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Garzia E, Galiano V, Guarnaccia L, Marfia G, Murru G, Guermandi E, Riparini J, Sulpizio P, Marconi AM. Basal serum level of Δ4-androstenedione reflects the ovaries' ability to respond to stimulation in IVF cycles: setting up a new reliable index of both ovarian reserve and response. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1917-1926. [PMID: 35759063 PMCID: PMC9428103 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adequate androgen levels are necessary for regular follicular growth, progression beyond the pre-antral stage, and prevention of follicular atresia. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether baseline androgen levels had a predictive value on stimulation outcomes in IVF cycles. The secondary purpose was to compare the possible predictive value of androgens with that of already known markers. METHODS The study included 91 infertile patients aged 30-45 years awaiting the first IVF cycle. All women underwent the same stimulation protocol and the same starting dose of recombinant FSH. As stimulation outcomes, the number of follicles recruited, estradiol and progesterone levels on the day of trigger, the total dose of gonadotropins administered, and the number of oocytes collected were recorded. Multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the significant predictive value of the variables for response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). By studying the reliability of different markers, an attempt was made to develop a single index with the highest predictive value. RESULTS Pearson's correlation revealed a statistically significant inverse correlation between oocytes collected and age (r = - 0.333, p < 0.001) and a positive correlation with AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) (r = 0.360, p < 0.001), antral follicle count (AFC) (r = 0.639, p < 0.001), and androstenedione (Δ4-A) (r = 0.359, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was reported with FSH (r = - 0.133, p = 0.207) and total testosterone (r = 0.180, p = 0.088). In COS good responders, the G-index (= AMH ng/mL*AFC/Δ4-A ng/dL) revealed a significantly higher level (p < 0.001) than AMH, AFC, and Δ4-A alone. CONCLUSION Baseline serum Δ4-A, presumably crucial for ensuring a regular follicular growth, is a reliable marker of ovarian response to stimulation. Since the ovarian capacity to respond to gonadotropins does not depend exclusively on the presence of follicles, we suggest a new index, the G-index, able to contemplate both the ovarian reserve and the Δ4-A level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Garzia
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 via di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso,” Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Galiano
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 via di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, San Carlo Borromeo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Guarnaccia
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marfia
- Istituto Di Medicina Aerospaziale “A. Mosso,” Aeronautica Militare, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Murru
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, ASST Rhodense, Ospedale G. Salvini, Garbagnate Milanese, Italy
| | - Ellade Guermandi
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 via di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy
| | - Jennifer Riparini
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 via di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Sulpizio
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 via di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Marconi
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Mother and Child, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Fàbregues F, Solernou R, Ferreri J, Guimerá M, Peralta S, Casals G, Peñarrubia J, Creus M, Manau D. Comparison of GnRH agonist versus luteal estradiol GnRH antagonist protocol using transdermal testosterone in poor responders. JBRA Assist Reprod 2019; 23:130-136. [PMID: 30614665 PMCID: PMC6501741 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20180090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Transdermal testosterone has been used in different doses and in different
stimulation protocols in poor responders. The aim of the present study is to
compare the luteal estradiol/GnRH antagonists protocol
versus long GnRH agonists in poor responder patients
according to the Bologna criteria, in which transdermal testosterone has
been used prior to the stimulation with gonadotropins. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, a total of 141 poor responder patients
according to the Bologna criteria were recruited. All patients were treated
with transdermal testosterone preceding ovarian stimulation with
gonadotropins during 5 days. In 53 patients we used the conventional
antagonist protocol (Group 1). In 88 patients (GrH pituitary suppression was
achieved by leuprolide acetate according to the conventional long protocol
(Group 2). We analyzed the ovarian stimulation parameters and IVF
outcomes. Results: Comparing groups 1 and 2, there were no significant differences between
cancellation rates and number of oocytes retrieved. However the total
gonadotropin dose used and the mean length of stimulation were significantly
lower in group 1 when compared to group 2. There were no significant
differences in pregnancy outcomes; however, there was a slight increase in
the implantation rate in group 1 vis-a-vis group 2, although statistical
significance was not achieved. Conclusion: TT in poor responder patients can be effective both with the conventional
agonist's long protocol and with the conventional antagonist's protocol.
