• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.7 no.1_2
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• pp.11-20
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• 1980

Hysterosalpingograms (H.S.G.) have been done for several decades to determine causative factors in female infertility. However, the H.S.G. only reverals uterine cavity and tubal patency or inpatency. The author prefers to find more details in regard to the status and condition of the female reproductive organs and their surrounding tissue as they pertain to infertility. H.S.G. in combination with laparoscopic examination reveals the following results. Preparation and method of performance of H.S.G. during laparoscopy in a healthy reproductive age women are as follows. When laparoscopy is not contraindicated, NPO is ordered with routine bowel preparation. Analgesics administered by injection prior to procedure are valium 10mgs and pethidine 50-100mgs. The radiographic procedure is the same as for any HSG technique. During laparoscopy a solution of 3 to 10 ccs. of 60% hypaque sodium is used. Fluroscopic scout films are obtained A-P and oblique views as well as a delayed check film. 1. Age distribution of primary and secondary infertility in this studies involving tubal factors was as follows: 20-29 age group showed 46% incidence and in the 30-39 age group, 50% incidence. Duration of infertility in this study group was the following: 1-2 years showed 26.7%, 3-5 years 53.8%, and 6-9 years 13.3%. 2. Indications of laparoscopic examination were as follows: Secondary infertility in 35% of the cases, obscure tubal occlusion on previous H.S.G. in 25%, unknown origin in 11.7%, and the remaining cases included pelvic pain, small masses, dysmenorrhea, and uterine anomaly. The laparoscopic examination showed clearly the reproductive organs and the surrounding tissues in the pelvic cavity. The abnormal tubal findings there revealed were tuberculous salpingitis and hydrosalpinx in 10% each, endometriosis and peritubabl adhesions in 6.7% each, biconuate uterus in 3.3%. The remaining 58.3% of the cases showed normal findings. Laparoscopic observation for possible myoma nodules, streak ovary, and peritubal adhesions was also done at this time. 3. Comparative tubal findings in combined H.S.G. and laparoscopic examination revealed the following. Bilateral tubal occlusion was present in 14% (7cases) on laparoscopic examination but on H.S.G. 38% (19 cases) were noted. However, tubal occlusion and peritubal adhesions were found in 26% (13 cases) upon laparoscopy and only 8% (4 cases) on H.S.G. examination alone. Normal pelvic findings were present in 60% (27 cases).

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.659-677
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• 2020

