A recent retrospective analysis, the findings of which were published in the journal, Human Reproduction, reports that performing additional rounds of hybridization during fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) improves the accuracy of the technique in preimplantation genetic aneuploidy screening (PGS), thereby increasing the number of competent embryos available for transfer. Continue Reading

Several studies have established the effect of obesity (BMI >30 kg/m²) on female fertility as well as on ART treatment outcomes; however, the mechanism underlying the association is still obscure. Now, a recent study published in the journal Reproduction, sheds more light on the impact of obesity on the major reproductive mechanisms and infertility treatment. Continue Reading

A new study published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online reports improvement in pain symptoms, fertility outcomes, and overall patient satisfaction rates following surgical resection of bowel endometriosis in women with infertility. Continue Reading

A large prospective follow-up study has concluded that the long-term safety of ganirelix, a GnRH antagonist, with respect to neonatal outcomes and major malformation risk, is comparable to that of traditional GnRH agonists used in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles. The study findings have been published in the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

The signs and symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is attributed to elevated vascular permeability, resulting in fluid shift from capillaries to the third space. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is linked to this increase in vascular permeability, and hence its suppression may potentially prevent or reduce the severity of OHSS. Dopamine agonists, which block VEGF receptor 2 phosphorylation, have been suggested to decrease the incidence and severity of OHSS in IVF/ICSI cycles. A new systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the prophylactic action of dopamine agonists, such as cabergoline, in lowering the incidence of OHSS. The study findings have been published in the journal, Human Reproduction Update. Continue Reading

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) recommend surgical excision of endometriomas ≥4 cm diameter prior to IVF. However, its presence on the ovarian reserve is not clearly known. A recent study published in Fertility and Sterility concludes that there is no effect on the number of oocytes retrieved during IVF cycles. Continue Reading

A recent controlled clinical trial highlights that the underlying mechanism for the positive effect of endometrial biopsy on improved implantation rate in IVF cycles could be attributed to an injury-induced inflammatory response. The findings, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility further suggest that the increased expression of the macrophage inflammatory protein 1B (MIP-1B) could serve as a marker for predicting implantation competence. Continue Reading

There is substantial evidence to support the progressive decline in fertility in women with advancing age; however, this association has not been well established in men. Now, a recent study reports that semen volume, sperm motility, and the rate of fertilization reduces with age in men. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the journal, Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Continue Reading

Advancements in computer technology have opened new avenues in the field of 3D-ultrasound reconstructions. Virtual embryoscopy, which offers a natural and precise visualization of the embryonic stages and structures in the first 3 months of pregnancy, is an emerging non-invasive tool developed using such technology. A new longitudinal study published in Human Reproduction highlights the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in accurately detecting early-stage embryonic growth/developmental delay, and in particular aiding the management of early growth restriction and recurrent late miscarriage. Continue Reading

Recent guidelines issued by the British Fertility Society (BFS) report a lack of sufficient evidence to substantiate the use of alternative medicines, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, in conjunction with ART, to improve the chances of successful pregnancy or live birth rates. The recommendations were based on the systemic review and meta-analysis findings published in the journal, Human Fertility. Continue Reading