'Natural' methods of family planning

'Natural' methods of family planning

Abstract: There are currently signs that more women are considering the natural family planning methods as an alternative to medical contraception. In response to this revival of interest, the World Health Organization is now conducting field work on 'natural' family planning methods in New Zealand, the Philippines, India, California, and Columbia and is also preparing a teaching package to be pilot tested in several countries. The natural methods of family planning are all based on the woman correctly ascertaining the pattern of her natural menstrual cycle and abstaining from sexual intercourse during the fertile time. In most women this means that there are 2 "safe periods" - at the beginning of the 28-day cycle until a few days before ovulation and at the end of the cycle from 3 or 4 days after ovulation has occurred. Originally, the "safe period" was taught by the calendar method, which involved a woman carefully plotting her menstrual cycle over a period of six months to a year and making calculations as to the shortest possible and longest possible cycle length, and thus the likely time of ovulation. A more accurate measure is to actually find out the point of ovulation by measuring basal body temperature. With this method the woman must take her temperature every morning immediately upon waking, before rising, smoking, eating or drinking. The Billings' ovulation method is the method now becoming increasingly popular. The method involves noticing the natural changes in the body over the whole menstrual cycle, particularly the quantity and quality of the cervical mucous. 1 new aid for pinpointing the exact time of ovulation is the Ovutime Fertility Detection System developed at Harvard University Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the long-term, the rhythm method is unlikely to prove the answer to the problem of fertility regulation for the modern woman.


Quality of cervical mucus and Huhner's test


The effect of the urinary bladder in obstetrical sonography

Abstract: Observations of random obstetrical cases out of a large-volume practice are presented to demonstrate the often overlooked effects of filling the urinary bladder for obstetrical sonography. The effects, predominantly evident in the second trimester, include: perssure effects on the lower uterine segment, displacement of the cervix and/or corpus of the uterus, rotation, flexion, version, and tilting of the uterus. These events may affect the perception of placenta location and fetal position. This is especially important in the diagnosis of placenta previa in the second trimester. Many instances of placental "migration" may be due to this phenomenon. Implications for amniocentesis are briefly discussed.


Modification of vascular responsiveness to angiotensin II in pregnant women by intravenously infused 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone

R B Everett

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Abstract: In gravid women who are destined to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), normal pregnancy-associated refractoriness to the pressor effects of administered angiotensin II (A-II) is lost several weeks before the onset of hypertension. From a study of the determinants of A-II pressor responsiveness in normal gravid women, it appears likely that the loss of resistance to A-II is principally unrelated to plasma renin activity or to plasma A-II levels. However, it recently has been shown that the vascular refractoriness to A-II in normal women can be reduced significantly by the administration of the prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, indomethacin or aspirin. In seven women who had developed PIH and who had lost their refractoriness to A-II, the infusion of 5alpha-pregnan-3,20-dione (5alpha-DHP) was associated with restoration of refractoriness to the pressor effects of A-II. Moreover, in five normotensive gravid women beyond 28 weeks' gestation in whom the refractoriness to A-II was reduced by the administration of indomethacin, the intravenous infusion of 5alpha-DPH was associated with restoration of refractoriness to the pressor effects of A-II. These observations are consistent with the view that a progesterone metabolite(s) may be important in the maintenance of normal blood pressure during human pregnancy.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology


Estriol in the management of the menopause

Abstract: Estriol was administered for a six-month period as estrogen replacement therapy to 52 symptomatic postmenopausal women. Assays of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrone, and estradiol were performed before and during therapy. During this period of administration, vaginal cytology, cervical mucus, and endometrial studies were performed. Clinical effectiveness was directly related to dosage (2 to 8 mg/day). Estriol (8 mg/day) failed to induce endometrial proliferation and proved a poor suppressor of FSH and LH. This agent's capacity to relieve vasomotor instability and improve vaginal maturation without notable side effects is sufficient reason to include this drug in the management of the postmenopausal syndrome.


17 beta-Estradiol and progesterone concentrations in myometrium of pregnancy and their relationships to concentrations in peripheral plasma

Abstract: 17 beta-Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) concentrations in blood and in the myometrium of human pregnancy at term (n=33) and in a few samples (n=5) around midterm of pregnancy were determined. E2 concentration in the myometrium (per g wet wt) at midterm was lower than the concentration in the plasma (per ml) so that the myometrium to plasma (My:Pl) ratio was 0.7. Relative to plasma concentration, the myometrial E2 increased little from midterm to term so that My:Pl was only 0.2 at term. Although P concentration in the myometrium was much greater than that in the plasma at midterm, My:Pl ratio being 2.2, it was lower than that in plasma at term so that My:Pl ratio was only 0.6. A fairly good correlation between plasma steroids and the myometrial steroids was observed at midterm but was distorted at term, probably due to saturation of the tissue-binding capacity. Steroid concentrations determined on the basis of protein showed a good correlation to the values expressed on the basis of wet weight. Whereas myometrial E2 concentration was significantly influenced by the distance from placenta, P concentration was not.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism


The estrogenic arousal of aggressive behavior in female mice

R Gandelman

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey


A comparison of plasma levels of progesterone, oestradiol, unconjugated oestriol and total oestriol with urinary total oestrogen levels in clinical obstetric practice

Abstract: Summary: Plasma levels of progesterone (P), oestradiol (OE2), unconjugated oestriol (OE3) and total OE3 were measured in blood samples taken from patients with fetal growth retardation, pre-eclampsia and other complications of pregnancy. The levels were compared with the 24-hour urinary excretion levels of total oestrogen (OE) in these patients, and with the plasma levels found in 31 normal pregnant patients from whom blood samples were taken serially from 21 weeks gestation onwards. There was good correlation between plasma unconjugated and total OE, levels, and urinary OE levels (r = 0.77). In 12 patients with fetal growth retardation and no other abnormality, levels of all hormones were significantly lower than normal; unconjugated OE3, total OE3, and urinary OE levels were significantly less than 1 SD below the normal mean. In 22 patients with mild or moderate pre-eclampsia who were delivered of normal birth weight infants none of the hormone levels were significantly different from normal. In 12 patients with mild or moderate pre-eclampsia in association with fetal growth retardation OE2, unconjugated OE3 and urinary OE levels were significantly lower than normal, and total OE3 levels were significantly less than 1 SD below the normal mean. In 12 patients with severe pre-eclampsia, OE2, levels were significantly less than 1 SD below the normal mean and unconjugated OE3, total OE3, and urinary OE levels were significantly less than 2 SD below the normal mean. In studies of diurnal and day-to-day variation the coefficients of variation for P were respectively 12.7 per cent and 14.2 per cent, for OE2, 11 per cent and 12.7 per cent, for unconjugated OE3, 15.6 per cent and 14.1 per cent, and for total OE3, 15 per cent and 15.8 per cent. It was concluded that measurements of plasma total OE, and urinary OE were probably of comparable value and that the plasma estimation had much to commend it.

British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology


Salpingostomy by microsurgery

Salpingostomy by microsurgery

Abstract: Salpingostomy for hydrosalpinx was carried out using a microsurgical technique. The postoperative patency rate was over 90%. Among the 41 patients followed for more than 1 year, 29% have had one or more intrauterine pregnancies and 27% have had live births. The ectopic gestation rate was 12%. All of the tubal gestations occurred in the 1st postoperative year whereas 60% of the intrauterine pregnancies occurred after the 1st year, suggesting a degree of restoration in the mucosa and the musculature of the oviduct with the re-establishment of patency and the passage of time.


On the sites of the negative and positive feedback actions of estradiol in the control of gonadotropin secretion in the rhesus monkey

E J Keogh

Department of Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261

E Knobil

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Abstract: Ovariectomized rhesus monkeys bearing hypothalamic lesions which had abolished endogenous LHRH production, as evidenced by a profound reduction in gonadotropin secretion, but in which LH and FSH secretion was reestablished by a chronic intermittent iv infusion of synthetic LHRH (1 microgram/min for 6 min every hour) were used to investigate the sites of the negative and positive feedback actions of estradiol in the control of gonadotropin secretion. The administration of estradiol to such animals, while continuing the LHRH replacement regimen, resulted in a decline in circulating LH and FSH levels, followed by an unambiguous discharge of these hormones. The time course of this biphasic pattern of gonadotropin secretion was remarkably similar to that observed in response to estradiol administration in otherwise intact ovariectomized animals. These results suggest that, in the rhesus monkey, estradiol can exert both its negative and positive feedback actions on gonadotropin secretion at the level of the pituitary gland.


Luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome: a subtle cause of infertility

Abstract: A clinical description of luteinized unruptured follicles is presented. This abnormality in ovulation is characterized by normal endocrinologic presumptive signs of ovulation: biphasic basal body temperature curves, secretory endometrium, and laboratory evidence of progesterone production by elevated urinary pregnanediol or plasma progesterone levels. In a group of 102 such infertile women, laparoscopy performed 3 to 5 days after apparent ovulation revealed the absence of a corpus hemorrhagicum in 30 women, and the absence of a sigma on a corpus hemorrhagicum in an additional 32 women. These findings were evidence that a follicle had not ruptured and an ovum had not escaped. Of 28 patients undergoing follicular stimulation with clomiphene citrate or human menopausal gonadotropin after this diagnosis, 15 conceived.