Leonurus japonicus (L. japonicus) Houtt., a biennial plant in the Lamiaceae family is broadly distributed in Asia such as Korea, China, Japan. The aerial part of L. japonicus is used as a traditional medicine to treat uterine disease including dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, sterility. In this study, we examined the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of L. japonicus ethanol extracts. The antioxidant activity of L. japonicus was measured by total polyphenol and flavonoid content, and DPPH, ABTS scavenging, reducing power activity, and intracellular ROS expression assay. The anti-inflammatory effects were measured by nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) production and inflammatory protein expression in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Total polyphenol and flavonoid content of L. japonicus were 51.40 ± 0.47 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g and 73.28 ± 0.10 mg of rutin equivalents/g respectively. DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity and reducing power activity tended to increase concentration-dependent and treatment L. japonicus with 400 ㎍/mL reduced ROS production by 69.5%. Furthermore, L. japonicus inhibited NO, TNF-α and IL-1β production in a concentration-dependant manner and reduced the expression levels of inflammatory proteins via regulating NF-κB, MAPK pathway. Therefore, we suggest that L. japonicus could be a natural antioxidants and medicinal source to treat oxidative stress and inflammation-related disease.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.37-47
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the current characteristics and prescriptions of outpatients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Methods: We searched medical records from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and found out 31 patients who first visited with PCOS. Results: The average age of PCOS patients was $26.48{\pm}5.15years$ old, average height was $162.16{\pm}5.56cm$, average weight was $55.27{\pm}9.34kg$, and average BMI was $21.01{\pm}3.48kg/m^2$ A total of 24 patients who had received western treatment for PCOS in the past, 13 people received oral contraceptions, 4 hormones, 2 metformin, one hormone and metformin, also 4 people were treated for assisted reproductive technologies due to infertility. There were only two patients who combined Korean and Western treatments. The most common menstrual-related symptoms of PCOS patients were oligomenorrhea (48.4%) and dysmenorrhea (22.6%). Other symptoms were the highest in the cold symptoms (54.8%), followed by infertility (9.7%). The average number of patients visiting the hospital was $6.26{\pm}7.2$, with 22 (71.0%) coming from 1 to 5. The average treatment period for patients was $10.1{\pm}10.8weeks$, with 41.9% the largest for 1 to 4 weeks. Acupuncture (93.5%), moxibustion (96.8%) herbmed (96.8%) was treated to most PCOS patients. The most commonly used herbal medicines were Ongyeong-tang (35.5%), Ijin-tang-gami (19.4%), Dodam-tang-gami (12.9%), and Jogyeongjongok-tang-gami (12.9%). Conclusions: These results could be helpful to treat PCOS patients in Korean gynecologic clinical fields.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.175-191
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the medical record of eight cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a local Korean medicine clinic, in order to provide evidence on Korean medicine treatment of PCOS and to suggest the direction of future studies. Methods: The medical records of eight cases diagnosed with PCOS based on 2003 Rotterdam Criteria and whose total testosterone level was 0.53 ng/ml and over were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was total testosterone level, and the secondary outcomes included luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, LH/FSH ratio, weight, last mentrual period (LMP), numerical rating scale (NRS) score of dysmenorrhea, and other associated symptoms pre- and post-treatment. Korean medicine treatment consists of the complex herbal prescription consisting of Yukmijihwang-tang, Baekho-tang, Daesiho-tang, and Gyejibokryeong-hwan, modified according to symptoms; acupuncture and electroacupuncture on 中脘 (CV12), 下脘 (CV10), 關元 (CV4), 石門 (CV5), 合谷 (LI4), 太衝 (LR3), 三陰交 (SP6), and 懸鍾 (GB39); and indirect moxibustion on 神闕 (CV8). Results: The average total testosterone level lowered statistically significantly after the treatment. The average FSH and LH levels lowered with insignificance, while the average LH/FSH ratio and weight lowered statistically significantly. During the treatment period of three to six months, every patient had the menstrual cycle shortened except for one case; and two cases with infertility problem succeeded in being pregnant. There was no adverse event. Conclusions: The Korean medicine treatment was found effective in treating PCOS, especially regarding hyperandrogenism, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, and infertility.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2006

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between severity of endometriosis and the incidence of endometrial polyp. Methods: The study population consisted of six hundred thirty-one women who had undergone laparoscopic operation due to infertility, severe dysmenorrhea or ovarian tumors. We divided two groups: 434 women with endometriosis (study group) and 197 women without the disease (control group). The presence of endometriosis was documented by diagnostic or therapeutic laparoscopic operation and the disease severity was scored according to revised The American Fertility Society classification. We confirmed the endometrial polyps by pathologic examination after hysteroscopic polypectomy, and compared endometrial polyp incidence according to severity of endometriosis. Results: There was no significant difference between groups with regard to age, mean duration of infertility. Endometrial polyps were found in 274 women (63.0%) with endometriosis and in 58 controls (29.8%, p=0.0000). The incidence of endometrial polyps differed significantly according to stage of endometriosis. The incidence of endometrial polyps were 77/142 (54.2%), 58/90 (64.4%), 73/108 (67.6%, p<0.05), 66/94 (70.2%, p<0.05) in endometriosis stage I, II, III, and IV. There was a linear correlation between stage of endometriosis and endometrial polyps incidence (p=0.008). Conclusion: Endometriosis is accompanied by endometrial polyps. This results showed positive correlation between severity of the endometriosis and incidence of endometrial polyps. It is the possible mechanism for low pregnancy rate in the severe endometriosis.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.61-71
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• 1999

