A new breakthrough study has reported the development of a simple, non-invasive, prenatal blood test based on the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique, which could help in the accurate detection of chromosomal aberrations in the developing fetus, and thereby avoid the risk of miscarriage associated with conventional invasive techniques such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. The findings of the study were also presented recently at the 26^th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), held at Rome from 27^th-30^th June, 2010. Continue Reading

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

Potential screening tools for early ovarian ageing include small antral follicle counts, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, abnormal autoimmune function, and number of CGG repeats on the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. A recent preliminary prospective randomized controlled trial reiterates that 30 to 40 CGG trinucleotide repeats on FMR1 may serve as a predictor of premature ovarian ageing and premature ovarian failure (POF) in infertile women. However, no significant association was observed between the concentrations of anti-thyroid and anti-adrenal autoantibodies and FSH levels/CGG repeat numbers. The findings of the recent study have been published in the journal, Reproductive BioMedicine Online. 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

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

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