Natural family planning. New drug-free, device-free birth-control methods  everybody's talking about

Abstract: The new methods of natural family planning, i.e., the cervical mucus and symptothermal methods, provide couples with a form of birth control which is medically safe, totally and immediately reversible, and highly effective for stronly motivated couples. Furthermore, these methods cost nothing, have no side effects, and are completely drug and device-free. These methods are totally distinct from the traditional rhythm method which requires a woman to make daily quesses about her fertility status on the basis of her previously observed menstrual cycle patterns. In contrast, the new methods allow a woman to identify with certainty her current fertility status. These innovative methods are based on recent research which indicates that women are naturally safeguarded from pregnancy during 60-70% of their reproductive lives. Women can easily be taught to recognize physical symptoms which identify the naturally fertile and infertile perods of each cycle, i.e., 1) changes in the appearance and texture of cervical mucus, and 2) changes in basal body temperature. During the fertile periods, the cervical mucus is thin, slippery, stretchy, and clear. In this state the mucus helps the sperm cells travel up through the cervix and also provides an environment that keeps sperm cells viable for up to 5 days. During infertile periods, the cervical mucus is thick and gummy and acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from traveling through the cervix. During the fertile period the vaginal opening has a sensation of wetness and slipperiness, but during the infertile period, the vaginal opening has a sensation of dryness. Changes in basal body temperature can be used to identify the 2-week, naturally infertile, postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. Immediately after ovulation, a woman's temperature rises by .3-.4 of a degree. A temperature rise, sustained for 3 days, indicates that ovulation has occurred and that the egg is no longer viable. Women may use either or a combination of these symptoms to identify their fertile and infertile days. These methods require couples to abstain from intercourse during the fertile period which generally lasts for 7-12 days. The use of creams, jellies, and other chemicals during the fertile period to avoid the need to abstain is not recommended because these substances may mask changes in cervical mucus. According to a 2-year Canadian study couples who used these methods for spacing purposes only had a failure rate of 14.9 pregnancies/100 woman years; however, couples who definitely wanted no moe children, had a failure rate of only 1.1 pregnancies/100 woman years. Apparently, the strength of the motivation to prevent pregnancy accounted for the marked differences in the failure rates of these 2 groups.


Husband-wife agreement about reproductive goals

Abstract: Data from Malaysia on the reproductive goals of husbands and wives are analyzed to determine level of agreement, using new scale measures on preferences for number and sex of children as well as the conventional measure of desired number of children. The level of agreement between husband and wife varies considerably depending on the focus of analysis and the measure of agreement used. Overall aggregate agreement of men and women is high but lower for subgroups of the population, particularly among various ethnic groups. For marital partners, the agreement is much lower, especially on sex preferences. The level observed depends on whether the measure is identity of responses or an index of homogeneity which allows for couple concordance based on chance or common socialization factors. The views about the reproductive goals of one marital partner cannot with confidence be assumed to represent the views of the other.


Indispensability of the human corpus luteum in the maintenance of early pregnancy. Luteectomy evidence

Abstract: Following Fraenkel's discovery, demonstrating that the rabbit corpora lutea are indispensable in pregnancy maintenance, Corner and Allen showed (1) in a series of now classic studies that luteectomy predictably terminates pregnancy, except when progesterone is provided as substitution therapy. Despite the clarity of these demonstrations and the accumulation of complementary data over 40 years (2, 3, 4), many investigators held the view that the studies in the rabbit model failed to establish a basic biological law of broad …


Estriol, the forgotten estrogen?

Estriol, the forgotten estrogen?


The effect of ovarian wedge resection and incision on circulating gonadotropin in patients with polycystic ovarian disease

Abstract: Wedge resection (WR) was performed in 12 women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), and Incision was done in 4 PCOD patients without any resection of ovarian tissue. Serum LH, FSH, estradiol-17beta (E2), progesterone, and urinary 17 ketosteroid (17KS) were measured serially before and after surgery. Neither WR nor Incision had any effect on FSH levels. Serum LH levels which had been hypergonadotropic preoperatively, became markedly lower 7--14 days after surgery in 12 wedge-resected and 2 incised patients. Within 7 days after WR there was a significant fall of E2 and a decrease of 17KS. In addition to those hormonal changes observed after WR, BBT charts turned out to be diphasic after the oral administration of dydrogesterone (Duphaston) in 12 out of 17 PCOD patients. The present data suggest that the reduction of the serum LH, induced by an interaction between the ovarian steroidogenesis and the suprapituitary mechanisms, might be involved in the occurrence of ovulation after WR in PCOD patients.


Hormone levels following wedge resection in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract: A study of serum estradiol, progesterone, 17alpha-hydroxy-progesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), delta4-androstenedione (delta4-A), FSH, and LH was carried out in one of three sisters having polycystic ovarian disease for a period of 18 days before wedge resection, at the time of surgery, and for 24 days following wedge resection. The mean levels of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, DHA, delta4-A, and LH were remarkably elevated prior to wedge resection. There was considerable day-to-day variation. Serum LH varied from 12.5 to 70.5 mIU/ml with a mean of 41.03 +/- 3.55 mIU/ml. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were generally higher than those found in the early follicular phage. Wedge resection resulted in a fall in serum estradiol, progesterone, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, DHA, and delta4-A. Ovarian secretion of the last four steroids was confirmed by a study of the ovarian vein blood obtained at the time of surgery. An estradiol peak occurred on the 14th post wedge resection day with smaller increases in 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, DHA and delta4-A. An increase in serum LH occurred on the 15th post wedge resection day with a peak on Day 16 accompanied by increases in FSH and progesterone. The postovulatory rise of progesterone was accompanied by reduction of serum LH levels to those generally found in the early part of the menstrual cycle. Various hypotheses for the ovulatory failure are discussed.


Cervical factors

Cervical factors

Abstract: The cervical canal mucus is important to human fertility since conception can only occur if sperm pass through the contents of the cervical canal to reach the ovum. The biophysical properties of the cervical mucus and their relation to sperm migration are, therefore, curcial. A variety of laboratory experimentation methods have been used in studies of cervical mucus: 1) sperm migration measurements; 2) reheological studies; 3) cell countings; 4) crystallization studies; 5) Nmr: 6) EPR; and 7) photoelectron spectroscopy. Cervical mucus is the end result of complicated biosynthetic processes occurring in the epithelial cells of the cervical mucosa; this biosynthesis is regulated by many factors. Type E, characteristic for estrogenic stimuli on mucus biosynthesis, and type G, for gestagenic stimulation, are the 2 main types of cervical secretions. The 2 types always occur together, in differing proportions. For example, at normal ovulation there is a 97:3 ratio of type E to type G; at normal corpus luteum, the ratio is 10:90. The string variety of type E seems to aid in conveying sperm from the vagina while the loaf variety is inactive. The very low viscosity of the string variety intermicellar fluid permits very rapid sperm swimming. Not much is known regarding cervical mucus pathology or therapy.

Contributions to Gynecology and Obstetrics


Plasma progesterone levels in normal and abnormal early human pregnancy


Psychodynamics of the Use of the Ovulation Method

Thomas W Hilgers

Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction, Omaha, Nebraska.


The Ovulation Method: Ten Years of Research


Demonstration that progesterone 'blocks' uterine activity in the ewe in vivo by a direct action on the myometrium

Abstract: Intrauterine pressure was monitored in vivo in oestrogen-treated ovariectomized ewes before, during and after treatment with progesterone (50 mg s.c./day for 3 days). Progesterone reversibly reduced the frequency and amplitude of myometrial activity and abolished uterine reactivity to oxytocin (i.v.) and PGF-2alpha (intrauterine infusion). The rate of rise of intrauterine pressure during active pressure cycles was significantly reduced. These results confirm that the action of progesterone on the ovine myometrium is comparable to the classic progesterone 'block'. The intrauterine infusion of PGF-2alpha (10 microgram/min), which elicited a marked mechanical response in the control animals, failed to stimulate the progesterone-'blocked' uterus, suggesting that the inhibition produced by progesterone is due to a direct action of the hormone on the uterine muscle and not to an indirect mechanism operating through endometrial prostaglandin output.


Feminine Hygiene Products: A Catalog with Commentary


Thyroidal and peripheral production of thyroid hormones. Review of recent findings and their clinical implications

Abstract: There are two biologically active thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Most T3 is produced extrathyroidally, so that alterations in circulating thyroid hormone concentrations may occur as a result of both thyroidal and extrathyroidal abnormalities. Extrathyroidal T4 conversion to T3 is decreased in patients with different acute and chronic illnesses. When T4 conversion to T3 is impaired and serum T3 concentrations decline, serum concentrations of biologically inactive 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse T3) increase. In this review, we present current information on thyroidal and extrathyroidal T4 and T3 production in normal subjects and patients with various thyroid diseases and other illnesses, consider the physiologic significance of these changes, and discuss the value and interpretation of various iodothyronine measurements.