Objective : The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the premenstrual changes and stress perception in women with premenstrual changes($PMC^+$)(n=32) and those without premenstrual changes($PMC^-$)(n=62) by using prospective method. Method : The women who were older than 30 years of age and healthy were asked to complete a daily rating form based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for one menstrual cycle to assess the changes of psychological and physical symptoms across the menstrual cycle. They also completed 5-point likert scale to assess the perception of stress. Percent changes method was used to assess changes between follicular phase and luteal phase. Results : 1) No significant differences were found in demographic factors(age, education, marriage, employment) and risk factors(onset ages of menarche, regularities of premenstrual changes, duration of menstruation, cycle length, amount of menstruation, dysmenorrhea) between women with and without premenstrual changes. 2) There was a significant difference in mean luteal phase stress score between women with($1.92\pm0.63$) and without premenstrual changes($1.51\pm0.42$)(p<0.05). However no difference was found in mean follicular phase stress score between two groups($PMC^+$ : $1.67\pm0.43$, $PMC^-$ : $1.33\pm0.39$). 3) We divided women having premenstrual changes into two groups, higher stress group(stress score > 1.75(median)) and the lower stress group(stress score <1.75(median)). The higher stress group reported more luteal psychological symptoms than did the lower stress group(df=1, F=13.362, p<0.001). However, the groups did not differ in physical symptoms. Conclusion : In women with premenstrual changes, luteal stress score was higher than follicular stress score and this result suggested tha the perception of stress was related to psychological symptoms but not physical symptoms. These findings suggested that premenstrual change is associated with the stress level, and that it is important to manage the stress which is focused on the management of psychological symptom in the treamtment of prementrual syndrome.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.77-82
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• 2008

Objective: This study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) myolysis under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. Methods: Transvaginal RF myolysis had been performed in one hundred nine women with uterine leiomyoma at Chung-Ang University hospital between Dec. 2004 and Mar. 2007. All patients, mean aged $42.8{\pm}5.8$ years, desired their uterine conservation. Patients underwent physical examination, transvaginal pelvic ultrasound for measurement of the lesions preoperatively. Follow up was done at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months after RF myolysis by same physician and measurement of size and volume of myoma and improvement of myoma specific symptoms such as menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea were checked at each visit. Results: The mean maximal diameter of myomas treated by RF myolysis was $6.1{\pm}0.5\;cm$ and average time of the procedure was $16.3{\pm}8.5$ minutes. A significant decrease of myoma size and volume was observed at 1 month after myolysis. Mean reduction in maximal diameter was $29.9{\pm}4.8%$ at 1 week (p<0.001), $41.5{\pm}1.5%$ at 1 month (p=0.05), $46.2{\pm}3.9%$ at 3 months (p=0.003), $54.6{\pm}6.1%$ at 6 months (p<0.001) after RF myolysis respectively. Mean reduction in volume was $44.4{\pm}8.3%$ (p=0.001), $68.1{\pm}4.2%$ (p=0.035), 73.9$73.9{\pm}4.8%$ (p=0.042), $84.5{\pm}5.1%$ (p<0.001) at the same follow up period respectively. Significant improvement of symptom was observed at 3 months after RF myolysis. Transient low abdominal pain and prolonged vaginal bleeding were detected in 3 patients each but spontaneously resolved and no serious complication has been noticed or found. Conclusion: This study shows transvaginal RF myolysis could be a safe and effective method to treat uterine leiomyoma, allowing uterine conservation with significant volume reduction and rapid return to normal activity.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.44-54
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• 2013

