Chapter 2 – Reproductive Puberty
Abstract Puberty is a process in which a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction and involves physiologic, somatic, and constitutional changes associated with further development…
Chapter 1 – Development of Reproductive Systems at the Embryo Stage
Abstract The female and male reproductive tracts originate from the same embryonic/fetal tissue. The gonads and internal and external genitalia begin as bipotential tissues. The indifferent gonad consists of a…
Chapter 8 – Adjuvants in Assisted Reproduction
Abstract In this chapter, the evidence and use of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) add-ons in the UK is explored. In addition, the stance of professional and regulatory bodies is described….
Chapter 14 – The Organisation of Services and Quality Assurance in Fertility Practice
Abstract This chapter seeks to give an overview of the place of Quality Management (QM) in contemporary fertility practice. It provides the reader with an understanding of the terminology used…
Chapter 13 – Evidence-Based Reproductive Medicine
Abstract Evidence-based medicine is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence to make clinical decisions. Given the pace of progress in reproductive medicine, this has become an…
Chapter 9 – Laboratory Procedures for Assisted Reproduction
Abstract Successful assisted reproduction treatment is critically dependent on consistent laboratory performance. Each laboratory process, from collection of oocytes and preparation of sperm for use in fertilisation in vitro, through…
Chapter 12 – Managing Ethical Dilemmas in Reproductive Medicine
Abstract Medical Ethics is increasingly recognised to be central to Good Medical Practice and the field of reproductive medicine presents some of the most challenging and complex issues of any…
Chapter 11 – Third-Party Reproduction
Abstract Psychosocial support in fertility clinics or centres providing third-party reproduction has changed over time as reproductive techniques have developed; social norms, legal systems and counselling standards have evolved; and…
Chapter 10 – Fertility Preservation
Abstract Men, women and children with cancer and other fertility-threatening conditions now have the option to preserve fertility which is otherwise at risk. Sperm and embryo cryopreservation is established and…
Chapter 6 – Unexplained Infertility
Abstract Unexplained infertility refers to the inability to conceive within 12 months of unprotected intercourse, not attributable to any known causes of infertility such as ovulatory dysfunction, reduced sperm quality,…
