A study published in Human Reproduction found that vanillin, a common flavoring chemical in e-cigarettes, can disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. High concentrations of vanillin caused cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmental issues.
A recent study found that a higher body fat percentage is linked to lower sperm counts and changes in male reproductive hormones. Men with high body fat percentages had lower semen volume, sperm concentration, and testosterone levels compared to those with normal body fat percentages.
Hospital admissions for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy have increased in England over the past two decades, with persistent socioeconomic inequalities observed. Deliveries declined significantly during this period.
Researchers analyzed 18,396 women undergoing first IVF cycle between 2012-2021 across seven Australian fertility clinics. The study found a 68.2% cumulative live birth rate using single embryo transfer in 95.3% of cases and a multiple birth rate of just 2.9%.
A large study suggests exposure to air pollution during sperm development can impact genes associated with sperm development, chromosomal organisation and cellular quality control. Researchers identified 39 DNA methylation changes linked to air pollution mixtures, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
A landmark international study found that halving patient out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatment significantly increased births achieved through ART, with a 2.67-fold increase reported. Countries with lower cost-to-baby metrics consistently achieved higher levels of ART utilisation, highlighting the importance of affordability in ...
According to the European IVF Monitoring Consortium, over 1.15 million fertility treatment cycles were reported across Europe in 2023, resulting in the birth of 247,021 children. The growth in frozen embryo transfer (FET) was particularly notable, with FET cycles increasing by 151% compared to previous years.
A nationwide study found substantial regional differences in sperm quality, with men in northern Spain recording the strongest semen quality. Lifestyle habits were broadly similar across regions, suggesting environmental exposures may play a role in male reproductive health.
A major new study suggests that age-related changes in the uterus may contribute to poorer pregnancy outcomes, with women aged 49 and over experiencing lower live birth rates and higher miscarriage risk despite donor-oocyte treatment. The study found that cumulative live birth rates declined substantially with age, from 80% among women...
A new Europe-wide survey found broad public support for fertility treatment and reproductive research in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The study suggests that public understanding and opinion on these topics continue to develop, with areas where public views are not yet settled identified.
Eating ultra-processed foods is associated with slower embryo growth, smaller yolk sacs, and increased subfertility risk. Reducing UPF consumption around conception and pregnancy may improve fertility outcomes for both parents and embryos.
A landmark 30-year study of over four million women in England found that women with endometriosis-associated infertility had a four times higher chance of conception compared to those with infertility from other causes. The study also showed that women with endometriosis may retain good reproductive potential, especially if diagnosed ...
Researchers detected microplastics in 69% of women's follicular fluid and 55% of men's seminal fluid, with PTFE being the most prevalent polymer. The study highlights the need to explore possible implications for human reproductive health and fertility.
A recent study found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have embryos carrying a unique 'epigenetic memory' that could explain why the condition often runs in families. Treating affected embryos with certain inhibitors showed promise in restoring normal gene activity, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue.
Pregnancy rates remained stable for IVF and IUI cycles in 2022, while single embryo transfer usage increased. Clinical pregnancy rates were stable, with singleton delivery rates improving to 91.5%. The use of ART rose by 15.6% despite a slight decline in total treatment cycles.
A new study reveals that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a sharp reduction in the beneficial gut bacterium Parabacteroides merdae, alongside elevated levels of branched-chain amino acids. These changes may impair endometrial health and reproductive complications in women with PCOS.
A new study shows that a simple blood test taken in the first trimester of pregnancy can accurately identify women at risk of developing preeclampsia five months before clinical diagnosis. The test uses cell-free RNA, or cfRNA, to capture subtle molecular signals from multiple maternal tissues.
A new international study reveals that male partners over 45 carry significantly increased miscarriage risks and lower live birth rates even when young donor eggs are used. The study found that older paternal age is linked to genetic mutations, sperm DNA fragmentation, and epigenetic changes, impairing embryo development.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that healthy childhood diets are associated with delayed onset of menstruation, independent of body mass index (BMI) or height. The research suggests that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and breast cancer.
A large study of nearly 80,000 men found that those with better semen quality lived two to three years longer than those with poorer semen quality. The research suggests that poor semen quality may be an indicator of underlying health issues, and could potentially detect early signs of disease.
Women with infertility are at higher risk of developing SARD, including lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, even after accounting for pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Infertility treatments do not appear to increase this risk, suggesting that women may be undiagnosed or untreated.
A large study found that women with premature ovarian insufficiency are 2.6 times more likely to have an autoimmune disorder, with some conditions increasing the risk by 26 times. The study suggests a strong link between POI and severe autoimmune diseases, highlighting the need for medical professionals to be aware of this increased risk.
Researchers found that when given accurate information about the anti-Mullerian hormone test, women had less interest in taking the test compared to those who viewed misleading online claims. The study highlights the importance of providing evidence-based information to women seeking fertility treatment.
A new study has found that women with a family history of endocrine diseases, including type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome, are at a higher risk of experiencing pregnancy loss. The study, which examined over 366,000 women in Denmark, found a significant association between endocrine disease and pregnancy loss.