Morphine inhibition of the preovulatory surges of plasma luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone in the rat

Abstract: A study was made of the effects on the preovulatory surges of LH and FSH exerted by morphine sulfate (M) administered at 1400 h on proestrus, the beginning of the critical period for gonadotropin release in cycling rats in our colony. Various doses of M were given ip and jugular venous blood was collected under ether anesthesia for radioimmunoassay of plasma levels of LH and FSH. To verify ovulation, oviducts were examined the following day for the presence of ova. A high dose of M (60 mg/kg) totally abolished the LH surge and partially prevented the FSH surge while completely blocking ovulation. With intermediate doses of M (20-30 mg/kg) about half of the rats showed undiminished elevations of plasma LH at 1800 h and complete ovulation the next morning, whereas the other half revealed almost total blockade of LH release and no ovulation. Following a low dose of M (10 mg/kg) a small but significant (P < 0.05) augmentation of LH levels was observed in two of three experiments and all animals receiving this dose ovulated. Pretreatment with naloxone (10 mg/kg) did not itself affect LH or FSH release or ovulation but reversed the effect of the high dose of M and permitted complete ovulation. At 1800 h the pituitaries of control and Mblocked rats responded about equally to exogenous LHRH (100 ng iv) in 15 min increments of plasma LH and FSH and all of the rats ovulated. A timecourse study indicates that the onset of the LH surge may be somewhat delayed but the amplitude was undiminished following administration of a low dose of M. These findings indicate that M exerts dose-dependent effects on the preovulatory discharge of pituitary gonadotropins in the cycling rat.


beta-Endorphin and adrenocorticotropin are selected concomitantly by the pituitary gland

Abstract: The opiate-like peptide beta-endorphin and adrenocorticotropin are concomitantly secreted in increased amounts by the adenohypophysis in response to acute stress or long-term adrenalectomy as well as in vitro in response to purified corticotropin releasing factor and other secretagogues. Conversely, administration of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone inhibits the secretion of both adrenocorticotropin and beta-endorphin. Thus, both hormones possess common and identical regulatory mechanisms and there may be a functional role for circulating beta-endorphin.


Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) in pituitary stalk blood of rhesus monkeys: relationship to level of LH release

Abstract: Journal Article Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) in Pituitary Stalk Blood of Rhesus Monkeys: Relationship to Level of LH Release Get access J. D. NEILL, J. D. NEILL 1Department of Physiology and Division of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar J. M. PATTON, J. M. PATTON 1Department of Physiology and Division of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar R. A. DAILEY, R. A. DAILEY 1Department of Physiology and Division of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar R. C. TSOU, R. C. TSOU 1Department of Physiology and Division of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar G. T. TINDALL G. T. TINDALL 1Department of Physiology and Division of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Endocrinology, Volume 101, Issue 2, 1 August 1977, Pages 430–434, https://doi.org/10.1210/endo-101-2-430 Published: 01 August 1977 Article history Received: 14 February 1977 Published: 01 August 1977


Perforation of the sigmoid colon during pregnancy: a rare complication of endometriosis. Case report

Pantaleo Greco

Department of Translational and for Romagna Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy

Abstract: Perforation of the sigmoid colon in a 28-year-old woman during the 37th week of pregnancy is reported. There was almost complete replacement of the bowel wall by endometriotic tissue showing extensive decidualization of its stroma. This appears to be a very rare complication of endometriosis and the effects of pregnancy upon endometriosis are briefly reviewed.

British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology


The role of marital sexual abstinence in determining fertility: A study of the  Yoruba in Nigeria

Abstract: Summary Although sexual abstinence has probably been the single most important factor in restricting human fertility, Western researchers have tended to regard it as a phenomenon mostly found outside marriage. The research reported here was carried out amongst the Yoruba, a sub Saharan people, among whom it is more desirable in terms of social stability to practise female sexual abstinence mainly within marriage, rather than outside it. A similar situation is found widely in tropical Africa. Data are reported from five surveys carried out in 1973-75 in the Changing African Family and Nigerian Family Projects. Three types of marital abstinence are shown to have an effect in reducing fertility: post-natal abstinence (often wrongly described as a 'taboo'), terminal abstinence, and abstinence at other times. Female sexual abstinence is not paralleled by an equal practice of male abstinence, and the main reason for abstinence is to preserve long birth intervals and periods of lactation in a society prone to high rates of infant malnutrition and mortality. It is shown that the Index of Proportions Married (I ( m )) is only one of a number of fertility-weighted indices which can be employed to sub-divide the female reproductive span, and that a complete series of indices adding to unity can be constructed. The duration of lactation and abstinence are found to be related but, because abstinence is traditionally of longer duration, lactation amenorrhoea is of little importance in containing fertility. Married women spend less than half their reproductive lives in periods when sexual relations are possible and marital abstinence is between three and four times more important than delayed marriage in restricting fertility. The period of abstinence is shown to be changing and it is probable that it has never been of an agreed length; the concept of 'natural fertility' is examined in this light. The partial substitution of contraception for the abstinence period is analysed, and the possible effect on fertility considered.


Direct evidence of luteal insufficiency in women with habitual abortion

Cortés-Gallegos V

Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Centro de investigación en Biotecnología Aplicada

Abstract: Plasma levels of progesterone were measured during the luteal phase in 10 of 15 women with clinical histories of at least three spontaneous abortions in the last three gestations, and in 15 healthy nonpregnant women during the same phase of the ovarian cycle. Progesterone values found in the women with habitual abortion were lower (P less than 0.05-0.005) than in the nonpregnant group almost throughout the period of observation. The habitually aborting women who became pregnant again aborted between the seventh and 12th weeks. Their progesterone concentrations were less than 6 ng/ml, 48-72 hours before vaginal bleeding or abortion. These values were compared with those found during the first 12 weeks in normal pregnancy (P less than 0.001). The results suggest a useful method of evaluating the treatment of habitual abortion.


Oral contraceptives and myocardial infarction

Abstract: A series of semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with civil society stakeholders as part of this project. This project explored the role of trust and transparency within the context of multi-level governance. The research examined the interplay of trust and transparency within the UK. The project focused on one strong identity and one 'instrumental' region to explore the impact of factors such as varying identities, institutional configurations and resource profiles on trust and transparency. Interviews were conducted across two areas: Wales and the North West of England. This proposal is for a National Research Centre (WISERD/Civil Society) to undertake a five year programme of policy relevant research addressing Civil Society in Wales. Established in 2008, WISERD provides an 'All-Wales' focus for research and has had a major impact on the quantity and quality of social science research undertaken in Wales. As part of WISERD, WISERD/Civil Society will enable this work to be deepened and sustained through a focused research programme that further develops our research expertise, intensifies our policy impact and knowledge exchange work and strengthens our research capacity and career development activities. WISERD/Civil Society will therefore aim to develop key aspects of the multidisciplinary research initiated during the first phase of WISERD's work to produce new empirical evidence to inform our understanding of the changing nature of civil society in the context of devolved government and processes of profound social and economic change. There are many disagreements over what civil society is and how it may be changing. We do know that over the last forty years there have been unprecedented changes in the spheres of economy and industry, politics and governance, social relations and individual life courses. How individuals in local contexts are affected by and respond to dramatic institutional changes is not well understood. An important gap in our knowledge is in describing and explaining the impact of social change on local forms of civil society and civil society organisations and what this means for social cohesion and well-being. In addition how different forms of civil society are developing in the context of multi-level and devolved government is not well understood. Because of its size and devolved government, Wales offers a unique context for studying these issues. Viewing Wales as a 'laboratory for social science' the proposed centre will build on existing networks of researchers who have a wide range of expertise and skills. Large survey data sets will be exploited and analysed and new data collected on civil society in Wales, the UK and Europe. Inter-disciplinarity and multi-method approaches applied to longitudinal and comparative data will be a key feature and strength of the WISERD/Civil Society research programme. Our research will be underpinned by three principles: (i) to maximise research impact, (ii) to become a centre of excellence for comparative, longitudinal, and relational research methods and (iii) to contribute to the growth of research capacity in Wales. We will also extend our research out from Wales to undertake comparative studies at different regional, national and international levels. In this way WISERD will make substantive and novel contributions to the advancement of social theory applied to researching contemporary civil society and to methodological approaches to describing and explaining patterns of civic participation in the context of devolution and multi-level governance. Substantive research will be applied to real and timely research problems conducted under four inter-related themes: 1) Locality, Community and Civil Society 2) Individuals, Institutions and Governance 3) Economic Austerity, Social Enterprise and Inequality 4) Generation, Life Course and Social Participation Our aim will be to produce a wide range of outputs accessible to a variety of different audiences, including: academic papers; books; working papers; seminars; web based material; video and e-learning materials; as well as disseminating our work through a diversity of activities. Public awareness will be raised through events; activities; and exhibitions, designed to foster interest and encourage discussion and debate. WISERD/Civil Society will have a strong management structure, substantial institutional support, and close links with relevant organisations, and will provide substantive career development for new and early-career researchers and PhD students.


Comparison of serum progesterone and endometrial biopsy for confirmation of ovulation and evaluation of luteal function

Y D Senturia

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Abstract: An endometrial biopsy and a blood sample for progesterone determination obtained simultaneously in the midluteal phase of the cycles of 55 infertile women were compared for reliability for confirmation of presumptive ovulation and evaluation of luteal function. Progesterone levels of 3 ng/ml or greater were found in 90.5% of the cycles. Secretory endometrium was identified in 81% of the cycles. Thirty-three cycles yielded sufficient information to compare the two methods for evaluation of luteal function. Histology and progesterone levels were consistent with each other and the presumed time of ovulation in only 11 cycles. Histology was inconsistent with the presumed time of ovulation in 20 cycles, while progesterone was inconsistent in only two cycles. Additional samples for progesterone determinations were obtained during the biopsy cycles of 15 patients who presented adequate data for evaluation of luteal function. A single, well-timed progesterone determination appeared adequately to reflect the data obtained from serial samples in the same cycle. These results support the thesis that a single, well-timed serum progesterone determination is superior to a single endometrial biopsy as a screening method for confirmation of presumptive ovulation and for evaluation of luteal function.


Abstract: The ovulation method of natural family planning is described in detail as taught in the ovulation method centers with an account of its development in Australia and the underlying philosophy. Hormonal studies supporting its scientific bases are given including recent work on the hormonal events of the menstrual cycle. The teaching of the method for the avoidance and achievement of pregnancy is outlined including special circumstances such as lactation premenopause stress situations abnormal vaginal discharges and formal oral contraceptive use. The failure rate of the ovulation method has been shown by a number of surveys as between that of the pill and the IUD. It is the fastest spreading method of natural family planning currently in use in 50 countries.


