Fertility testing

Abstract: The rabbit is the smallest and least expensive laboratory animal in which serial semen samples can be obtained for morphologic, biochemical, and fertility evaluation. The female rabbit has a predictable reproductive cycle and can be artificially inseminated with a known amount of sperm during fertility testing. These advantages make the rabbit an extremely valuable model for studying the effects of chemicals or other stimuli on the male reproductive system. Quantitative evaluation of the testis, semen, and accessory reproductive organs is important in order to detect subtle effects of a chemical on reproductive capacity. Evaluation of testis size, serum hormone concentrations, and the number, morphology, motility, and fertility of sperm in the ejaculate can be performed serially in the live rabbit. Weights of testes and accessory reproductive organs, estimates of daily sperm production, and histomorphometric data on the seminiferous epithelium can be obtained after sacrifice. Multinucleated spermatids, focal tubular hypospermatogenesis, swelling of spermatocytes, and cytoplasmic vacuoles in Sertoli's cells occur commonly in testes of control rabbits. These changes may be confused with toxic lesions. The incidence of multinucleated spermatids may be increased by stress associated with handling or the environment. Histomorphometric evaluation may be required to prove that a test compound has an adverse effect on the male reproductive system.

Abstract: This Invention relates to a fertility analysis and reproductive health system that is applicable to both female and male mammals. In particular the Invention is a portable, handheld, integrated unit which can be manufactured out of plastic. The unit can be disposable for hygienic purposes, or cleaned or sterilized for repeated use as desired. The present Invention has numerous aspects. These aspects include: (1) A unique, immediate testing methodology employing any and all female fluids or secretions called Positive Fertility Testing, "PFT"; (2) The creation of a plastic, completely integrated, portable, self-contained and self-focusing Examination System which relies on a visual reference system making it language independent; (3) A Test Area Section with replaceable slides where different, specific wavelengths of light are employed; (4) The embodiment of compound test areas so that multiple Positive Fertility Tests may be conducted simultaneously; (5) Implementing the ability to immediately perform two or more Positive Fertility Tests simultaneously using different female fluids or secretions; (6) Providing a novel battery powered microprocessor system to automatically perform the Positive Fertility Testing; (7) The embodiment of the most accurate indicator of positive ovulation whereby the woman may pinpoint times of greatest fertility, thereby knowing the optimum time period for achieving pregnancy. Alternatively, the use of the Invention as a birth control device; or to identify hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles or infertility; introduce young women to their fertility cycle, sexuality and health; (8) The embodiment of a unique, immediate testing methodology employing male fluids and secretions, including saliva, semen and sperm for determining the reproductive health and fertility status of a male called Positive Male Fertility Testing, "PMFT".