing the number of embryos to two, have reduced the incidence of multiple pregnancies, but simultaneously reducing pregnancy rate also. Thus, we require a reliable way of selecting embryos which have the highest potential for implantation. Such selection procedure would reduce the number of embryos needed, without compromising the final outcome. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RECOMMENDATIONS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | EVALUATION INDEXES | PREGNANT WOMEN | MULTIPLE BIRTH | EMBRYO TRANSFER | PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS | PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT | HEALTH STATUS INDEXES | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproduction | Reproductive Technologies | Diseases | Management | Organization and Administration | Health Document Number: 307930 |
| 26. Peer Reviewed Title: Skewed sex ratio of births in India may be the result of sex-selective abortion. Author: Doskoch P Source: International Family Planning Perspectives. 2006 Jun;32(2):[2] p.. Abstract: Although determining the sex of a fetus--and terminating the pregnancy based on the test results--is illegal in India, about half a million female fetuses in the country are aborted each year because of a cultural preference for sons, according to estimates from a national survey. As a result, in 1997, only 899 girls were born in India for every 1,000 boys, and the sex ratio was even more skewed among families who had had only girls. Moreover, the proportion of births that were female was particularly low among educated women, who may be best able to afford ultrasound to identify the sex of their fetus. The findings come from an analysis of data from the Special Fertility and Mortality Survey, a 1998 survey in which the Indian government asked a nationally representative sample of ever-married women about their fertility history. Respondents also provided demographic information. The survey did not ask about respondents' use of prenatal sex determination or whether they preferred children of a particular sex. The current analysis focused on 133,738 births that occurred in 1997, including 71,666 boys and 62,072 girls. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | SUMMARY REPORT | FERTILITY SURVEYS | DAUGHTERS | SEX PRESELECTION | CRIME | SEX RATIO | ABORTION | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | AGE FACTORS | INFANTICIDE | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Social Problems | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors Document Number: 309805 Notification |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: A boy or a girl? A Hungarian survey regarding gender selection. Author: Fejes I; Szollosi J; Zavaczki Z; Koloszar S; Pal A Source: Acta Obstetrica et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2006 Jul;85(8):993-996. Abstract: Infertile Hungarian couples were surveyed with regard to their opinion of preconception gender selection by the separation of X- and Y-bearing sperm populations. Self-completion of a questionnaire. Group 1: subjects presenting for infertility examination; Group 2: presenting for homologous intrauterine insemination. As concerns the gender of the firstborn, 13.8% of those in Group 1 preferred a boy and 10.3% a girl, while 75.9% had no preference. The male preference was higher in Group 2: 33.3% preferred a boy and 7.4% a girl while 59.3% had no preference (x/2, p < 0.05). In the event of a wish for more offspring, 91% in Group 1 and 94% in Group 2 did not have a wish for only one particular gender. In Group 2, 30.8% were willing to pay the extra costs for a gender selection procedure as compared with only 10.8% of the couples in Group 1 (x/2, p < 0.05). If the National Health Fund fully covered the costs, 53.4% in Group 1 and 38.5% in Group 2 would request the procedure for nonmedical reasons, while 94.6% and 97.4% of them, respectively would so for medical reasons. Our findings revealed a trend to preference for firstborn males, although couples wishing more than one offspring prefer equal numbers of male and female children. The utilization of preconception gender selection, therefore, would not seem to appreciably affect the natural male/female ratio. Genetic indications exert significant effects on the decision regarding sex selection procedures. (author's) Language: English Keywords: HUNGARY | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | COUPLES | INFERTILITY | ATTITUDES | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX PRESELECTION | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | SEX RATIO | Europe, Central | Europe | Developing Countries | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproduction | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Value Orientation | Reproductive Technologies | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 303617 |