Serum progesterone and estradiol-17beta levels in premature and term labor

Abstract: A total of 30 to 50 per cent of premature labors occur without identifiable predisposing conditions. To evaluate the hormonal status of these pregnancies, serum progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) were measured by radioimmunoassay singly in 60 premature labor patients and serially in 19 normal pregnancies. Premature labor patients as a group have significantly lower P and E2 levels than controls. Pregnancies complcated by idiopathic premature labor (IPL) (p less than 0.01), premature labor secondary to abruptio-marginal separation (A-MS) (p less than 0.05), and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p less than 0.05) have significantly lower P levels than controls. Patients with IPL and A-MS have significantly lower P levels (p less than 0.01) than PROM patients. No significant change in P or E2 occurs immediately prior to normal term labor. Conclusions are that (1) premature labor patients have significantly lower Pand E2 levels than controls, (2) the degree of P depression varies according to the type of premature labor and (3) IPL is characterized by premature labor with no identifiable predisposing factors.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology


Additive action of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations throughout the Chinese  hamster cell-cycle

International Journal of Radiation Biology and Related Studies in Physics,  Chemistry, and Medicine


The relation of economic class and fertility: An analysis of some Indonesian  data

Abstract: Summary Many recent fertility studies in developing societies put forward the hypothesis of a negative relation between economic class and fertility. Data showing a positive relationship are frequently dismissed a priori as resulting from the reporting errors of illiterate women. This study draws on data from Indonesia's 1971 Census, a 1973 sample survey of fertility and mortality, and an intensive community study in Java, to argue that an observed positive relation between class and fertility is real, and is related to differences in patterns of marital disruption, postpartum abstinence, and fecundity. The positive relation may be reversed in the future as changes in these patterns, and the impact of the national family planning programme, affect the family structure of each class differently. Had the positive relation in this context been attributed offhand to reporting errors, these important socio-economic changes would have been misunderstood, and possibly ignored.


The Protection Afforded by the Cervical Mucus in Human Reproduction

Thomas W Hilgers

Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction, Omaha, Nebraska.

Abstract: From January 1, 1968 to May 31, 1973, 100 patients received first kidney transplants from sibling donors. All recipients have been followed for at least two years and several as long as 7.5 years. One hundred per cent follow-up information is available. The absolute two-year patient survival is 85% and the absolute two-year kidney function survival is 76%. Patients with diabetes (especially males) have less success following transplantation than do patients without diabetes. When diabetic patients are excluded, older patients appear to do slightly less well than younger patients. Patients with phenotypically identical HL-A matches with the donor do better than patients without such matches. In the nondiabetic technically perfect transplant recepient, better than 90% long-term transplant function can be expectedwith no kidney losses after the first few months. In contrast, the less well-matched transplant demonstrated both an increased early rejection rate and a high rate of loss after the third to fifth year. Increasing doses of anti-lymphoblast globulin (ALG) had beneficial results in HL-A mismatched sibling transplants, but were slightly detrimental in phenotypically identical HL-A donor-recipient pairs because of an increased rate of infection. The results are compared with the results of transplants from other related donors and from cadavers performed during the same period.


Human Reproduction: Three Issues for the Moral Theologian


Prenatal toxicity of medroxyprogesterone acetate in rabbits, rats, and mice

Robert Staples

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Abstract: Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was given once daily sc at 0.1-3,000 mg/kg/day for 3, 6, or 9 consecutive days during gestation days 7 to 15 to CD1 and A/J mice, and New Zealand (NZ) and Dutch Belted (DB) rabbits, and during days 8 to 16 to CD rats. Malformations attributable to MPA did not occur in fetuses of mice or rats exposed to the largest dosage tested. However, 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg on days 13 to 15 to NZ rabbits resulted in 6, 28, and 42% cleft palate, respectively. Comparable cleft palate frequencies were seen in DB offspring.


Cardiovascular birth defects and antenatal exposure to female sex hormones

Abstract: In a cohort of 50,282 pregnancies 19 children with cardiovascular defects were born to 1042 women who received female hormones during early pregnancy (18.2 per 1000). Among 49,240 children not exposed in utero to these agents there were 385 with cardiovascular malformations (7.8 per 1000). Six children with cardiovascular defects were born to a sub-group of 278 women who used oral contraceptives during early pregnancy (21.5 per 1000). After the data were controlled for a wide variety of potentially confounding factors by multivariate methods, the association between in utero exposure to female hormones and cardiovascular birth defects was statistically significant.


The Menstrual Cycle: Major Problems in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 7


Physical properties of cervical mucus

Physical properties of cervical mucus

Advances in experimental medicine and biology


Birth Defects and Drugs in Pregnancy

Birth Defects and Drugs in Pregnancy


Roe v. Wade: some definitional considerations


Observation of Mucus Survey

Observation of Mucus Survey


The Statistical Parameters of the Mucus Cycle: A Study of 600 Cycles


Noxytiolin and peritoneal adhesion formation

Abstract: Clinical and experimental studies have suggested that intraperitoneal noxytiolin prevents adhesion formation. A reliable experimental animal model was therefore established and the effect of noxytiolin on adhesion formation was evaluated in a controlled trial using 80 rats. All 40 rats given Ringer solution developed adhesions, whereas in 7 out of 40 given noxytiolin no adhesions were found (P less than 0-02). Noxytiolin reduced both the total and the mean number of adhesions formed (P less than 0-2) and their mean length of attachment (P less than 0-05). The anti-adhesive effect of noxytiolin may be due to its anticoagulant, cytotoxic or antibacterial properties.


Rifampicin and breakfast

Rifampicin and breakfast


Prenatal progesterone and educational attainments

Abstract: Children whose mothers received prenatal progesterone have been shown to be advanced in development at one year and to have greater academic achievement at 9-10 years. This study compares the educational attainments at 17-20 years of 34 progesterone children with 37 normal and 12 toxaemic controls. More progesterone children continued schooling after 16 years compared with controls; a higher proportion left school with 'O' level and 'A' level passes, the average number of passes per child was greater at both levels and more obtained a university place. The best academic results were in those whose mothers had received over 5 grams of prenatal progesterone, and for whom administration commenced before the sixteenth week and treatment lasted longer than eight weeks.

The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science


Ovulation induction and congenital malformations


A long-term follow-up study of women using different methods of contraception--an  interim report

P Wiggins

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Abstract: Summary In 1968, a prospective study was started in collaboration with the Family Planning Association to try to provide a balanced view of the beneficial and harmful effects of different methods of contraception. This investigation is now in progress at seventeen clinics and over 17,000 women are under observation. At the time of recruitment, all these women were married white British subjects, aged 25–39 years, who voluntarily agreed to participate. Fifty-six per cent were using oral contraceptives, 25% were using a diaphragm and 19% were using an intrauterine device (IUD). During follow-up each woman is questioned at return visits to the clinic and a record of pregnancies and their outcome, hospital referrals (inpatient or outpatient), changes in contraceptive methods and the results of cervical smears, is accumulated. Women who default are sent a postal questionnaire and, if this is not returned, are telephoned or visited in their homes to collect the necessary information. So far, data obtained during 56,000 woman-years of observation are available for analysis. Follow-up has been maintained with an annual lapse rate of about 0.3%due to withdrawal of co-operation or loss of contact; adherence to the method of contraception in use at recruitment has been reasonably good, and the reporting of pregnancies and hospital admissions appears to have been both reliable and unbiased. The present data include only 24 deaths, so the mortality associated with different contraceptive methods cannot yet be estimated. With regard to morbidity, however, our preliminary results closely resemble those obtained in the prospective study carried out by the Royal College of General Practitioners (1974) and in the principal retrospective studies carried out in Britain and the United States. Women who used oral contraceptives at the start of the study experienced a deficiency of hospital referrals for cancer, benign lesions of the breast, menstrual disorders other than amenorrhoea, duodenal ulcer, and retention cysts of the ovary; they showed an excess of referrals for cerebrovascular disease, cervical erosion, skin disorders, self-poisoning, migraine, venous thrombosis and embolism, hayfever, gallbladder disease, amenorrhoea, and sterility. Women who used a diaphragm showed a deficiency of hospital referrals for carcinoma-in-situ and dysplastic lesions of the cervix uteri and accidental injury; and an excess of referrals for haemorrhoids and cystitis. Women who used an IUD experienced an excess of hospital referrals for anaemia, varicose veins and salpingitis. About half of these differences (12 out of 23) were predicted from other studies while some suggestive evidence already existed for a further five. Of the remaining six, some probably reflect the influence of selective factors or chance. Multiple pregnancies, stillbirths, malformations, the sex ratio and birthweight showed no consistent relationship to method of contraception. The outcome of unplanned pregnancies occurring in women using an IUD, however, was remarkably unfavourable both in terms of ectopic gestation and miscarriage. Clear evidence was found of impairment of fertility after discontinuation of oral contraceptives. Whether this is likely to lead to permanent sterility in some women is uncertain. The study has provided data on the efficacy of a wide variety of contraceptive methods. In general the failure rates are in keeping with those obtained in other large-scale studies, save that those for the diaphragm and the sheath are much lower than those usually quoted. The available evidence does not yet allow a final balance to be struck between the benefits and risks associated with the new methods of contraception that have become widely used during the last two decades. It seems clear, however, that there are no material risks associated with the use of the diaphragm apart from the risk of pregnancy and that there may be some unintended benefits.


