A new breakthrough blood test that helps predict the approximate age at which a woman would attain menopause has been developed. The preliminary findings of this population-based cohort study were presented at the 26th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) held at Rome from 27^th to 30^th June 2010. The researchers are hopeful that the test could help women determine the age at which they reach menopause and accordingly plan their motherhood. Continue Reading

Follicular rupture may usually occur between 22 to 47 hours following hCG administration in patients undergoing IUI. Due to this wide interval, the underlying principle for double IUI is the creation of a longer fertilization period. A recent single-centered randomized trial reiterated that there is no statistically significant difference in the rates of live births between single and double IUI in ovarian hyperstimulation cycles with multi-follicular development. Claimed to be the first randomized trial comparing single versus double IUI, the study findings have been published in the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

A team of researchers from the Newcastle University have developed a pioneering ‘three-person IVF’ technique, in which the fertilization procedure uses the nuclear DNA of the biological parents, and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from an oocyte donor. The technique, which facilitates exchange of DNA between two oocytes, could serve in preventing the transmission of mitochondrial diseases to offspring. The findings of the groundbreaking study have been published in the online edition of the journal, Nature. 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 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

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

A team of researchers has developed a breakthrough embryo screening technique termed molecular preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which uses a PCR-based protocol for analyzing translocations. The new approach, having the potential to identify more viable embryos for transfer, utilizes multiplexed short tandem repeat (STR) markers that are positioned on both segments of the translocated chromosomes during translocation analysis. The findings of the study have been published in the journal, Molecular Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

Numerous studies have documented apoptotic markers to be one of the major contributors to ART failure. Now, a study reports that the application of magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) for sperm preparation could reduce spermatozoa-associated apoptotic marker levels, and enhance acrosome reaction and fertilization potential in unexplained infertility (UI) and multiple intrauterine insemination (IUI) failure patients. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

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