The synergistic effects of androgens and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on folliculogenesis, a process critical for assisted reproduction techniques, have been previously established in primates. Now, a recent randomized clinical trial published in the journal Human Reproduction demonstrates that pretreatment with transdermal testosterone enhances the follicular response in poor IVF responders compared to the high-dose gonadotropin and minidose GnRH agonist protocol. Continue Reading

Patients undergoing ART treatments confront a major conundrum on the disposition of cryopreserved embryos. Now, a recent study has suggested that the restructuring and standardization of informed consent processes, as well as the ascertainment of the availability of all embryo disposition options, may aid patients in reaching appropriate decisions and addressing all issues related to long-term embryo storage. The survey, considered the largest and only multi-site study, explored the preferences for dispostion and the factors affecting these preferences among fertility patients. The results of study have been published in the online issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) ratio of hemoperitoneum to venous serum (R_P/V) has been demonstrated to improve early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, according to a study published in the recent online issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

Several previous studies have suggested the adverse effects of active cigarette smoking on the ability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy to term. Hence, smoking is discouraged in couples with a previous history of infertility. Now, a recent study published in the online issue of the journal Tobacco Control has reported that childhood and adult exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) is associated with enhanced risk for prenatal pregnancy difficulties. Continue Reading

Large nuclear vacuoles (LNV) in spermatozoa are known to have a detrimental effect on normal embryonic development and IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcome. Now, a study published in the latest issue of Reproductive BioMedicine Online reports that the size and number of vacuoles in spermatozoa nuclei negatively affect blastocyst development, especially after a 3-day embryo transfer. However, sperm nuclear vacuole evaluation at high magnification prior to ICSI, could considerably improve embryo development outcome. The research supports previous studies suggesting the early and late paternal effects on initial embryonic development. Continue Reading

Several researches have provided contradictory results on the effect of upward dose adjustment of gonadotropin on ideal clinical outcomes of IVF. A recent study published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics shows that an increased dose of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) does not enhance the IVF outcomes in patients with low predicted ovarian reserve. Continue Reading

Cryptorchidism, a common congenital defect of the male genitalia that affects 3-4% of full-term infants and 30% of those born prematurely, poses a risk for infertility and testicular cancer. However, the exact etiology and pathogenesis of cryptorchidism are not clearly known. Now, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has identified a potential link between cryptorchidism and genetic alterations such as insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) receptor gene mutations and Klinefelter syndrome. Continue Reading

A recent retrospective study published in the December issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility suggests that careful monitoring and complying by the liberal cancellation policy may aid in reducing the rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) associated with oocyte donation. Also, the study, providing the first set of data related to symptomatic minor complications that can occur in oocyte donors, may facilitate pre-procedure informed consent processes. Continue Reading

Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI), considered as the most common autoimmune disorder during the reproductive age, has also been implicated in the development of hypothyroidism in women. Several previous studies have suggested a crucial association between thyroid autoantibodies (TAA), infertility and the increased rate of miscarriage. Now, a recent study published in the November issue of the journal Gynecological Endocrinology has reported that thyroid autoantibody positivity could significantly affect the clinical pregnancy rate in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs. Continue Reading

Cytokines, signaling molecules used for cellular communication, are produced throughout the body by cells of different embryological origin. Various earlier studies have shown that the analysis of serum cytokine concentrations may aid in diagnosing recurrent implantation failures. Now, a study published in the December edition of the journal Fertility and Sterility suggests that early measurement of serum cytokines, such as interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), IL-6, and IL-8 in addition to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone (P₄), may serve to detect ectopic pregnancy (EP) following in vitro fertilization. Continue Reading