Urogenital tract abnormalities in sons of women treated with diethylstilbestrol

Abstract: Since in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) is known to cause abnormalities of the female genital tract later in life, exposed male offspring were located, surveyed by mail, and compared with unexposed male offspring from the same period and medical practices. The exposed and unexposed respondents appeared comparable and did not differ in their response to most medical questions. However, a larger proportion of exposed than of unexposed boys had experienced problems in passing urine (12.9% vs. 1.8%, P = .0003) and abnormalities of the penile urethra (4.4% vs. 0%; P = .017).


Breast cancer in Britain and Japan: plasma oestradiol-17beta, oestrone and progesterone,and their urinary metabolites in normal British and Japanese women

Abstract:
The plasma concentrations of oestrone, oestradiol-17β and progesterone, and the urinary excretion of oestrone, oestradiol-17β, oestriol and pregnanediol have been determined in normal Japanese and British adolescent, pre-menopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal women.
The amounts of plasma oestrogen in British and Japanese women were not significantly different except in the adolescent group. In this latter category the mean level of plasma oestrone and oestradiol-17β in the luteal phase was significantly higher in Japanese compared with British women. The mean excretion of urinary oestrogens in the two races was similar for all age groups studied, as was plasma progesterone and urinary pregnanediol.
The mean ratio of oestriol to oestrone and oestradiol-17β for Japanese was higher than that for British women in the two pre-menopausal groups, although the difference was not statistically significant. The difference in the incidence rates of breast cancer in Britain and Japan does not appear to be related to differences in plasma levels of oestrogens or progesterone.


Update on the safety and efficacy of clomiphene citrate as a therapeutic agent

Abstract: Fifteen years have passed since our group first proposed the use of clomiphene citrate as an ovulation-inducing agent. Our 15-year experience with over 2,000 patients has not dampened our enthusiasm for this drug. The benefits have far outweighted the minor side effects or the possibility of multiple births. Serious birth defects were minimal and have been no greater than what one may expect in the general population. Clomiphene citrate has been a boon to womankind and deserves the confidence of both patient and physician: it is a drug with a record of utility and with but minor risks.


Suboptimal pregnancy outcome among women with prior abortions and premature births

David R. Meldrum

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Abstract: Data from 25,958 consecutive UCLA deliveries were analyzed to determine the effect of prior abortions and premature births on current pregnancy outcome. Perinatal death rate, combining stillbirths and neonatal deaths, increased more than threefold among women with at least one prior premature in birth and at least one prior abortion and approached 18 per cent of current deliveries when there were three or more prior premature births. Abnormal live births, defined as infants with either birth weight under 2,501 grams, gestational age less than 37 weeks, or congenital anomalies, significantly increased as the number of prior abortions and premature births increased, each in a range of 0 through 3 or more. For example, among women with at least three prior premature births, there were greater than 50 per cent abnormal live births. The risk was mostly that of low birth weight and low gestational age, although there was a slight increase in congenital anomalies. The risk was reduced considerably when there were previous term births and was influenced variably by race, clinic classification, maternal illness, and prior pregnancy complications. This empirical data on pregnancy outcome should be useful in reproductive counseling among women with pregnancy losses and premature births.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology


Effects of maternal progesterone supplementation of fetal, placental and corpus luteal weights in the rat

Abstract: Progesterone, at five times normal 24 h endogenous production rates, was administered daily to 37 rats over Days 2 to 10, 11 to 17 or 2 to 21 of gestation: term is Day 23. Peanut oil, the vehicle, was administered alone to 18 control rats over Days 2 to 21. The effect of treatment on fetal, placental and corpus luteal weights was examined on Day 22 of gestation. The administration of progesterone had no apparent effect on the maternal weight gain with pregnancy, myometrial, fetal or placental weights. No external malformations or abnormalities of the internal genitalia were detected in any of the fetuses examined. The mean number of dead fetuses per litter, 0.72 ± 0.19 (SEM) in the control rats, was significantly increased to 1.57 ± 0.34 and 2.25 ± 0.54 in rats treated with progesterone over Days 11 to 17 and 2 to 21 respectively. Male fetuses were about 7.4 percent heavier than female fetuses in the control rats but this difference was significantly less in rats treated with progesterone over Days 11 to 17(3.4 percent). Progesterone treatment had no apparent effect on the mean corpus luteal weight per rat. Over all groups combined, the mean corpus luteal weight was negatively related to the number of corpora lutea per rat. This relationship was unlikely to have been due to local nutritional or overcrowding factors since there was no apparent relationship between corpus luteal weight and the number of corpora lutea in the one ovary.


Cervical mucus and identification of the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle

Flynn A

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Abstract: Nine healthy fertile women were studied during 29 menstrual cycles. A cervical mucus grading system, assessed by the patient and used in conjunction with basal body temperature, was correlated with plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol and plasma progesterone. The results show that a patient can be taught to predict the time of ovulation by observing the changes in the cervical mucus.

British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology


Circulating maternal serum progesterone in high-risk pregnancies

Abstract: Serum progesterone was measured by competitive protein-binding assay in 331 cases of normal pregnancy ranging from 6 to 42 weeks. Serial estimations of serum progesterone were performed in nine cases of severe hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, eight cases of twin pregnancy, three cases of twin pregnancy complicated by severe hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, three cases of triplet pregnancy, three cases of previous bad obstetric history, one case of anencephaly, and seven cases of intrauterine fetal death. Serum progesterone remained within normal range in severe hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and the levels were indistinguishable in cases of fetal growth retardation from those without growth retardation. In twin and triplet pregnancies, serum progesterone was within normal range or elevated and was usually higher than normal in twin pregnancies after weeks 33 to 34. Serum progesterone levels were normal in anencephalic pregnancy and in most cases of intrauterine fetal death. The findings are discussed with reference to placental hormonal activity. It is concluded that serum progesterone is a poor index of placental function.


Hormonal patterns in conceptual cycles and early pregnancy

Abstract: Androstenedione, testosterone, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in plasma and total oestrogens, luteinizing hormone (LH) and HCG in urine were measured in five women during conceptual cycles and in early pregnancy. There were increased levels in plasma and urine of all the hormones measured between 12 to 48 days after ovulation except progesterone. The concentration of this hormone in plasma decreased during this time. The possible sources of these hormones in early pregnancy are discussed.


Circulating hormone concentrations in women with breast cancer

Abstract: Multiple plasma-hormone concentrations were measured in sequential plasma-samples from six women with breast cancer and were compared to concentrations in six control women matched for age, years since menopause, and parity. All hormone concentrations in all the women studied were within normal limits. However, within the normal range the plasma-testosterone concentrations in each cancer patient were significantly higher than in each matched control.


The luteal phase defect

The luteal phase defect

Abstract: In summary, the luteal phase defect is a deficiency of corpus luteum progesterone steroidogenesis, either in amount or duration, or both. The clinical manifestations include either primary infertility or repeated first trimester abortions. The diagnosis can only be made clinically on the basis of a well-timed endometrial biopsy that is read histologically as 2 or more days out of phase with the next period in at least two cycles.


Strength-duration characteristics of estrogen effects on gonadotropin response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone in women. II. Effects of varying concentrations of estradiol

Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the effect of varying concentrations of estradiol, administered to normal women, upon the gonadotropin response to synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH or LRF). Beginning at 4 pm on the first day of the menstrual cycle, 19 studies were performed in subjects who received injections of estradiol benzoate (E2B every 12 h for 6 days). Concentrations of E2B administered (mug/kg/12 h) were: 0.3, 0.6, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5.0. Mean serum estradiol concentrations achieved at these respective concentrations of E2B were 43, 53, 91, 145, 195, and 305 pg/ml. Twelve h after the last E2B injection, an intravenous bolus of 100 mug GnRH was administered. Gonadotropin response to this dose of GnRH after E2B was compared with each subject's response in the early follicular phase of a previous (control) cycle during which no exogenous estradiol was administered.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism


Effects of progesterone, prostaglandin F2alpha and its analogue ICI 81008 on the excitability and threshold of the uterus

Abstract: Forty-eight uterine strips were excised from 24 New Zealand white rabbits and studied in vitro. Sixteen strips were examined when eight animals were 25 days pregnant, 24 strips when 12 animals were about 12 hours postpartum, and eight strips about 12 hours after four animals received a single dose of 5 mg. progesterone (P) at spontaneous delivery. When after repeated exposures to electric fields (60 cycles per second, alternating current, of optimum strength, four seconds' duration at intervals of 30 seconds) the approximately 0.5 Gm. strips developed approximately 40-50g wall tension (WT) in steady state, the field strength was reduced in graded steps from 12 v per 5 cm. to 10, 8, 6, 4 and 3 v per 5 cm. and WT recorded. By measuring the effect on WT of "decreasing electric field stimulation" (DEFS), myometrical excitably and threshold were characterized and quantitated. The technique is based on the relationship between the fraction of myometrial cells activated in the total cell population and WT. As the stimulus is decreased in graded steps from optimal to increasingly suboptimal, DEFS activates fewer and fewer cells reflected by the decrease in WT. Threshold is defined by the strength of the minimum electric field which provokes WT and subthreshold by the field strength which fails to excite. Thus fractional WT averages the excitability of cells in the tissue and thus DEFS characterizes this important parameter of uterine function and quantitates threshold under a variety of regulatory conditions. The comparative study of excised uteri in three different endocrine states showed that the regulatory conditions of normal pregnancy (P levels 9 ng. per milliliter) suppressed excitability and increased threshold (to 6 v per 5 cm.). Post partum (P levels 1 ng. per milliliter) excitability increased and threshold decreased (to 4 v per 5 cm.), unless P treatment prevented this characteristic change by suppressing excitability and increasing threshold (to 6 v per 5 cm.). Both regulatory agents, prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and its analogue ICI 81008, increased excitability and decreased threshold significantly in picogram per milliliter concentrations. However, this effect was observed only when the P levels were low. These compounds had little effect, even in manogram per milliliter concentrations, when the P levels were high. The studies also revealed a close relationship between threshold and spontaneous uterine activity. Low threshold promoted while high threshold suppressed spontaneous activity. In similar concentrations the oxytocic actions of PGF2alpha and ICI 81008 were similar but the effect of ICI 81008 was prolonged through strong binding at myometrical sites.


