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

Crinone® vaginal gel, a natural progesterone supplementation approved by the U.S. FDA for women undergoing assisted reproduction, has better tolerability and comparable effectiveness to intramuscular progesterone (IMP) for luteal phase support during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles, according to the findings of a prospective randomized trial published in the online issue of the journal, Fertility and Sterility. 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

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

Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), which involves the combination of IVF with gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) methods, is not commonly used as it is one of the more invasive ART procedures. A report by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) showed that ZIFT was used in <1% of the total cycles performed (n=140,795) across all the SART member clinics during the year 2008. Now, a recent prospective randomized trial published in Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, has reported increased rates of pregnancy and implantation in patients suffering from nontubal infertility with the use ZIFT compared to uterine embryo transfer (UET). Continue Reading

The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is reported to be high in infertile women. Despite this, its management remains controversial owing to the lack of proven treatment benefits. Now, a recent prospective, randomized trial has highlighted the importance of levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation for achieving clinical pregnancies in women with SH opting for IVF-ICSI. The findings of the study have been published in the recent issue of Endocrine Practice. Continue Reading