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Gkeka K, Symeonidis EN, Tsampoukas G, Moussa M, Issa H, Kontogianni E, Almusafer M, Katsouri A, Mykoniatis I, Dimitriadis F, Papatsoris A, Buchholz N. Recurrent miscarriage and male factor infertility: diagnostic and therapeutic implications. A narrative review. Cent European J Urol 2023; 76:336-346. [PMID: 38230311 PMCID: PMC10789276 DOI: 10.5173/ceju.2023.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recurrent miscarriage is defined as 2 or more failed clinical pregnancies, typically known as repeated pregnancy loss, occurring before 20 gestational weeks, and further categorized into primary and secondary types. It represents a common and distressing condition to deal with in the field of reproductive medicine, usually affecting <5% of couples, with up to 50% of cases lacking a clearly defined aetiology. The epidemiology also varies depending on maternal age. Remarkably, the situation significantly afflicts expecting parents, whereas maternal factors, such as age and previous pregnancy loss rate, are commonly reported as risk factors. Although previously underestimated, existing evidence suggests the male factor is a possible cause of recurrent pregnancy loss. Material and methods A non-systematic literature review was conducted in the PubMed and Scopus databases for articles written in English investigating the possible association of the male factor in recurrent pregnancy loss. The eligible studies were synthesized in a narrative review format upon discussion and consensus among the authors after being previously independently assessed and selected. Results Lifestyle, obesity, genetic predisposition, chromosomal anomalies, endocrine dysfunction, anatomical abnormalities, immunological factors, infections, and oxidative stress can result in poor embryo development and recurrent miscarriage. Although professional organizations currently recognize male gender as a possible risk factor, specific recommendations on the diagnostic and therapeutic field are still lacking, and the condition necessitates a high level of suspicion and case-by-case management. Conclusions In this review, we delve deeper into the contribution of the male factor in the concept of recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiana Gkeka
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Evangelos N Symeonidis
- 1 Department of Urology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsampoukas
- U-merge Scientific Office, U-merge Ltd., London-Athens-Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Urology, Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Moussa
- Department of Urology, Al Zahraa Hospital, University Medical Centre, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Issa
- Department of Urology, Al Zahraa Hospital, University Medical Centre, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Murtadha Almusafer
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
| | - Antigoni Katsouri
- Department of Pharmacy, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Mykoniatis
- 1 Department of Urology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- 1 Department of Urology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- U-merge Scientific Office, U-merge Ltd., London-Athens-Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Noor Buchholz
- U-merge Scientific Office, U-merge Ltd., London-Athens-Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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