FOGSI Focus: Use of Adjuvants in Infertility

Book excerpt: Fertility specialists are constantly looking for ways to improve the chances of pregnancy through IVF or other assisted reproductive techniques (ART). ‘Adjuvant’ or ‘add-on’ therapies are procedures or medications which are added to IVF treatment to try and improve the chances of success. This book is a practical guide to the use of adjuvants in infertility for clinicians and trainees. Divided into ten sections, the text begins with an overview of the rational for additional therapy in IVF. The next section examines different types of adjuvant therapy and their pros and cons. Topics include medical nutrition therapy, neutraceuticals, antioxidants, micronutrients, and reactive oxygen species. Each of the following sections covers adjuvant use for improving a specific fertility issue – PCOS, ovarian reserve, uterine blood flow, endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and male subfertility. The final sections discuss the impact of thyroid autoimmunity on the outcome of ART, and the use of surgery as an adjuvant in infertility. Key points Practical guide to the use of adjuvants in infertility Covers various types of adjuvant and their use for different fertility issues Includes discussion on surgery as an adjuvant Highly illustrated with clinical photographs and diagrams