Opinions vary on the importance of polar body morphology in predicting fertilization and embryo development. Most contemporary publications propose that fragmented polar body is not prognostic for oocyte fertilization or embryo development. However, a recent study demonstrates that the fertilization probability of an oocyte with fragmented polar bodies is far less compared to an oocyte with normal polar bodies.
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The prognosis of successful IVF outcomes in women with low ovarian response fulfilling the Bologna criteria is very poor. A recent retrospective pilot trial reports that corifollitropin alfa followed by highly purified human menopausal gonadotrophin (hp-HMG) in a GnRH antagonist protocol results in promising pregnancy rates in poor ovarian responders fulfilling the Bologna criteria. However, these results were seen only in poor ovarian responders <40 years of age.
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Microbial colonization of the female upper genital tract even in the absence of symptomatic infection has been well documented in previous trials. A recent study demonstrates that the presence of microbes in the follicular fluid collected at the time of transvaginal oocyte retrieval adversely affects the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy.
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A recent retrospective study demonstrates that use of oral contraceptives with high androgenic progestin suppresses functional ovarian reserve and oocyte yields in young oocyte donors. Accordingly, researchers highlight the need for reevaluating the routine practice of using oral contraceptives prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
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Sperm selection based on visual assessment alone has been speculated to be insufficient to identify sperm DNA integrity, which may play a major role in determining the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. A recent, prospective, stratified, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial reports the benefits of utilizing the hyaluronan binding phenomenon for sperm selection in comparison to visual assessment alone in ICSI cycles. Researchers demonstrate that selection of hyaluronan-bound (HB) sperm in couples with a hylauronan-binding sperm proportion of ≤65% results in significant reduction in pregnancy loss rates.
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Previous studies indicate that autoimmune antibodies may have an impact on implantation failure in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. A recent observational, case-controlled clinical trial highlights that high circulating anti-placenta-specific 1 (PLAC1) antibody levels could be associated with an increased likelihood of repeated IVF-ET implantation failure.
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An imbalance in the ratio of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (AA/DHA) has been implicated in male infertility. A recent study highlights that treatment with lycopene significantly improves the AA/DHA ratio in the seminal plasma of infertile males and facilitates spontaneous as well as assisted conception among infertile couples. The study is claimed to be the first to report the efficacy of lycopene therapy in altering the AA/DHA ratio in seminal plasma and its ability to restore fertility in infertile couples.
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Recurrent implantation failure post in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy has been attributed to numerous maternal and embryonic factors. A recent study, published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, indicates that fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) may play a crucial role as a maternal factor influencing implantation.
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A recent study highlights that a nomogram based on age, antral follicle count (AFC), and serum day-3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels may enable individualization of daily FSH starting dose in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy. The researchers report that AFC and serum day-3 FSH are the most significant predictors of ovarian reserve and sensitivity.
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A recent retrospective study reports that the in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy outcomes achieved post ultrasound-guided hydrosalpinx fluid aspiration and sclerotherapy are comparable to that attained after laparoscopic salpingectomy, in patients with hydrosalpinx. The researchers also highlighted that ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a less invasive and effective alternative to laparoscopic salpingectomy.
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