Amenorrhea following oral contraception

Amenorrhea following oral contraception

Abstract: A prospective study was done on 326 nulliparous women who ceased oral contraception. Follow-up was obtained on 311. The mean age was 20.3 years (SD 2.5). Eighty-nine per cent began menstruating within 60 days after stopping therapy, and only 7 took 180 days or longer to menstruate. Late menarche strongly correlated with post-pill amenorrhea (PPA), but continuous length of time on oral contraceptives and type of oral contraceptive showed no significant relationship. The incidence of PPA was 2.2 per cent. All women did eventually menstruate spontaneously, the longest period of amenorrhea being 540 days. The less the number of years between menarche and the beginning of oral contraceptives, the longer it took these patients to menstruate.


Sequential use of clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin in ovulation induction

Abstract: In an effort to diminish the incidence of multiple pregnancy, ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome, and the excessive cost of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) administration, a sequence of Clomid-HMG-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was used in 80 patients with infertility due to prolonged amenorrhea. Criteria for this therapeutic regimen were: (1) normal seminal fluid analysis and postcoital test; (2) lack of withdrawal bleeding from progesterone following amenorrhea of more than 6 months' duration; (3) normal x-ray of the sella turcica and visual fields; (4) low serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; (5) normal endoscopic examination; and (6) lack of response to clomiphene in excessive dose (200 mg daily for 5 days) or prolonged dose (100 mg daily for 10 days) with or without HCG, or apparent ovulatory response to the above sequence for five or six consecutive cycles without pregnancy. Clomiphene was administered in a dose of 100 mg daily for 7 days. HMG was then given in the following manner: two ampules daily for 4 days, then one ampule daily for 2 days (75 IU of FSH and 75 IU of LH/ampule). After a 24-hour interval without treatment, 10,000 IU of HCG were given and 2000 IU of HCG 4 days later. Twenty-three pregnancies occurred in 80 patients. However, 15 of the first 25 patients became pregnant--in these patients the only abnormality noted was lack of ovulation. Six additional pregnancies occurred subsequent to one or more unsuccessful cycles. Multiple pregnancies occurred in only two patients (twins delivered at 32 weeks in one and an abortion of five fetuses at 20 weeks in another). However, multiple pregnancy did not occur in any patient whose urinary estrogen level was monitored and in whom the level was 100 mug or less when the HCG was given. The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome did not occur in any patient.


Infertility following wedge resection of the ovaries

Abstract: Seven cases of polycystic ovarian disease were investigated by laparoscopy and endocrinologic tests after failure of ovarian resection to restore fertility. One case of bilateral and two cases of unilateral ovarian atrophy were recorded. In all seven patients the common features were extensive perivarian and peritubal adhesions. Four of the six patients amenable to cure were submitted to reconstructive surgery; three of them conceived and had normal deliveries. The present observations support the plea to relegate the surgical approach to a minor position in patients with Stein-Leventhal syndrome and stress the importance of meticulous surgical technique in the performance of ovarian surgery. Laparoscopic investigation is mandatory in all cases of unsuccessful ovarian resection.


Outcome of pregnancy after clomiphene therapy

Abstract: Of 159 pregnancies conceived after clomiphene therapy, 141 ended in childbirth, including seven sets of twins. There was a probable increase in the number of infants born with major malformations. These were exclusively to women who had not previously borne a normal infant. The incidence of malformed infants compares well with that published after gonadotropin therapy. The possibly higher incidence of malformations seen after drug-induced ovulation would therefore seem to be due to the underlying subfertility state and thus not a direct drug effect.

Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica


Atlas of the Ovulation Method: the Mucus Patterns of Fertility and Infertility


Polyphenols: food sources and bioavailability


Natural family planning

Natural family planning

Abstract: A personal series of 600 private patients using natural family planning techniques is presented. The total failure rate was 4.7 pregnancies per 100 woman-years. The advantages of this method over conventional contraceptive techniques are stressed.


Identification of two related pentapeptides from the brain with potent opiate agonist activity

Abstract: Enkephalin, a natural ligand for opiate receptors is composed of the pentapepides H-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-OH and H-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-OH. The evidence is based on the determination of the amino acid sequence of natural enkephalin by the dansyl-Edman procedure and by mass spectrometry followed by synthesis and comparison of the natural and synthetic peptides.


Obstacles to family planning practice in urban Morocco

Abstract: Sixty in-depth interviews with mothers living in a urban slum of Morocco probed resistances to practicing modern methods of fertility control and began to shed light on some of the reasons family planning programs often fail to reach illiterate target populations. Economic insecurity and the disintegration of the support networks of the traditional extended family complicate the difficult lives of young mothers in the urban slum. While such factors tend to encourage smaller families, the uncertainties and complexities of the socioeconomic structure contribute to the problems blocking access to modern methods of fertility control.


Hormone May Curb Premature Births

Hormone May Curb Premature Births

Abstract: RETURN TO ISSUEPREVNewsNEXTHormone may curb premature birthsCite this: Chem. Eng. News 1975, 53, 41, 4–5Publication Date (Print):October 13, 1975Publication History Published online7 November 2010Published inissue 13 October 1975https://doi.org/10.1021/cen-v053n041.p004aCopyright © 1975 American Chemical SocietyArticle Views4Altmetric-Citations-LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InReddit PDF (249 KB) SUBJECTS:Pharmaceuticals Get e-Alerts


Efficacy of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in the prevention of premature labor

Abstract: We conducted a double-blind study to determine the efficacy of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in preventing premature delivery in 43 high-risk patients. Premature delivery did not occur in 18 patients receiving the progestational agent, whereas 41 per cent of the 22 receiving the palcebo had premature delivery (P less than 0.01). The mean duration of pregnancy and the mean birth weight in the former group (38.6 weeks +/- 1.6 S.D., and 2836 g +/- 412 S.D.) were both significantly greater (P less than 0.025) than that in the latter (35.2 weeks +/- 6.7 S.D.; 2361 g +/- 1085 S.D.). The perinatal mortality rate in the group given the progestational agent (O per cent) was significantly less than that observed in the placebo group (27 per cent) (P less than 0.05). Although there were no complications attributable to the progestational drug, the study population was too small for assessment of immediate or long term safety. However, the results indicate a possible obstetric use for this drug.


Excretion of progesterone metabolites and estriol in faeces from pregnant women during ampicillin administration

Abstract:
Progesterone metabolites and estriol were determined in urine and faeces collected daily from three pregnant women (33–37 weeks) before and during ampicillin administration (2 g/day orally).
Two of the three subjects showed marked changes in their faecal steroid excretion during ampicillin administration: the faecal progesterone-metabolite pattern changed from containing 69–79% unconjugated metabolites and 19–26% glucuronides under control conditions, to high steroid sulphate content (28–44%); the faecal elimination of 3β-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one and 5α-pregnane-3β,20α-diol glucuronide all but ceased; two 16α-hydroxylated progesterone metabolites were detected in significant amounts in faeces during ampicillin administration but not under normal conditions. Steroid sulphate hydrolysis, epimerization of 3α,5αto 3β,5α-steroids and 16α-dehydroxylation are all well known actions of intestinal bacteria on biliary steroids. It thus seems clear that the changes found in the faecal progesterone metabolite pattern are due to the reduction of the intestinal flora by ampicillin.
Under control conditions the bulk of the faecal estriol was unconjugated. During ampicillin administration this excretion remained unchanged but in addition large quantities of conjugated estriol appeared in the faeces, apparently as a result of inhibition of bacterial deconjugation.
Ampicillin administration also caused decreased urinary excretion of estriol and pregnanediol glucuronide. It seems likely that these well documented effects of ampicillin on urinary steroid excretion are caused by an interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of steroids which results from the inhibition of intestinal steroid metabolism described above.


Retrospective and prospective epidemiological studies of 1500 karyotyped spontaneous human abortions

Abstract: Epidemiologic studies, retrospective and prospective, were done on 1500 abortions collected from 1966-1972. No secular or seasonal variations were observed. From the analysis of the relative frequencies of the different types of chromsome anomalies it is estimated that 1 out of every 2 conceptions has a chromosome anomaly. Maternal-age influence was found only for the autosomal trisomy group, mainly D and G trisomies. No effect of oral contraceptives were discovered. An increased frequency of chromosome anomalies occurred after ovulation-inducing therapy and after occupational exposure of the father to irradiation. No variations in the fertility rate and in the frequency of congenital malformations in births following abortions was noted. The incidence of recurring abortion was mainly influenced by the reproductive history of the couple before the karyotyped abortion.


