Endometriosis, with a prevalence of 25-40% in infertile and 0.5-5% in fertile women, lacks a reliable and non-invasive test for its diagnosis, which results in an average delay of 6-10 years before confirmed diagnosis and treatment. A recent double blinded study has reported the efficacy of a test with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of endometriosis, which uses immunohistochemical techniques to detect nerve fibers in endometrial biopsy samples. The findings of the study, which claim that the endometrial biopsy probably has similar accuracy to laparoscopic assessment, have been published in the online edition of the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

Vitrification, compared to conventional or slow freezing, is an effective technique for cryopreserving oocytes and embryos; however, its comparative efficacy in ovarian tissue cryopreservation is not proven. Now, a study published in the recent issue of the journal Reproduction reports that conventional freezing is more effective in the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, as it preserves greater developmental and proliferative potential. Continue Reading

A recent retrospective study, emphasizing the significance of oocyte cryopreservation time in improving the clinical outcome of ICSI, has suggested a time-frame of 39 to 40 hours after hCG administration as the cut-off time for oocyte freezing. The findings of the study, highlighting the need for customizing the embryo transfer policy, are published in the online issue of the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

Pregnancy presents an immunological challenge to the mother in accommodating the fetus, which is recognized by the maternal host as a semi-allograft. There lacks definite evidence on the exact mechanism by which the fetus eludes rejection. The understanding of the regulatory mechanisms holds paramount importance in overcoming the maternal tolerance-associated reproductive pathologies, including infertility. Now, a systemic review published in the recent issue of the journal, Human Reproduction Update indicates the wide-ranging involvement of the more recently discovered type of T-lymphocytes, T regulatory (Treg) cells, in reproductive pathologies and immune homeostasis. The recognition of the therapeutic potential of the Treg cells may open up new avenues in the field of reproductive medicine. Continue Reading

A novel finding has demonstrated that women with high levels of vitamin D in their serum and follicular fluid (FF) have higher chances of achieving clinical pregnancy after IVF-embryo transfer. The results of the prospective cohort study have been published recently in the online edition of the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading