Sperm banking has been recognized as an effective strategy to circumvent iatrogenic infertility and also retain the reproductive potential of adolescent and young adult males undergoing cancer therapy. However, the effect of long-term cryopreservation on the fertilization potential of sperm has been contentious. Now, a study performed by a group of Israeli researchers rules out any negative influence of prolonged storage in liquid nitrogen on the progressive motility concentration (PMC) of sperm. The results are published in the online issue of the journal Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

Any therapeutic intervention in reproductive biology must ensure complete protection of biological materials against a wide range of microorganisms. Liquid nitrogen (LN) used for cryostorage collects particulate contaminants from the atmosphere or container surface over a period of time, which could be a potential source of pathogenic microbes, including herpes, papova, hepatitis, and vesicular stomatitis virus. A new study suggests that storage of vitrified oocytes using the vapor-phase nitrogen systems serve as a safer alternative to the traditional LN storage tank, as it avoids the risk of cross-contamination, apart from retaining the developmental potential of these oocytes. The findings of the prospective randomized trial have been published in the latest issue of Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

Numerous studies have documented that the birth weight of IVF-conceived newborns is lower than those conceived naturally, possibly attributable to factors such as multiple gestations and various causes of female infertility. A new study reports that the type of culture medium used for in vitro culturing of the preimplantation embryos could also influence the birthweight of babies born through IVF. The findings of the study are published in the latest issue of the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

Several factors related to embryo culturing, including the procedure and incubation time for both the gametes and embryos, are reported to significantly affect IVF treatment outcomes. Two Independent studies have reported the development of two novel embryo culture systems, namely the tilting embryo culture system (TECS) and the microfluidic/microfunnel system, to mimic the in utero conditions in order to augment the development of the embryo and formation of blastocyst. Continue Reading

Vitrification, compared to conventional or slow freezing, is an effective technique for cryopreserving oocytes and embryos; however, its comparative efficacy in ovarian tissue cryopreservation is not proven. Now, a study published in the recent issue of the journal Reproduction reports that conventional freezing is more effective in the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, as it preserves greater developmental and proliferative potential. Continue Reading

Embryo implantation is predicted using various parameters such as follicle size, oocyte quality, endometrial thickness, and the estrogen levels on the day of hCG administration. Due to the multifactorial influence on successful implantation, a single independent predictor remains elusive. Now, a recent retrospective cohort study published online in Fertility and Sterility reports that the rate of fertilization is a robust independent predictor of successful implantation during ART. Continue Reading

There exists ample evidence on the possibility of cryopreservation negatively affecting sperm DNA integrity; however, its precise underlying mechanism is still much debated. Now, a recent study published in the online issue of the journal Human Reproduction, reports that cryopreservation-induced injury to sperm DNA is mediated primarily through oxidative stress rather than apoptosis. Continue Reading