M. Tech. / Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a minimum of one year of regular intercourse without contraception (Carlson et al, 2002). This may occur as primary infertility, where individuals have never had a biological child, or secondary infertility where individuals have had at least one previous documented conception (Greer et al, 2003). Infertility, in the African setting, is seen as a violation of the social norm. It contributes to psychological distress and marital instability as well as the loss of social security, social status and gender identity. Parenthood is considered culturally mandatory making childlessness unacceptable. Not only does Africa have the highest fertility rates in the world, Africa also has the highest number of infertility cases globally (Dyer et al, 2005; Ragone & Twine, 2000). Unexplained infertility is diagnosed when the routine investigation of semen analysis, tubal patency and assessment of ovulation show no abnormality and the couple have engaged in regular sexual intercourse. Unexplained infertility is thus a diagnosis of exclusion. When a previously identified cause of infertility is corrected, yet infertility persists a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is also given (Behrman et al, 1988). Before a diagnosis of unexplained infertility can be made four aspects are generally assessed. Each aspect encompasses a different aspect of the reproductive process: the number and quality of sperm, maturation and release of the ova, barriers to fertilization and barriers to implantation and maintenance of pregnancy (Cooper-Hilbert, 1999). The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic similimum treatment in females pre-diagnosed with unexplained infertility using case studies. Cases were evaluated using fertility and parameters related to fertility which include basal body temperatures and midcycle cervical mucous changes. In addition, general parameters such as general well-being, premenstrual symptoms, dysmenorrhoea and sexual function were also evaluated. Concomitant symptoms were included in the analysis of each participant’s holistic case. The male partner was also required to be free of any structural and functional pathology.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 365-392). Also available in print.

Thesis (M.A.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2001. / Bibliography: leaves 141-152.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [161]-180).

No description available.

<p>About 30 % of all infertile couples suffer from infertility of an unexplained cause. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a glycoprotein produced by the endometrium and is an important cytokine in the implantation process. LIF exerts its biological functions through heterodimerization of its two receptors: LIF receptor (LIFR) and gp130. Point mutations in the LIF gene have been associated with female infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes of LIFR and gp130 could cause reduced fertility in women. To this end, 115 samples from women diagnosed with unexplained infertility and 191 samples from fertile women were studied. Three SNPs in the gp130 gene and two SNPs in the LIFR gene were analyzed using real-time PCR. One significant difference and a tendency to difference were detected in the gp130 gene for women with unexplained infertility. There were no differences in the LIFR gene variations. In conclusion, polymorphisms in gp130, and thereby disturbances in the LIF pathway, could be one cause for infertility in women diagnosed with unexplained infertility.</p>

About 30 % of all infertile couples suffer from infertility of an unexplained cause. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a glycoprotein produced by the endometrium and is an important cytokine in the implantation process. LIF exerts its biological functions through heterodimerization of its two receptors: LIF receptor (LIFR) and gp130. Point mutations in the LIF gene have been associated with female infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes of LIFR and gp130 could cause reduced fertility in women. To this end, 115 samples from women diagnosed with unexplained infertility and 191 samples from fertile women were studied. Three SNPs in the gp130 gene and two SNPs in the LIFR gene were analyzed using real-time PCR. One significant difference and a tendency to difference were detected in the gp130 gene for women with unexplained infertility. There were no differences in the LIFR gene variations. In conclusion, polymorphisms in gp130, and thereby disturbances in the LIF pathway, could be one cause for infertility in women diagnosed with unexplained infertility.

No description available.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--Acadia University, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-162). Also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.Nurs.)--University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-118). Also available in print.