Syllabus for Master’s in Infertility and IVF

1. Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology

Male and female reproductive anatomy

Endocrine regulation of reproduction

Gametogenesis: spermatogenesis and oogenesis

Menstrual cycle: hormonal regulation and ovulation

Fertilization, implantation, and early embryonic development

2. Infertility Pathophysiology

Male infertility: causes, diagnostics, and management

Female infertility: ovulatory dysfunction, tubal and uterine factors

Endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other gynecological conditions

Immunological factors in infertility

Genetic factors and infertility (karyotyping, Y-chromosome microdeletion)

Unexplained infertility: causes and diagnosis

3. Diagnostic Techniques in Infertility

Clinical evaluation and detailed history taking in infertile couples

Semen analysis and sperm function tests (sperm motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation)

Ovulatory function assessment: basal body temperature, LH surge detection, hormonal assays (FSH, LH, AMH, progesterone)

Imaging techniques: pelvic ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosalpingography (HSG)

Advanced diagnostics: laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy

Genetic testing and screening for infertility (chromosomal analysis, CFTR mutations)

4. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Overview

History and evolution of ART

Types of ART: IVF, ICSI, and IUI

Indications for ART: tubal factor, male factor infertility, unexplained infertility

Success rates and factors affecting ART outcomes

5. Ovulation Induction and Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation

Pharmacological agents: clomiphene citrate, letrozole, gonadotropins (FSH, LH, hCG)

Ovulation induction protocols: natural cycle, antagonist protocol, long and short protocols

Monitoring ovarian response: follicular tracking with ultrasound, estradiol and progesterone levels

Prevention and management of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

6. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF procedure: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm preparation, fertilization, and embryo transfer

Protocols for IVF stimulation: conventional, mild, and minimal stimulation IVF

Oocyte retrieval techniques: transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration

Insemination techniques: conventional IVF vs. ICSI

Embryo culture: cleavage stage, blastocyst culture

Embryo transfer: day 3 vs. day 5 transfer, single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Luteal phase support after embryo transfer

7. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Indications for ICSI: severe male factor infertility, previous fertilization failure

ICSI technique: sperm selection, injection into oocyte

Factors affecting ICSI outcomes: sperm quality, oocyte maturity

Post-ICSI embryo development and assessment

8. Andrology and Sperm Preparation Techniques

Sperm retrieval techniques: testicular sperm extraction (TESE), microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA)

Sperm preparation techniques for ART: swim-up method, density gradient centrifugation

Sperm cryopreservation: techniques and indications

Sperm quality assessment post-thawing

9. Embryology and Embryo Culture

Oocyte handling and culture conditions

Embryo grading and selection: cleavage stage vs. blastocyst stage

Embryo culture systems: single-step and sequential media

Assisted hatching: indications and techniques

Time-lapse imaging and embryo monitoring

Quality control in IVF laboratories

10. Cryopreservation Techniques

Vitrification: protocol for oocytes, embryos, and blastocysts

Slow freezing vs. vitrification

Cryopreservation of sperm, oocytes, and embryos

Fertility preservation for cancer patients: cryopreservation of gametes and embryos

Thawing and post-thawing handling of gametes and embryos

11. Third-Party Reproduction

Donor gametes: oocyte and sperm donation programs

Embryo donation: indications and protocols

Surrogacy: legal, ethical, and medical considerations

Regulations surrounding third-party reproduction

12. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Indications for PGT: genetic disorders, aneuploidy screening

PGT techniques: biopsy, genetic analysis (FISH, PCR, NGS)

Ethical considerations and genetic counseling in PGT

Impact of PGT on IVF success rates and pregnancy outcomes

13. Management of Infertility-Related Complications

Management of multiple pregnancies in ART

Ectopic pregnancy in IVF: diagnosis and management

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): risk factors, prevention, and treatment

Management of pregnancy loss in ART cycles

14. Ethical and Legal Aspects in ART

Legal frameworks governing ART in different countries

Ethical issues in infertility treatments: multiple embryo transfer, sex selection, cloning

Informed consent in ART procedures

Counseling patients on ethical dilemmas and legal concerns

15. Psychological and Emotional Support in Infertility

Psychological impact of infertility on couples

Counseling strategies for ART patients

Coping mechanisms for stress and emotional well-being during infertility treatment

Role of support groups and psychological counseling in ART programs

16. Research and Advances in Reproductive Medicine

Stem cell research in infertility and reproduction

Advances in ovarian and uterine transplantation

Emerging trends in fertility preservation (e.g., ovarian tissue cryopreservation)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in reproductive medicine and IVF

Latest developments in reproductive genetics and molecular biology

17. Laboratory Management and Quality Control

Quality assurance protocols in IVF laboratories

Equipment calibration and maintenance in ART labs

Risk management in clinical and laboratory settings

Embryology lab certification and accreditation standards

18. Clinical Internship and Practical Training

Hands-on training in ART procedures: oocyte retrieval, ICSI, embryo transfer

Observational rotations in IVF clinics: case management, lab techniques

Simulation-based practice of infertility diagnostic techniques

Research project or thesis on a relevant topic in infertility and IVF

This detailed syllabus offers a comprehensive understanding of infertility and ART, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in reproductive medicine and IVF technology.