Ganirelix, a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, can improve pregnancy rates and prevent premature luteinization during intrauterine insemination cycles, according to a study published recently in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Continue Reading

A recent study published in the online issue of the journal Human Reproduction has reported that endometrial secretion cytokine profiling can be used as a novel and non-disruptive means of evaluating the role of the endometrium in embryo implantation, and can also be used in predicting the chances of clinical pregnancy. Continue Reading

As freezing and thawing of human spermatozoa may affect the post-thaw qualities, including the sperm morphology, motility, DNA integrity and viability, optimization of the cryopreservation protocol is vital for the success of assisted reproductive technologies. According to a recent study published in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online, the supplementation of the cryopreservation medium with vitamin E may enhance the motility of human spermatozoa post-thaw, especially in patients with abnormal semen parameters. Continue Reading

Ovarian cancer, a major cause of gynecologic cancer-related deaths worldwide, is often termed as the silent killer as it contributes to non-specific symptoms that lead to diagnostic delays and poor prognosis. Although several studies have tried to elucidate the possible link between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer, due to conflicting study results, the association still remains obscure. Now, the results of a nationwide study published in the recent issue of the British Medical Journal reports that the use of fertility drugs is not associated with the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Continue Reading

The increased prevalence of multiple births associated with assisted reproduction technology (ART) can be largely attributed to the widespread use of ovulation induction medications and multiple embryo transfer. Now, a research study published in the recent issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility has suggested less aggressive stimulation as an effective strategy to reduce high-order multiple births (HOMB) due to ovulation induction (OI). Continue Reading

Preeclampsia, affecting around 5-8% of all pregnancies in the US, annually, is the main etiological factor for both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Previous researches have demonstrated that in contrast to natural conception, women opting for IVF are at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia. A recent study has suggested that the incidence of preeclampsia is higher in IVF-conceived pregnancies; however, no significant association was noted with intrauterine insemination and ovulation induction. The findings of the current study, which corroborated with the earlier results, are published in the journal Hypertension in Pregnancy. Continue Reading

The measurement of cervical length using transvaginal sonography in the midtrimester is not an effective method to predict the risk of spontaneous preterm births in ICSI singleton and twin pregnancies, according to a research article published in the recent issue of the Reproductive Biomedicine Online. Continue Reading

Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility, with a prevalence of 25-40% in infertile and 0.5-5% in fertile women, globally, and around 5 million women in the US alone, as per 2008 statistics. Yet, the optimal choice of treatment for managing the condition remains ambiguous. Now, a study published in the recent issue of Human Reproduction reports that though laparoscopic surgery is popular as a treatment option for endometriosis-associated infertility, the absolute benefits of the surgery appear to be lower than previously believed. The study results also validate the need for educating the patients regarding the risks and benefits of treatment alternatives available for managing the endometriosis-associated infertility. Continue Reading

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), comprising of >100 diverse chemicals, are formed during the partial burning of coal, garbage, oil and gas, or other organic substances like tobacco or charbroiled meat. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that PAHs may contribute to genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of air pollution. Now, a recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction has suggested that the exposure to PAHs may be associated with an increased risk of idiopathic male infertility. Continue Reading

The influence of psychological variables, such as depression and anxiety, on the IVF outcome still remains uncertain in spite of several years of research. According to a new study published in the online issue of the journal Human Reproduction, the levels of anxiety and depression, prior to and during the treatment, have no significant effect on the rates of cancellation and pregnancy. Continue Reading