However, short regimes with previous estradiol antagonists in the luteal
phase facilitate ovarian stimulation by shortening the days of treatment and
the consumption of gonadotropins
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Fàbregues
- Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON). Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Institut de Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS)
| | - Roser Solernou
- Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON). Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Institut de Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS)
| | - Janisse Ferreri
- Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON). Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Institut de Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS)
| | - Marta Guimerá
- Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON). Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Institut de Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS)
| | - Sara Peralta
- Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON). Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Institut de Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS)
| | - Gemma Casals
- Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON). Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Institut de Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS)
| | - Joana Peñarrubia
- Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON). Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Institut de Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS)
| | - Montserrat Creus
- Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON). Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Institut de Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS)
| | - Dolors Manau
- Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia y Neonatología (ICGON). Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Institut de Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS)
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Androgens and poor responders: are we ready to take the plunge into clinical therapy? Fertil Steril 2011; 96:1062-5. [PMID: 22036049 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review and summarize data from the scientific literature on the use of androgens to improve ovarian function. DESIGN Review of pertinent literature. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) Women exposed to androgens. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Critical review of the literature. RESULT(S) The artificial increase of intra-ovarian androgen concentrations constitutes an attractive concept for improving the deficient ovarian function of poor responders. Data from studies conducted in animals treated with high-dose androgens, together with observations made in hyperandrogenic women or female-to-male transsexuals receiving virilizing androgen doses, indicate that androgens may increase follicle responsiveness to FSH and/or the number of growing follicles in the ovary. Yet, definite clinical demonstration of such a concept still is not available. CONCLUSION(S) Current clinical approaches aiming at increasing androgen availability in the ovary showed conflicting results. Therefore, additional studies using proper strategies to achieving higher intra-ovarian androgen concentrations for longer intervals are required to define the clinical efficiency of androgens in poor responders.
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Roepke S, Ziegenhorn A, Kronsbein J, Merkl A, Bahri S, Lange J, Lübbert H, Schweiger U, Heuser I, Lammers CH. Incidence of polycystic ovaries and androgen serum levels in women with borderline personality disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2010; 44:847-52. [PMID: 20149393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Revised: 12/28/2009] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, increased visceral fat and disturbed glucose metabolism have been found in borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients. These conditions are often associated with disturbed androgen metabolism. Elevated androgens in women are related to polycystic ovaries (PCO) and might have an impact on psychopathology. Thus, higher prevalence of PCO and elevated androgen levels are suspected in BPD. In the study, we examined 31 BPD patients and 30 healthy controls ultrasonographically for PCO and measured their serum levels of androgens and interacting hormones. Furthermore, influence on psychopathology of free testosterone (FT) serum level was assessed. PCO was significantly more prevalent in BPD patients (30.4%) compared to healthy controls (6.9%). Testosterone, FT, androstenedione (A), and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) were significantly elevated in the BPD group independently of BMI. FT serum level significantly correlated with depressive symptoms. In summary, our data suggest a disturbed androgen metabolism in BPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Roepke
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Department of Psychiatry, Berlin, Germany.
