With increasing evidence regarding the influence of oocyte quality on fertilization and the development and survival of embryos, the demand for accurate predictors of the oocyte’s developmental competence has been growing. A recent study published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online, highlights the potential of meiotic spindle characterization using polarized light microscopy as a non-invasive tool for identifying oocytes with high developmental competence, thereby predicting clinical outcomes after assisted reproduction. Continue Reading

In one of the first studies comparing the feelings of donor-conceived children and adults, researchers from the Cambridge University have found that disclosure of donor paternity at an early age lowers the likelihood of negative reactions from the offspring. The study findings published in the recent issue of Human Reproduction provides new perspectives regarding the response of the offspring depending on the age at which their biological origin is disclosed. Continue Reading

Despite extensive research conducted on acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF, there are conflicting results regarding its effect in improving ART outcome. Now, a recent randomized prospective study published in Fertility and Sterility reports that acupuncture is not effective in improving the pregnancy rate during IVF, but may help patients feel more relaxed and optimistic during the procedure. Continue Reading

Several previous studies have reported the role of Chlamydia trachomatis in causing urethritis and cervicitis, and the associated sequelae, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. However, there are contradictory results regarding the detrimental effects of infection on seminal parameters and male fertility. Now, a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility reports an enhanced prevalence of plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to C trachomatis in the male partners of infertile couples. Continue Reading

Assisted hatching, a micromanipulation technique that facilitates the embryo hatching process through the thinning or breaching of the zona pellucida (ZP), has been reported to increase the success rates of IVF. Now, a randomized, double-blinded trial reports that the procedure does not improve implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth rates during IVF in women younger than 38 years with embryos having ZP thickness of ≥13μm. The findings of the study have been published in the recent issue of the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in assisted reproductive cycles has been successfully achieved with the use of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH). However, studies have reported contradictory results on the effects of the two types of fertility drugs on treatment outcomes. Now, a recent meta-analysis has reported that the pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly greater in women stimulated with highly purified hMG (HP-hMG) regimen compared to rFSH in IVF cycles. The results of the study have been published in the journal, Gynecological Endocrinology. Continue Reading

A recent study has identified the role of a sperm-associated cation channel 1 (CATSPER1) gene mutation in causing nonsyndromic male infertility. The study findings, published in the recent issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics, suggest that CATSPER1 gene could be a potential target for new generation infertility therapies, and also for developing effective male birth-control measures based on pharmacological and immmunocontraceptive strategies. Continue Reading

Fertility experts at the Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte (REACH) have reported the successful birth of a baby girl conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), by using cryopreserved sperm, frozen for 22 years. Continue Reading

A recent study published in the journal, Fertility and Sterility, has provided new evidence that antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy, the minimally invasive surgical technique, substantially improves seminal parameters such as sperm morphology, count, and motility in varicocele patients, thereby increasing pregnancy rates. Continue Reading

Although radiation therapy has contributed to increased survival rates among cancer patients, it frequently leads to compromised fertility and even early menopause in the reproductive age group women. A review article published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics highlights the dose-dependent association between radiation therapy and premature ovarian failure. The study also suggests the need for educating patients regarding the side effects of the treatment, and strategies that can be adopted for fertility preservation. Continue Reading