Mechanism of action of narcotics in the production of menstrual dysfunction in women

Abstract: The ability of morphine to block ovulation in animals prompted investigation of the frequency and mechanisms of menstrual abnormalities in women addicted to narcotic analgesics. Menstrual histories obtained from 76 former heroin addicts receiving daily methadone maintenance revealed that more than one-half of these women had experienced menstrual abnormalities while taking heroin or methadone. In order to determine the specific physiologic effects of narcotic analgesics on reproductive function, detailed endocrinologic studies were carried out in seven of these patients who complained of amenorrhea or irregular menses while receiving methadone. Four of the seven women manifested abnormalities of the control of gonadotropin secretion. Three of these four failed to exhibit cyclic gonadotropin release, as evidenced by an absence of increased levels of follicular phase follicle-stimulating hormone, midcycle gonadotropin peaks or luteal phase progesterone increments. In the fourth patient a prolonged follicular phase (30 days) of the menstrual cycle was detected. One of these four patients also had low basal gonadotropin levels and failed to exhibit luteinizing hormone increments greater than control levels in response to ethinyl estradiol (positive feedback). The remaining three women exhibited normal patterns of gonadotropin secretion during the observation period. In these women, menstrual bleeding occurred in response to withdrawal from luteal phase (10 to 20 ng/ml) progesterone levels and to exogenous ethinyl estradiol, suggesting normal uterine responsivity to progesterone and estrogen. Although not documented, it is likely that oligo-ovulation was the cause of the irregular menses in these three patients. Amenorrhea is commonly associated with methadone ingestion or heroin addiction and appears to be related to an alteration of the hypothalamic mechanisms controlling gonadotropin secretion. Tolerance to these effects of methadone may develop after chronic ingestion.


Personality patterns of couples practicing the temperature-rhythm method of birth  control

Claude A. Lanctot

African Federation for Emergency Medicine

Abstract: Psychological data was obtained from 1009 couples located in 5 countries who were practicing the temperature-rhythm method of birth control. In the U.S., survey instruments were distributed to 160 couples by mail with a 58% (92) return rate of completed questionnaires. The educational attainment of both men and women exceeded senior high school. Most wives were not gainfully employed, and 87% of the wives indicated that religious beliefs were considered important. The average couple had employed the rhythm method for 4 years and 9 months at the time of the survey. Independently, both husbands and wives completed a Byrne's Revised Repression-Sensitization scale, Rotter's I-E scale, and Attitude Toward Sex scale, a Reaction to the Temperature-Rhythm Method scale, and a sexual behavior inventory. Data indicated that the rhythm method was acceptable despite difficulties with periods of abstinence, with 84% regarding abstinence as relatively difficult or very diffiucult. Other results indicated that there was a relatively low response concordance between husbands and wives, and that couples who had pregnancies with the method or had abandoned the method had more liberal sexual attitudes than those who did not have pregnancies and continued the method.


Circulating estradiol, estrone and gonadotropin levels following the administration of orally active 17beta-estradiol in postmenopausal women

Abstract: Ingestion of a single tablet containing 2 mg micronized 17beta-estradiol (E-2) produced marked increases in the serum concentrations of E-2 and estrone (E-1) in 9 postmenopausal women. The rise in circulating E-2 became significant within 2 h, reached a maximum (110 pg/ML; 437% increase) at 5 h, and remained significantly elevated at 8 h posttreatment. By 24 h, the serum E-2 concentration was not significantly different than baseline. In contrast, a more rapid (within 1 h) and pronounced (4-fold) increase in the serum concentration of E-1 was observed. This rise continued until a peak (467 pg/ml; 2000%) was reached 6 h posttreatment. Thereafter, the serum E-1 concentration declined progressively but was still significantly elevated (140 pg/ml; P smaller than 0.01) 24 h after treatment. Serum concentrations of FSH AND LH were significantly decreased within 6 and 3 h, respectively and both gonadotropins remained significantly suppressed 24 h following the ingestion of E-2. The ratios of circulating E-1: E-2 reported herein (ca. 3-6) were much higher than those observed by other investigators following iv E-2 (I.E., smaller than 1). Thus the data indicate that micronized E-2 peros is readily absorbed and that during this process a significant portion of the hormone is converted to E-1 by the gstrointestinal tract. In addition, 2 mg oral E-2 exerts significant biologic activity as assessed by serum gonadotropin suppression.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism


Hormones in human pregnancy. IV. Plasma progesterone

Abstract: The plasma concentration of progesterone (P) has been measured by radioimmunoassay in maternal peripheral vein (M.P.V.) at early pregnancy and in M.P.V. umbilical artery (U.A.) and umbilical vein (U.V.) at term pregnancy. In early preganacy marked hour-to-hour fluctuation of plasma progesterone was noted. At term pregnancy plasma P levels of U.V. were higher than those of U.A. and the umbilical venous arterial differences of plasma P did not differ between male and femal fetuses. Administration of hydrocortisone and ACTH to patients scheduled to undergo cesarean section had no effect on M.P.V., U.A., and U.V. plasma P concentration. On the basis of the differences between U.V. and U.A. plasma P concentrations and reported umbilical flow it was estimated that the secretion rate of P into the fetal circulation is approximately 23 mg. per 24 hr. and would amount to approximately 10 per cent of the reported total daily production rate of P at term pregnancy. The fraction of P which is unbound to the plasma proteins was estimeated by equilibrium dialysis at 37 degrees C. The per cent unbound P in M.P.V. plasma of pregnant patients at term was not different from that of nonpregnant patients but was 40 per cent lower than that in umbilical cord plasma (P LESS THAN 0.01), and the ratio between the concentrations of unbound P and estradiol in M.P.V. increased as pregnancy progressed. Plasma P in re-eclamptic patients who subsequently sustained intrauterine fetal death had no value in assessing placental function.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology


Isolation and characterization of 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione and progesterone in pepipheral blood of pregnant women. measurement throughout pregnancy

Gomez-Sanchez C

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

P C MacDonald

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Abstract: 5alpha-Pregnane-3,20-dione and progesterone were isolated from a pregnancy plasma pool and were identified by using a combination of chromatographic techniques and mass spectrometry. Antibodies to progesterone were obtained in rabbits by immunization with progesterone-1alpha-carboxyethyl-thioether-thyroglobulin. The raised antibodies were of high affinity and one of them cross-reacted (137%) with 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione. This property was used to develop radioimmunoassays for measuring circulating levels of both progesterone and 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione in pregnancy plasma. The levels of both progesterone and 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione increase throughout pregnancy, but a highly significant increase is observed only after the 32nd week of gestation.


Evaluation of ovulation and corpus luteum function using measurements of plasma progesterone

Abstract: To develop a practical yet statistically valid means of indicating ovulation and adequacy of corpus luteum function concentrations of plasma progesterone (P) were measured daily during the luteal phase of 30 normal and abnormal menstrual cycles. During a normal cycle any 3 P measurements taken from 11 days before the first day of the following menses (M) to Day M-4 gave a total equal to or greater than 15 ng/ml. An abnormal cycle was considered one in which the total P (for 3 measurements) was less than 15 ng. Individual levels were often at 3 ng/ml in normal cycle and above 3 ng/ml in abnormal cycles indicating that the single P measurement proposed by Israel et. al. would not always be valid.


Progesterone concentrations in the sera of patients with intact and aborted hydatidiform moles


Ovulatory failure in a normal population and in patients with breast cancer

Abstract: The luteal phase plasma progesterone levels of 341 control patients were compared with those in 25 patients with early and 12 patients with advanced breast cancer. There was a significant increase of ovulatory failure and luteal deficiency in patients with advanced breast cancer.

The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the British Commonwealth


Low-dosage clomiphene therapy in the treatment of infertility due to defective ovulation

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde


Abstract: Summary: The use of clomiphene in gradually increasing doses, in cases of infertility due to anovulation, oligo-ovulation and inadequate luteal phase, led to a high pregnancy rate, particularly in the initial stages of treatment. Although clomiphene is a relatively safe and inexpensive drug, there is a possibility that high doses in repeated cycles may adversely affect fertility by its anti-oestrogenic effect. It is therefore suggested that therapy be commenced with a lower dosage than that generally recommended.

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde


Measurement of serum LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone in disorders of the human menstrual cycle: the inadequate luteal phase

S G Korenman

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Abstract: The irregular menses experienced by obese and/or hirsute women were studied by daily measurement of serum LH, FSH, estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P). During 8 cycles of 24 to 157 days, each episode of menstrual bleeding was preceded by hormonal evidence of follicular maturation and corpus luteum formation. The premenstrual fluctuations of LH and E2 were not different from those observed in normal cycles. Although the luteal phase was of more than 10 days' duration, progesterone secretion was subnormal during each cycle. Serum FSH was low throughout the time preceding the LH/FSH surge. These data suggest that inadequate corpus luteum progesterone secretion may be characteristic of the menstrual cycles in oligomenorrheic, obese infertile women.


Estrogen and progesterone in plasma in relation to premenstrual tension

Abstract: Plasma concentration of estrogen and progesterone were measured during the last 6 days of the menstrual cycle in women with premenstrual tension, and compared with a group of healthy women. Those women with anxiety as the main symptom (PMT-a) had significantly higher estrogen levels on days 5-2 before the onset of menstruation. On days 6-4 they had lower levels of progesterone. Estrogen-progesterone ratios were significantly higher on days 6-3 before menstruation. The PMT-a group also showed increases in body wt. during the last days of the menstrual cycle.