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Matsumoto T, Shiina H, Kawano H, Sato T, Kato S. Androgen receptor functions in male and female physiology. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 109:236-41. [PMID: 18434134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2008.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The biological actions of androgens are mediated by transcriptional control of target genes through binding to the androgen receptor (AR). The AR belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily and acts as a ligand-inducible transcriptional factor. Androgens/AR system is thought to be central to male physiology and behaviors to the development of clinical pathology. The physiological importance of AR function currently recognized in female reproduction also has been verified in mouse genetic model. Here we review functions of AR in male and female physiology as revealed by mice lacking AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Matsumoto
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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Heidrich I, Haas JP, Riedel J, Vogelgesang S, Schröder C. Hirsutismus, tiefe Stimme und Klitorishypertrophie. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-007-1513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Cattrall FR, Vollenhoven BJ, Weston GC. Anatomical evidence for in utero androgen exposure in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril 2006; 84:1689-92. [PMID: 16359966 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2005] [Revised: 05/26/2005] [Accepted: 05/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have masculinized finger length patterns compared to women without PCOS. DESIGN A case control study. SETTING University teaching hospital and in vitro fertilization unit. PATIENT(S) Seventy women aged between 18 and 40 years with PCOS were compared to 70 women without PCOS. INTERVENTION(S) Measurement of the second to fourth finger length ratio on the ventral surface of the left and right hand from the basal crease of the digit to the tip was made using Vernier calipers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The second to fourth finger length ratio. RESULT(S) We found a significantly reduced ratio in the right hand of the women with PCOS compared to the controls. The geometric mean right finger length ratio in the PCOS group was 98.3% that of the controls (95% confidence interval, 99.3%-97.3%). CONCLUSION(S) Here we show a subtle difference in the finger length pattern of women with PCOS. This may constitute anatomical evidence of in utero androgen exposure in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleur R Cattrall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Shiina H, Matsumoto T, Sato T, Igarashi K, Miyamoto J, Takemasa S, Sakari M, Takada I, Nakamura T, Metzger D, Chambon P, Kanno J, Yoshikawa H, Kato S. Premature ovarian failure in androgen receptor-deficient mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 103:224-9. [PMID: 16373508 PMCID: PMC1324980 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0506736102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) syndrome, an early decline of ovarian function in women, is frequently associated with X chromosome abnormalities ranging from various Xq deletions to complete loss of one of the X chromosomes. However, the genetic locus responsible for the POF remains unknown, and no candidate gene has been identified. Using the Cre/LoxP system, we have disrupted the mouse X chromosome androgen receptor (Ar) gene. Female AR(-/-) mice appeared normal but developed the POF phenotype with aberrant ovarian gene expression. Eight-week-old female AR(-/-) mice are fertile, but they have lower follicle numbers and impaired mammary development, and they produce only half of the normal number of pups per litter. Forty-week-old AR(-/-) mice are infertile because of complete loss of follicles. Genome-wide microarray analysis of mRNA from AR(-/-) ovaries revealed that a number of major regulators of folliculogenesis were under transcriptional control by AR. Our findings suggest that AR function is required for normal female reproduction, particularly folliculogenesis, and that AR is a potential therapeutic target in POF syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Shiina
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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Cristello F, Cela V, Artini PG, Genazzani AR. Therapeutic strategies for ovulation induction in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 2005; 21:340-52. [PMID: 16390783 DOI: 10.1080/09513590500463360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by hirsutism, obesity, hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. The syndrome is often accompanied by infertility because of anovulation. Many approaches have been proposed to solve this problem, with the most commonly used therapies being ovarian drilling and pharmacological ovulation induction. Ovarian drilling is a procedure in which a laser fiber or electro-surgical needle punctures the ovary four to ten times. Side-effects are rare and often related to surgery itself. Pharmacological strategies include administration of metformin and insulin-sensitizing agents, clomiphene citrate (CC), gonadotropins and aromatase inhibitors. Metformin appears valuable in increasing ovulation rate, menstrual cyclicity and pregnancy rate. CC is an oral estrogen antagonist that raises circulating concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and induces follicular growth in most women with PCOS and anovulation. Failure to respond is associated with high body mass index and high androgen levels. Aromatase inhibitors mimic the central reduction of negative feedback through which CC works. Ovulation induction with recombinant FSH has proved successful, but treatment requires skill and experience to avoid multiple pregnancies and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The hypothetical deleterious effects of the high luteinizing hormone concentrations observed in PCOS patients seem to be related to the concomitant hyperinsulinemia (and/or insulin resistance). A thorough understanding of the syndrome and a careful assessment of each patient are the mainstays for choosing an appropriate treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cristello
