Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. It is often a perplexing medical condition for both the physician and the patient. The pathogenesis of endometriosis and its association with infertility remain controversial and poorly understood. The diagnosis of endometriosis may be suggested by careful history and pelvic examination; however, laparoscopy is considered the gold standard investigation for definitive diagnosis. Laparoscopic evaluation of endometriotic lesions and their histopathologic confirmation...

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) aims to apply the best available research evidence to clinical decision making, and to assess the strength of evidence of the risks and benefits of treatments and diagnostic tests. In this era of evidence-based health care, both clinicians and researchers need to master EBM in order to critically appraise the medical research articles, and to judge the implications and reliability of reported results. The purposes of this book are to discuss how to practice EBM, the various types of research designs, the basic process by which research studies are conducted, and...

The male reproductive system consists of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit, the testes, the reproductive tract, and the external genitalia. The functions of the male reproductive system are to produce and deliver spermatozoa, for sexual reproduction, and produce hormones that regulate reproductive function and secondary sex characteristics. Abnormalities in anatomic or physiologic function affect the development and delivery of spermatozoa, and potential fertility. Male factors are often the cause of a couple's failure to conceive, therefore, it is important to evaluate and treat the male...

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines normal birth as: spontaneous in onset, low-risk at the start of labor and remaining so throughout labor and delivery, the infant is born spontaneously in the vertex position between 37 and 42 completed weeks of pregnancy, and after birth, mother and infant are in good condition. Abnormal labor constitutes any findings that fall outside the accepted definition of normal labor. The three main factors associated with abnormal labor are the power (inadequate uterine contractions), the passage (abnormal pelvic anatomy), and the passenger (eg, macrosomia...

Medical education is the science related to the practice of teaching and learning in medicine. The ultimate aim of all stages of medical education - including basic medical education, postgraduate training, and continuing professional development - is to improve the medical care of the population. By using teaching and learning methods based on educational theories and principles, medical educators will become more effective teachers. This will enhance the development of knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes in their learners, and improve the next generation of teachers. Eventually, this...

Cesarean section (CS) is defined as the delivery of a fetus through surgical incisions made through the abdominal wall (laparotomy) and the uterine wall (hysterotomy). Currently, CS is performed for a variety of maternal indications, fetal indications, or both; the leading indications are previous CS, breech presentation, dystocia, and fetal distress. The steps for CS includes preoperative preparation, operative procedure (laparotomy, hysterotomy, fetal delivery, uterine repair, and abdominal closure), and postoperative care. Major sources of morbidity and mortality with CS can be related to...