Ashok Agarwal

The first book to take an integrative approach to the treatment of male infertility issues, this easily digestible guide uses graphics and visual aids to help explain key concepts in diagnosis, anatomy and treatment from a Western and Chinese medicine perspective. Dr Olivia Pojer, a Western medical doctor and Chinese medicine practitioner, uses a dual approach to the largely unexplored treatment of male infertility. The book covers common causes of the topic, the microbiome of the testes, and how to encourage better sperm production. It also includes chapters on nutraceuticals and laser therapy, as well as herbal formulas and acupuncture protocols to implement in clinical practice, along with Chinese medical lifestyle and nutrition. Addressing the so-called male factor in reproduction and its underrepresentation in treatment, this book provides a complete overview for acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners treating male infertility issues.

This Brief explores the use of proteomics as a tool for biomarker discovery in human reproduction and summarizes current findings and trends of proteomic studies in both male and female infertility. This simplifies this important but complex topic and equips the novice reader with sufficient background information on the use of proteomics in human reproduction. The up-to-date scenario on proteomic investigations will also appeal to researchers and post graduate students looking to keep abreast with the latest developments in reproductive research. This review summarizes current findings of contemporary proteomic studies on infertility in both males and females with various reproductive pathologies, and its use in predicting the outcome of assisted reproduction. In human reproduction, the search for biomarkers via proteomics is a fast-evolving approach that involves the analysis of proteins in the reproductive tissues and fluids, such as the male gametes, seminal plasma, ovarian and endometrial tissue, and follicular and uterine fluid. By comparing the protein profile of a healthy, fertile individual against that of an infertile individual, the differentially expressed proteins may give an indication to certain proteins that could serve as useful biomarkers that are related to infertility. As proteomic studies continue to unravel the dynamic proteome behind various infertility conditions, there is potential for the discovery of prognostic markers that could ultimately help in both natural and assisted human reproduction.

This SpringerBrief analyzes varicocele from a novel approach, and provides the reader with a comprehensive view of its scientific and clinical significance. The Brief covers all the important aspects of varicocele related to infertility, from epidemiology to assisted reproduction techniques, contemplating pathophysiology, semen analysis, specialized sperm function tests, and clinical management including all available treatment options form three distinct perspectives, i.e., current concepts, consensus and controversies. Each topic is addressed using the same template, offering the best information from all angles to readers. This SpringerBrief is aimed at both clinicians and scientists involved in the study and care of male and female fertility, and is written by a team of three internationally recognized authors with expertise in andrology and male infertility. The text is the first of its kind, and presents an invaluable tool both for the basic scientists with an interest in reproductive medicine and for clinicians working in the field of infertility.

This SpringerBrief provides an update on endometriosis research -- from the underlying mechanisms, predisposing factors, role of environmental pollutants, treatment options, impact on quality of life, and biomarkers, to emerging treatment modalities in order to help clinicians to pursue a patient-centered approach in managing the disease. This book provides clinicians with a better insight into early diagnosis and management of endometriosis. It explores the possible identification of proteins in different types of endometriosis diseases and at different stages of the progression. This may aid in the discovery of potential biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis of these diseases. The ability to identify a protein, common between women of different races, ages and in different regions of the world will hopefully contribute to improving women’s health worldwide.

This book discusses the various antioxidants that are in use to overcome oxidative stress in an assisted reproduction setting. Antioxidant therapies may range from enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, either alone or in combination. While no one antioxidant regime has been identified as effective in improving fertilization and pregnancy rates, antioxidant supplementation has been shown to defend sperm cells from lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to DNA, and thus improve pregnancy rates. The prevention of oxidative stress and its consequent damage is imperative to ensure a successful outcome of the in vitro fertilization procedure and embryo transfer. Strategies that could be employed to minimize or prevent the detrimental effects of OS during assisted reproduction include supplementation with various types of antioxidants.

This book is a comprehensive guide to recent advances in the diagnosis and management of male infertility. Divided into six sections, it begins with an introduction to physiology, followed by diagnostic evaluation. The following chapters provide in depth coverage of treatment options for different infertility disorders, including medical and surgical options, intrauterine insemination (IUI) and assisted reproduction (ART). Written by an extensive editor and author team of experts from the US, Canada, the UK and Europe, this invaluable reference also includes more than 200 images, illustrations and tables. Key points Comprehensive guide to recent advances in diagnosis and management of male infertilityCovers various treatment options – medical and surgical management, IUI and ARTExtensive editor and author team from US, Canada, the UK and EuropeIncludes more than 200 images, illustrations and tables

This workbook is a compilation of information gained at the 2011 training workshop "Human Spermatozoa and Assisted Conception". Written by international experts in assisted reproductive technologies, each chapter provides practical information, step by step procedures and protocols, supplies and equipment, and references.