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'S. Chiara' Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Magoffin DA. Ovarian theca cell. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2005; 37:1344-9. [PMID: 15833266 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2005.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2004] [Revised: 12/14/2004] [Accepted: 01/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Theca cells are the endocrine cells associated with ovarian follicles that play an essential role in fertility by producing the androgen substrate required for ovarian estrogen biosynthesis. Theca cells differentiate from the interfollicular stroma in response to proteins secreted from growing follicles. The most common endocrine cause of infertility is associated with excessive proliferation of theca cells and ovarian hyperandrogenism. Cell facts: -ovarian androgen-producing cells; -are associated only with developing follicles; -over-activity of theca cells causes infertility due to hyperandrogenism; -under-activity of theca cells causes infertility due to lack of estrogen. Theca cells: androgen-producing cells in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis A Magoffin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Davis 2066, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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Minge CE, Ryan NK, Van Der Hoek KH, Robker RL, Norman RJ. Troglitazone regulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and inducible nitric oxide synthase in murine ovarian macrophages. Biol Reprod 2005; 74:153-60. [PMID: 16192401 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.043729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARG) and PPAR-alpha (PPARA) control metabolic processes in many cell types and act as anti-inflammatory regulators in macrophages. PPAR-activating ligands include thiazolidinediones (TZDs), such as troglitazone, once frequently used to treat insulin resistance as well as symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Since macrophages within the ovary mediate optimal follicle development, TZD actions to improve PCOS symptoms are likely to be partly mediated through these specifically localized immune cells. In mouse ovary, PPARG protein was expressed in granulosa cells and in isolated cells localized to theca, stroma, and corpora lutea, consistent with EMR1+ macrophages. Isolation of immune cells (EMR1+ or H2+) showed that Pparg and Ppara were expressed in ovarian macrophages at much higher levels than in peritoneal macrophages. Ovulatory human chorionic gonadotropin downregulated expression of Pparg and Ppara in EMR1+ ovarian macrophages, but no hormonal responsiveness was observed in H2+ cells. Downstream anti-inflammatory effects of PPARG activation were analyzed by in vitro treatment of isolated macrophages with troglitazone. Interleukin-1 beta (Il1b) expression was not altered, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf) expression was affected in peritoneal macrophages only. In ovarian macrophages, inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2), an important proinflammatory enzyme that regulates ovulation, was significantly reduced by troglitazone treatment, an effect that was restricted to cells from the preovulatory ovary. Thus, expression of PPARs within ovarian macrophages is hormonally regulated, reflecting the changing roles of these cells during the ovulatory cycle. Additionally, ovarian macrophages respond directly to troglitazone to downregulate expression of proinflammatory Nos2, providing mechanistic information about ovarian effects of TZD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cadence E Minge
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia 5011, Australia
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Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition characterised by menstrual abnormalities and clinical or biochemical features of hyperandrogenism. Features of PCOS may manifest at any age, ranging from childhood (premature puberty), teenage years (hirsutism, menstrual abnormalities), early adulthood and middle life (infertility, glucose intolerance) to later life (diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease). While pelvic ultrasound examination is useful, many women without PCOS have polycystic ovaries; ultrasound evidence is not necessary for the diagnosis. Testing for glucose intolerance and hyperlipidaemia is wise, especially in obese women, as diabetes mellitus is common in PCOS. Lifestyle changes as recommended in diabetes are fundamental for treatment; addition of insulin-sensitising agents (eg, metformin) may be valuable in circumstances such as anovulatory infertility. Infertility can be treated successfully in most women by diet and exercise, clomiphene citrate with or without metformin, ovarian drilling, or ovulation induction with gonadotrophins; in-vitro fertilisation should be avoided unless there are other indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Norman
- Adelaide University, Reproductive Medicine Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA.
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