Effect of progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate on normal corpus luteum function

Abstract: A group of infertility patients were evaluated by an endometrial biopsy, timed with a basal body temperature chart, serum luteinizing hormone radioimmunassay to pinpoint ovulation, and daily serum progesterone values during a control and a treatment cycle. Progesterone in the suppository or intramuscular form and 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate* were administered during the luteal phase to a group of volunteer patients with normal corpus luteum function to determine if these compounds would depress serum progesterone levels as do certain progestational agents. There was no apparent inhibition of corpus luteum function as no decrease in progesterone production occurred. Despite the additive effect of progesterone administration demonstrated by elevated serum levels, endometrial biopsies remained in phase when dated from the estimated day of ovulation.


Significant fall in progesterone and rise in oestradiol levels in human peripheral plasma before onset of labour


Plasma progesterone levels in normal and abnormal pregnancies

Abstract:
Plasma progesterone levels were estimated by competitive protein binding in 815 samples from healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies. This series includes 32 patients who were followed serially throughout pregnancy. The mean level increased from 47 ng/ml in week 22 to 148 ng/ml in week 41. The spread was large. Individual patients showed very large variations between two consecutive weeks.
Diurnal variations were examined in 7 patients and short-time variations during one hour in 5 patients. Large but non-systematic variations were found in most cases. The maximal difference between values observed over a 24-hour-period was 123 ng/ml and during one hour 150 ng/ml.
Plasma progesterone levels were studied in 87 cases of toxemia of pregnancy, 6 cases of hypertension, 54 cases of Rh-immunization, 37 cases of diabetes and 5 cases of fetal growth retardation of unknown origin. The results indicate that no constant changes occur in plasma progesterone levels in these groups or in cases of impending fetal death.
As the normal limits are very wide, the intraindividual variations large, and the progesterone values in high risk pregnancies are inconclusive, plasma progesterone estimates during the latter part of pregnancy seem to be of limited value.
During human pregnancy large amounts of progesterone are produced by the placenta (1, 14). The production rate during the third trimester lies between 200 and 300 mg/day (9). Part of the progesterone produced is metabolized to pregnanediol and excreted in the urine as the 3-glucuronidate (16). The percentage of conversion to pregnanediol seems to vary with the stage of gestation and is influenced by pathological alterations in risk pregnancies (2, 5).
Large day to day variations in the urinary pregnanediol levels have been found. It is thus hardly surprising that the clinical value of serial determinations of urinary pregnanediol in late pregnancy has been limited.
Recently useful methods for the assay of progesterone in plasma have been developed and applied to physiological and clinical studies. A number of reports dealing with the prognostic value of progesterone determinations in complicated pregnancies have been published (8, 12, 17). The number of cases investigated is, however, small and the results are, in many respects, inconclusive. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the normal limits during the latter half of uncomplicated pregnancies, circadian and short-time variations, and to evaluate the prognostic value of progesterone determinations in plasma in high risk pregnancies.

Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica


Serum progesterone values in the luteal phase defects. Effect of chorionic gonadotropin

Asimina Tavaniotou

Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Dutch-Speaking Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.


Levels of prostaglandins in human endometrium during the normal menstrual cycle

Abstract: The levels of prostaglandins in the human endometrium throughout the normal menstrual cycle were measured by bioassay. The identity of prostaglandin F2alpha and prostaglandin E2 in endometrial tissue extracts was established by combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The levels of prostaglandin F2alpha and prostaglandin E2 are low during the proliferative phase of the cycle (10-25 ng/100 mg tissue). Prostaglandin F2alpha rises significantly during the luteal phase to levels of 65-75 ng/100 mg of tissue. Prostaglandin E2 levels are similar to prostaglandin F2alpha levels in the proliferative phase but remain lower during the luteal phase. The prostaglandin E2 level is highest at menstruation (52 ng/100 mg tissue). The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the menstrual process and to the steroid hormonal changes during the cycle.


Recollections of my life with progesterone

Abstract: This paper gives in narrative style those phases of the corpus luteum story in which the author was an active participant. The first part deals with the exciting days at the University of Rochester where the pure hormone was isolated in 1933 and where many of the effects of the hormone on target tissues were elucidated. The origin of the name, progesterone, is given as a fine example of international cooperation in the selection of a name which has been universally accepted. The accidental discovery of the ‘Blue Color Test’ for DHIA and the development of the Allen-Correction at Washington University in St. Louis are recounted as sideline adventures in science. The final part recounts the steps, extending over a period of 40 years, which have clarified the role of the human corpus luteum in pregnancy.


Pregnancy following infertility

Pregnancy following infertility

Ian D Cooke

Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK


The intrauterine device. Contraceptive or abortifacient?

Thomas W Hilgers

Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction, Omaha, Nebraska.


Water and electrolytes in human cervical mucus


The ovulation method of family planning

The ovulation method of family planning

Abstract: The ovulation method of family planning relies on self-recognition of physiological changes occuring around time of ovulation rather than a calendar to enable a couple to avoid sexual intercourse during the fertile period. The most practical signs are elevated basal body temperature, changes in the amount and physicochemical properties of cervical mucus, and ovulation pain. The basal body temperature rises about .3 degrees C following ovulation. The problem with this method is that it is retrospective. The mucus symptoms, as described by Billings and associates in Melbourne, Australia, are: 1) a variable number of days with no vaginal discharge following menstrual bleeding; 2) onset of mucus symptoms characterized by increasing quantities of ''cloudy'' or ''sticky'' secretion; 3) a clear, slippery lubricative mucus having the characteristics of raw white of egg (spinnbarkeit), which is an immediate forwarning of ovulation; 4) a variable period of thick, opaque, diminished volume discharge followed by dry days. The clear ''peak symptom'' mucus lasts 1-2 days; in a study of 22 women followed for 27 cycles this symptom occurred .9 days +3 or -2 days before ovulation. The problem is that 2 of the 22 cycles reported in detail had ovulation 3 days after the peak symptom and 1 had ovulation 4 days after. Intercourse on the 4th day, therefore, would have had a significant risk of pregnancy. Weissman and associates collected data on 282 women on the Pacific island of Tonga who used the mucus symptoms alone to control conception. In the 2503 cycles there were 53 unplanned pregnancies, 25.4 per 100 woman-years using the Pearl formula. 50 resulted from the couples ''taking a chance,'' 2 misunderstood the method, 28 abandoned the method because they wanted more children, and 1 woman became pregnant even though she thought she understood the method. Field trials with groups who are more motivated than those in the Tongan trial are needed.


Cycle pattern and pregnancy rate following combined clomiphene-estrogen therapy


Oestriol and prevention of breast cancer

Abstract: Findings of estriol protective action against chemical carcinogens used to induce breast cancer in laboratory animals.


The influence of fetal sex on the levels of plasma progesterone in the human fetus

Abstract: Progesterone levels in the human fetoplacental unit at term were determined by a competitive protein binding method. Progesterone levels in the umbilical vein were always higher than in the umbilical artery. The concentration of progesterone in the umbilical vein of male and female fetuses was identical. However, the umbilical venous-arterial difference in progesterone levels was significantly greater in female than in male fetuses. The fetal genotype therefore may affect the fate of progesterone available to the fetus.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism


The prevention of postoperative pelvic adhesions following conservative operative treatment for human infertility. A final 3-year follow-up report

Abstract: A combination of Decadreon (dexamethasone) and Phenergan (promethazine) was tested in this collaborative study of 240 infertility patients as a means of preventing postoperative adhesion formation after simple pelvic surgery. 24 patients were lost to follow-up. The overall pregnancy rate among the 240 patients was 51.7% (124): 49% with primary infertility and 58% with secondary infertility conceived after surgery. 90 full-term deliveries were recorded, 27 spontaneous abortions occurred, and 7 ectopic gestations were conceived. In all, 31 cases were reinspected for various reasons after the drug treatment postsurgery; 42% showed no adhesions, 23% showed minimal adhesions, and 35% had significant adhesions. Complications coincident with use of the combined medication were seen in 2.2% (11 of 240) patients. Though this study lacked controls, the authors feel thta the use of corticosteroids postoperatively after pelvic intervention may control the numbers of adhesions which form postoperatively.


Ovulation Detection

Ovulation Detection


Ovulation method of family planning

Ovulation method of family planning


Hyperbradykininism: a new orthostatic syndrome

Jerilynn C Prior

Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre


The Cervical Score: A Simple Semiquantative Method for Monitoring of the Menstrual Cycle

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics


A trial of the ovulation method of family planning in Tonga


A composite picture of the menstrual cycle

Abstract: Ten ovulating women were studied to assess the interrelationships of various systemic, hormonal, and reproductive tract changes during normal menstrual cycles. Samples of blood, 24 hour urine specimens, vaginal smears, and cervical mucus were obtained every 2 days preand post-menstrually and daily in mid-cycle. Endometrial biopsies were performed at the onset of or immediately before menstruation, and the basal body temperature was recorded. Data for 10 cycles were fed into a computer, and mean reciprocal relationships were determined. The results were: (1) All endometrial biopsies reflected the late secretory phase; (2) there was a simultaneous mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), and serum concentrations of FSH and LH were significantly lower in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase; (3) urinary peaks of estrone, estradiol and total estrogens occurred on the day before and that of estriol occurred on the day of the LH surge; (4) serum progesterone began to rise just before the LH peak, reached a high level 7 days after the LH peak, declined precipitately on Day 9, and rose again on Day 10, to decrease slowly until the onset of menstruation; (5) a significant relationship was observed between the LH peak and the basal body temperature; (6) urinary pregnanediol levels closely paralleled serum progesterone concentrations; (7) vaginal cytology revealed a karyopyknotic index peak the day following the LH peak; (8) properties of cervical mucus showed a remarkable relationship to the ovulatory estrogen peak.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology