Abstract From the beginning of the twenty-first century onwards, laboratories that offer human ART treatment or are involved in the handling of human gametes and/or tissue became subject to increasing…
Abstract After completing fertilization with fusion of the pronuclei during syngamy, the zygote now has a diploid complement of chromosomes, undergoes its first mitotic division and then continues to divide…
Abstract Mature human gametes ready for fertilization differ in their state of nuclear maturation: the spermatozoon has completed meiosis and the oocyte is arrested at metaphase II. However, both gametes…
Abstract Gametogenesis, embryo development, implantation and in-vitro culture involve numerous complex pathways and interactions at the cellular and molecular level; a true understanding of their significance requires fundamental knowledge of…
Abstract After a blastocyst has implanted in the uterus and begins to differentiate into the three primary germ layers, a special population of cells develops as primordial germ cells (PGCs)….
Abstract Transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) is the recommended method for assessing pregnancies in the first trimester. Transabdominal scanning can be performed if women are reluctant to have a TVS, but…
Abstract Synchrony is essential for gametogenesis and correct embryo development, and a basic knowledge of reproductive endocrinology is fundamental to understanding synchrony in reproductive physiology. Although sexual arousal, erection and…
Abstract Pelvic ultrasound remains the single most effective method for detection and characterization of adnexal masses . While transvaginal ultrasound provides optimal visualization, it has limited field of view; larger…
Abstract Doppler ultrasound imaging can be used to identify and assess blood vessels by producing a colour-coded map of Doppler shifts superimposed on a B-mode ultrasound image. The effect, first…
Abstract Assisted reproductive treatment (ART) has become the only hope for biologically own children for numerous infertile couples. It is estimated that 1.7–4.0 per cent of children born in developed…
