Lifestyle modification to tackle obesity, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, have been proposed as crucial in influencing the outcome of both natural and assisted conceptions. A recent statement released by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) further substantiates this association. Continue Reading

Different regimens are used for priming the uterine environment before frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), including allowing spontaneous ovulatory cycles, ovulation induction using drugs, and the use of hormones for artificial preparation of endometrium, and there is no clear evidence regarding the superiority of one protocol over the other. A recent randomized controlled trial has reported that ongoing pregnancy rates are higher when frozen-thawed embryos are transferred after spontaneous, natural ovulatory cycles, compared to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-induced natural cycles. The findings of the study have been published in the recent issue of Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

The intrinsic optical property of zona pellucida (ZP), termed as ‘birefringence’, has been widely investigated to predict the developmental potential of a fertilized oocytes, as well as ART treatment outcomes. A recent prospective study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility further substantiates the efficacy of ZP birefringence (ZPB) in predicting the developmental competence of oocytes in the metaphase II stage. Continue Reading

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign pelvic tumors in women of reproductive age. Although intramural fibroids distorting the uterine cavity are linked to reduced pregnancy rates, there exists controversy regarding this association when the uterine cavity is not altered by the fibroids. Now, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal, Human Reproduction reports that non-cavity-distorting intramural fibroids may also result in adverse pregnancy outcomes in IVF cycles. Continue Reading

A considerable variation in pregnancy rates has been observed among patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) along with controlled ovarian stimulation. Also, several researchers have reported difficulties in evaluating IUI results due to the patient heterogeneity and the diverse stimulation protocols adopted. Now, a recent retrospective study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility defines the characteristics of couples that would determine the higher chances of pregnancy through IUI. Continue Reading

A recent randomized controlled study highlights the increase in implantation and live birth rates with mid-follicular recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-HLH) supplementation in women aged 35 to 39 years who were subjected to ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. The findings have been published in the recent issue of the journal, Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Continue Reading