The practice of elective single embryo transfer (eSET) in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) cycles is generally not followed due to the belief that embryo biopsy could affect its post-thaw survival rate. Now, a recent study has reported that eSET following PGD and freezing at blastocyst stage results in implantation and pregnancy rates similar to non-PGD cycles, thereby reducing the chances of multiple pregnancies. The results of the study were published online in the recent issue of Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

Embryo implantation is predicted using various parameters such as follicle size, oocyte quality, endometrial thickness, and the estrogen levels on the day of hCG administration. Due to the multifactorial influence on successful implantation, a single independent predictor remains elusive. Now, a recent retrospective cohort study published online in Fertility and Sterility reports that the rate of fertilization is a robust independent predictor of successful implantation during ART. Continue Reading

A study published in the recent edition of Human Reproduction reports that the Hepatitis B Virus envelop Protein S (HBs) has a direct detrimental effect on sperm function, by causing a loss in the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby reducing sperm motility. Continue Reading

Embryo cryopreservation is known to offer several advantages during ART cycles, including enhancing cumulative pregnancy rates, preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, reducing multiple pregnancy rates, and lowering treatment costs. After the vitrification technology for cryopreservation was developed, several studies have compared the slow freezing technique and vitrification method in relation to post-thaw survival, implantation, and live-birth rates. Now, a new retrospective study published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics highlights the efficacy of cleavage-stage embryo vitrification in improving the survival rate, post-thaw embryo morphology, and pregnancy outcomes, compared to the slow-freezing technique. Continue Reading

An increased occurrence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (APA) has been observed in nearly 22% of infertile women, and 30% of those with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). In order to overcome the abnormalities in implantation or placentation associated with repeated IVF failure, interventions such as immunoglobulin and antithrombotic therapy (heparin/aspirin) have been suggested. In a recent open-label randomized trial, researchers provided further evidence that administration of luteal phase empirical low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) improves live birth rates in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) following ICSI-ET cycles. The findings have been published in the recent issue of the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

There exists ample evidence on the possibility of cryopreservation negatively affecting sperm DNA integrity; however, its precise underlying mechanism is still much debated. Now, a recent study published in the online issue of the journal Human Reproduction, reports that cryopreservation-induced injury to sperm DNA is mediated primarily through oxidative stress rather than apoptosis. Continue Reading

The association of advanced maternal age with autosomal trisomy has been hypothesized to indicate the reduction of the oocyte reserve with age. Now a case-controlled study reports a correlation between diminished quantitative ovarian reserve and trisomic pregnancy in IVF cycles, independent of maternal age. The study was presented at the 25th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology held at Amsterdam, from June 28 to July 1, 2009. Continue Reading

In the first, long-running study that systematically assessed the use of ART in infertile women with cystic fibrosis (CF), researchers have concluded that such techniques are safe and effective in helping patients conceive without any morbidity and mortality, either in the mother or offspring. The results of the study were presented at the 25^th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology held at Amsterdam, from June 28 to July 1, 2009. Continue Reading

Aneuploidy in oocytes is known to be one of the main contributors to unsuccessful ART cycles, especially in women aged ≥38 years. Several factors, including maternal age, have been attributed to the occurrence of around 50% of the chromosomal aneuplodies. Researchers from the University of Oxford have now developed a new, less-invasive, genetic test for chromosomal analysis of polar bodies with comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), in order to improve the pregnancy rates in older women with multiple failed IVF cycles. The results of the study were presented at the 25th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology held at Amsterdam, from June 28 to July 1, 2009. Continue Reading