| 28. Title: Millions of missing girls: from fetal sexing to high technology sex selection in India. Author: George SM Source: Prenatal Diagnosis. 2006 Jul;26(7):604-609. Abstract: The morality and acceptability of using prenatal diagnosis for sex selection is being extensively debated around the world as advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and embryology have enabled selective implantation of embryos of the desired sex. Sophisticated methods of separation of semen, originally developed for cattle breeding, are being used for human sex selection. Recently, non-invasive methods of fetal sex determination in the first trimester (from 6 weeks) of pregnancy have also emerged. Market forces that promote sex selection along with libertarian ideologues have assisted in blurring the ethical limits. The widespread misuse of sex selection for eliminating girls before birth in India and among the Indian diaspora needs to be brought into the global 'intellectual discourse'. It is imperative that Western ethicists recognize the genocidal nature of sex selection taking place in certain Asian countries. Even if they believe that these trends will not affect mainstream Western societies, the promotion or tolerance of sex selection amounts to a 'crime of silence' against this ongoing genocide in China and India. I have been concerned with issues of the girl child in India for over two decades and sex selection among Asian Indians in North America. This article examines the missing millions of girls, but will not consider the 1980s campaign against fetal sex determination, Indian feminists' recognition of sex selection as violence against women (unlike several Western feminists, Moazam, 2004), or the Government's response to regulate prenatal diagnostic techniques in 1994. (author's) Language: English Keywords: INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | DAUGHTERS | SEX PRESELECTION | SEX RATIO | SEX DETERMINATION | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | SEX DISCRIMINATION | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Social Discrimination | Social Problems Document Number: 306517 |
| 29. Title: Intrauterine insemination versus timed intercourse for cervical hostility in subfertile couples. Author: Helmerhorst FM; van Vliet HA; Gornas T; Finken MJ; Grimes DA Source: Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey. 2006 Jun;61(6):402-414. Abstract: The postcoital test has poor diagnostic and prognostic characteristics. Nevertheless, some physicians believe it can identify scanty or abnormal mucus that might impair fertility. One way to avoid "hostile" cervical mucus is intrauterine insemination. With this technique, the physician injects sperm directly into the uterine cavity through a small catheter passed through the cervix; the theory is to bypass the "hostile" cervical mucus. Although most gynecologic societies do not endorse use of intrauterine insemination for hostile cervical mucus, some physicians consider it an effective treatment for women with infertility through the result of cervical mucus problems. The aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of intrauterine insemination with or without ovarian stimulation in women with cervical hostility who failed to conceive. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2005, MEDLINE (1966 to June 2005), EMBASE (1980 to June 2005), POPLINE (to June 2005), and LILACS (to June 2005). In addition, we contacted experts and searched the reference list of relevant articles and book chapters. We included randomized and quasirandomized, controlled trials comparing intrauterine insemination with intercourse timed at the presumed fertile period. Participants were women with cervical hostility who failed to conceive for at least 1 year. We assessed the titles and abstracts of 386 publications and 2 reviewers independently abstracted data on methods and results from 5 studies identified for inclusion. The main outcome is pregnancy rate per couple. We did not pool the outcomes of the included 5 studies in a meta-analysis resulting from the methodological quality of the trials and variations in the patient characteristics and interventions. Narrative summaries of the outcomes are provided. Each study was too small for a clinically relevant conclusion. None of the studies provided information on important outcomes such as spontaneous abortion, multiple pregnancies, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. There is no evidence from the published studies that intrauterine insemination is an effective treatment for cervical hostility. Given the poor diagnostic and prognostic properties of the postcoital test and the observation that the test has no benefit on pregnancy rates, intrauterine insemination (with or without ovarian stimulation) is unlikely to be a useful treatment for putative problems identified by postcoital testing. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | LITERATURE REVIEW | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | STUDY DESIGN | WOMEN | COUPLES | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | CERVICAL MUCUS METHOD | INFERTILITY | PREGNANCY RATE | PREGNANCY OUTCOMES | GONADOTROPINS | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Natural Family Planning | Family Planning, Behavioral Methods | Family Planning | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Pregnancy | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology Docum |