Data from the ESHRE European IVF Monitoring Consortium shows a 20% increase in ART treatment cycles in Europe, with steady rises in IVF and IUI usage. Pregnancy rates per transfer remained similar in 2021 and 2020 for IVF and ICSI, while frozen embryo replacement showed slightly higher rates.
A novel 3D imaging model has been introduced to identify features of blastocysts associated with successful pregnancies, potentially transforming current IVF selection methods. The study found that parameters related to size and specific features of the inner cell mass and outer layer are linked to higher pregnancy rates.
A national, register-based study of 68,738 women in Denmark reveals significant social disparities in achieving live births after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Women with higher education levels and income had a greater likelihood of success.
A new study has found that gestational carriers experience a severe maternal morbidity rate of 7.1%, significantly higher than unassisted conceptions (2.4%) and IVF conceptions (4.6%). Gestational carriers are also at risk for postpartum haemorrhages and hypertensive disorders, which can be serious complications during pregnancy.
A Phase 2 clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of OXO-001 in increasing embryo implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates among infertile women. The study showed significant improvements in biochemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates, with a notable increase in live birth rates.
A new study has found that exposure to fine particulate matter prior to oocyte retrieval during IVF can reduce the odds of achieving a live birth by almost 40%. The research analysed 3,659 frozen embryo transfers and found that even in areas with excellent air quality, higher PM2.5 exposure was associated with decreased live birth rates.
Men with low sperm count or none have a higher risk of developing cancer, including at younger ages, compared to fertile men. Families of azoospermic men have a significantly increased risk of five cancers, while families of oligozoospermic men have a higher risk of colon, bone and joint, and testicular cancers.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a doubling in the chances of pregnancy miscarrying or resulting in a stillbirth following a job loss. The researchers emphasize an association between job loss and increased probability of miscarriage or stillbirth, highlighting potential socioeconomic factors.
Researchers found a 30% higher likelihood of live births when eggs were collected in summer rather than autumn. They also discovered that bright sunshine on the day of egg collection increased the chances of a successful pregnancy.
A new study published in Human Reproduction found that women with endometriosis are more likely to experience a reduction in live births before receiving a definitive diagnosis. The research, which included over 18,000 women with surgically-confirmed endometriosis, showed that the number of first live births among these women was half ...
Researchers found that women with adenomyosis experienced higher rates of complications during pregnancy, including caesarean sections, surgical removal of the uterus, and wound complications. The study also linked adenomyosis to increased risks of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and placenta previa.
A new AI tool can identify sperm in severely infertile men in seconds, compared to the hours it takes scientists. The algorithm improves antiquated approaches and increases the chance of a couple conceiving their own biological children while reducing stress on sperm and increasing efficiency.
A large randomized clinical trial found that culturing embryos for three days versus five days in the lab has no significant impact on live birth rates. Women's age affects outcomes, with younger women aged under 36 experiencing better results from cleavage-stage transfers.
A small study suggests that vaginal progesterone treatment can increase the chances of conception in couples with unexplained infertility. The treatment, which is safe and low-cost, showed more than double the birth rate among treated women, but further research is needed to confirm these results.
A study found that more than 40% of women who froze their eggs in their 30s were able to have babies when they returned to the fertility clinic. However, many didn't return or used other fertility treatments. Women who used frozen eggs had a lower miscarriage rate compared to those using fresh eggs.
A nationwide study of nearly two million women found that those with PCOS who have undergone menopause are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The risk was also significantly higher for a type of ovarian tumor known as serous borderline, which can lead to cancer later on.
New study finds that men who suffered from mild COVID-19 have lower sperm concentrations and motility even three months after recovery. The researchers believe that the virus may cause permanent damage to male fertility, leading to long-term decline in semen quality.
Researchers have discovered that gene editing technologies may introduce unintended mutations and damage to DNA in early human embryos. The study found that most cells repair breaks in the DNA using non-homologous end joining, which can lead to additional genetic abnormalities.
Research found that women treated for childhood Hodgkin lymphoma may experience declining fertility and longer wait times to become pregnant, but overall success rates are high. The majority of women in the study who had tried to become pregnant were successful, with some being able to conceive at a younger age.
Researchers have found that embryos in pregnancies ending in miscarriage take four days longer to develop in the womb than those in live births. This delay is associated with a higher likelihood of miscarriage and may be used to estimate pregnancy outcomes.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a significant association between prenatal alcohol exposure and changes in children's facial features. The research used AI to analyze three-dimensional images of children's faces at ages nine and thirteen, revealing that mothers' alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy can h...
A 14% decrease in live births was observed in Europe nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdowns. The decline may be linked to lockdowns rather than COVID-19 infection, with countries experiencing longer lockdowns having lower birth rates.
Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.
A study reveals how consumer DNA testing is changing the way people seek information about genetic relatives in donor conception, including ethnic estimates and tracing half-siblings. The widespread availability of commercial DNA databanks is transforming the landscape of donor conception.
A large study analyzing over 4.5 million pregnancies found that frozen embryo transfers in IVF are associated with a substantially higher risk of hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. The risk was roughly doubled for FETs, while fresh embryo transfers had similar outcomes.
A review suggests that women timing their intercourse with urine-based hormone tests can increase their chances of conceiving. The study found that timed intercourse resulted in a 20-28% chance of pregnancy, compared to 18% for spontaneous intercourse.