The quality of oocyte used for ART procedures has a profound effect on early embryonic survival, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, fetal growth, and also in the development of certain diseases during adulthood. However, there is no effective test to assess the developmental competence of oocytes during such procedures. Now, researchers have zeroed in on a breakthrough technique that evaluates oocyte viability through near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy-mediated metabolomic profiling of the oocyte culture samples. The test result, which correlates with the nuclear maturity status, may aid in predicting the quality of the developing embryos on days three and five. Continue Reading

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), one of the iatrogenic complications resulting from follicle stimulating medications administered during fertility treatment, affects up to 10% of women undergoing IVF. A recent study published in the journal, Fertility and Sterility reports that low dose aspirin therapy administered during ovulation induction could be effective in preventing OHSS in high-risk populations. Continue Reading

A recent study published in the online issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility reports comparable reproductive and perinatal outcomes in IVF pregnancies achieved through autologous and donated oocytes, especially with regard to the chances of implantation, birth weight, and perinatal mortality. The study results also suggests the role of uterine senescence in reducing fecundity. Continue Reading

A recent study published in the current issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility reports that the use of oral contraceptive (OC) pills, including cyclic and extended/continuous regimens, does not influence the return to fertility. Continue Reading

Kisspeptin, a vital regulator of normal reproduction, and its G-protein coupled receptor (GPR54) are vital signaling partners in the initiation of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion at puberty. For the first time, in a human model of infertility, UK scientists have identified that kisspeptin administration significantly increases the release of reproductive hormones in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA). The findings, which could pave the way for a new therapeutic strategy for infertility, were presented at the Society for Endocrinology BES conference, held at Harrogate, UK, during March 16-19, 2009. Continue Reading

Recurrent implantation failures occur frequently during ART cycles in spite of the transfer of good quality embryos obtained from advanced embryo culturing techniques and embryo selection processes. Now, a recent study published in The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology has provided more evidence about the potential of hysteroscopy in increasing the chances of conception in women with repeated implantation failures during IVF. Continue Reading

Endometriosis, a leading cause of female infertility, is the deposition of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity and is defined as deep endometriosis when the infiltration is deeper than 5 mm. A recent research study published in the Journal of the Minimally Invasive Gynecology demonstrated that laparoscopic excision of deep infiltrative endometriosis before IVF, substantially increases pregnancy rates in women with deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) -associated infertility. Continue Reading

A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, has demonstrated that low reproductive outcomes following ART in obese women may be associated with alterations in ovarian follicular environment, in particular the raised levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), metabolites, and androgen activity. Continue Reading

Clomiphene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, is commonly used for treating female infertility, especially in ovulatory dysfunction that includes anovulation and luteal phase deficiency. Previous studies have shown that the antioxidant property of vitamin E improves fertility in both men and women. Now, researchers have demonstrated that the concomitant administration of clomiphene citrate and vitamin E substantially helps increase sperm count, progressive sperm motility, and thereby pregnancy rate in idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia. The findings of the prospective study have been published in the recent issue of the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), the placement of washed and concentrated male partner or donor sperms into the uterine cavity, is commonly used to treat infertility that is unexplained or associated with endometriosis and certain male factor conditions. Now, a recent study published in the journal, Fertility and Sterility, suggests that IUI, using donor sperms, increases the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. Continue Reading