Objectives : To investigate the frequency and clinical characteristics of premenstrual syndrome(PMS)/premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD) in high school students, and determine the correlates of PMS/PMDD in association with comorbid depression and anxiety. Methods : A total of 1688 students were recruited from 5 high schools in Seoul, Korea. Subjects completed the questionnaire composed of scales to measure premenstrual symptoms, depression, and anxiety, as well as sociodemographic and reproductive variables. Subjects were categorized into 3 groups by using the Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool(PSST) to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of PMS/PMDD. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the correlates of PMS/PMDD. Results : The frequency of moderate to severe PMS and PMDD was 20.1% and 6.4%, respectively. Irritability(78.8%), fatigue(76.4%), and emotional sensitivity(69.8%) were common premenstrual symptoms, and functional impairment in academic performance(67.1%) was dominant. Dysmenorrhea[odd ratio(OR)=3.68, 95% confidence interval(CI) 2.45-5.55], family history of PMS(OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.35-2.71), and use of oral contraceptive (OR=1.85, 95% CI 1.16-2.94) were associated with the increased risk of PMS/PMDD after adjustment for depression and anxiety. Negative attitude to menses(OR=15.60, 95% CI 3.61-67.42) was associated with the increased risk of PMS/PMDD, particularly in subjects without depression and anxiety. Conclusions : PMS was common, as the frequency of PMS more than moderate severity including PMDD exceeded 25%, and disrupted daily functioning in adolescents. PMS is associated with various sociodemographic and menstrual characteristics, and these associations are affected by comorbid depression and anxiety.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.51-66
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• 1968

During a period of about one year(November '66 to December '67), the Yonsei University College of Medicine conducted a field trial of the oral contraceptive(Ovulen) in order to study its acceptability and use-effectiveness among IUD drop-outs in Koyang county. We can summarize the outstanding findings from this investigation as follows; 1. 61.4% of the IUD drop-outs interviewed (911 women) wanted to use the pill. Most of the reasons for not wanting to use it(352 women) pertained to either use of other contraceptive methods(98) or subfecundity(150) following IUD terminations. Only 83 out of 911 women gave reasons related to the difficulty of obtaining pills. Therefore, we can state that most IUD drop-outs if still in need of a contraceptive methods are in favor of trying the pill, and especially so if this method is conveniently available. 2. The 467 women or 37% of those who terminated IUD use actually visited the clinic for medical screening, and only 11 of them or 2.4% were rejected because of pregnancy and other medical reasons such as cervical erosion, myoma, breast mass, etc. 5.5% or 25 of the 456 women who received the first cycle did not take a single pill during the study period. 3. When we defined those 431 women who accepted and took one or more tablets we found that women over age 30, with 4 or more children, and/or with a higher educational level were the best prospects for recruitment. 4. In accuracy of use, about two thirds of the users started taking the pill on the 5 th day as directed for the first three cycles, but the percentages rose sharply to about 80% in later cycles. Tardiness in starting pill use in the first cycle may have occurred partly because they had to return to the clinic monthly to get each new cycle. Among acceptors who did not quit between cycles, 80 to 90% were regular users, missing two or less tablets in each cycle. 5) More than 60% of the users felt well and sometimes lost their pre-acceptance symptoms. especially dysmenorrhea. However, 27.4% (58 women) had side effects attributable to the pill compund as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, breast tenderness, decreased lactation or breakthrough bleeding. 25.0% (53 women) also complained of medical diseases or symptoms not related to the pill, especially during the first three cycles. However, as the confidence and experience of the client and the field workers grew, the incidence of unrelated medical complaints quickly fell to a lower level in the later cycles. 6. As of the end of this study, on December 31, 1967, 49.2% (212 women) had discontinued the use of the pill for medical reasons as well as for the non medical reasons. Only one case terminated use due to a pregnancy after taking pills. The cumulative continuation rates (by the life table method), were 58.9%, 51.9%, 41.0% at the end of 3 months, 6 months and one year, respectively. These rates are lower than in the U.S. studies. Even when we add the retaking group to the first segment, the continuation rate goes up only about 5% above the first segment rates mentioned above. Possible explanations are different dosages, the newerness of the method and the use of only one point for pill distribution in the country together with a monthly return for cycle 1, 2, 3, and 4-6.