A long-running study of mothers and children found that chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, and phenols are associated with earlier puberty in girls. The study suggests that these chemicals may mimic or interfere with natural hormones in the body, leading to an earlier onset of puberty.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women fed soy-based formula milk as babies are 40% more likely to have used hormonal contraception for menstrual pain relief. The research also showed a 50% increased risk of moderate or severe menstrual discomfort between ages 18-22.
The research found that earlier women had their first period, their sons started puberty earlier, and later women had their first period, their sons started puberty later. The association was also seen in daughters.
A study analyzing over 937,000 single embryo transfer cycles found that the proportion of multiple pregnancies is 1.6% and 1.36% result from true zygotic splitting. Factors increasing the risk include frozen-thawed embryos, longer blastocyst maturation, and assisted hatching.
A large prospective study of over 107,000 women found no association between physical activity and the risk of early natural menopause. The study, published in Human Reproduction, analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study II and found that exercise was not significantly linked to a lower or higher risk of menopause before age 45.
A new study published in Human Reproduction journal found that men who wear boxer shorts have higher sperm concentrations than those who wear tighter fitting underwear. The researchers also discovered a link between the type of underwear and lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates sperm production.
The largest randomized trial on genetic screening before embryo transfer found no difference in live birth rates between groups with and without the procedure. However, there was a lower miscarriage rate and fewer embryo transfers in the group that received genetic screening.
Researchers found that treatments for cancer and sickle cell disease can destroy germ cells in the testes of young boys, leading to complete depletion of spermatogonia. The study suggests that freezing testicular tissue before treatment may be a viable option to preserve fertility.
A randomized trial found that a 14-week nut-rich diet significantly improved sperm quality, including increased count, vitality, and motility. The study also showed a reduction in sperm DNA fragmentation, associated with better male fertility.
A study on 563 women who froze their eggs between 2009 and 2017 found that only 12.8% returned to the clinic for reproduction treatment, with an overall success rate of 32.6%. The majority of returning social freezers had found a suitable partner to pursue motherhood.
Since the world's first test-tube baby was born in 1978, over 8 million babies have been conceived through IVF, with a record 157,449 babies born in Europe in 2015. European pregnancy rates for IVF and ICSI have stabilized at around 36%, while egg donation treatments have seen significant rises, with pregnancy rates now at about 50%.
Men treated with ICSI for infertility have a significantly higher risk of developing early-onset prostate cancer, which is considered more aggressive. The study found that this risk is associated with male sub-fertility, not the ICSI procedure itself.
A large population study from Denmark found no causal association between assisted reproduction treatment and increased risk of ovarian cancer. Female infertility, rather than ovarian stimulation, was associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
A large randomized trial has found that endometrial scratching, a commonly offered add-on treatment for IVF, does not improve pregnancy or live birth rates. The study involved over 1300 women and measured pain discomfort scores, contradicting previous studies that suggested a benefit from the procedure.
A randomized trial tested the effectiveness of energizing eggs with a patient's own mitochondria in assisted reproduction. The procedure was found to have no impact on pregnancy or live birth rates, contradicting previous claims. The study suggests that the technique is not beneficial for patients with a poor prognosis for success.
A large randomized placebo-controlled study found no evidence that rhG-CSF improves outcomes in women with a history of unexplained recurrent pregnancy losses. The study involved 150 women and showed similar clinical pregnancy rates between the treatment and placebo groups.
A study of 150 women who froze their eggs found that partnership problems were the primary motivation for freezing eggs, not career planning. The majority of women in the study were single or had unstable relationships, and many had completed their education and career goals but still struggled to find a partner.
A large US clinical trial found that an antioxidant supplement taken daily by the male partner for three months made no difference to sperm concentration, motility, or morphology. The study also showed no significant differences in natural conception rates between the antioxidant and placebo groups.
Scientists successfully isolate and grow human follicles to 'biofunctionality' on a bioengineered ovarian scaffold made of decellularized tissue. The breakthrough uses early-stage follicles from patients with frozen ovarian tissue for fertility preservation.
Fatigue is a common symptom of endometriosis, affecting over half of diagnosed women, with links also found to childhood abuse and neglect. The study suggests that endometriosis may cause fatigue independently of other factors, possibly due to inflammation and immune system activation.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that women who consume more fast food and less fruit take longer to become pregnant. The research, which analyzed data from over 5,500 women, suggests that a diet rich in fruits and low in fast food can improve fertility and reduce the time it takes to get pregnant.
Researchers have found that exposure to ibuprofen during the first three months of fetal development results in a dramatic loss of ovarian germ cells, leading to reduced fertility. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to ibuprofen may lead to long-term effects on women's fertility.
Researchers found that women following a Mediterranean-style diet before IVF had a 65-68% greater likelihood of achieving a successful pregnancy and birth compared to those with the lowest adherence. The study suggests that a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, may help increase chances of fertility.
Researchers found a strong link between low vitamin D concentrations and lower live birth rates after ART compared to those with sufficient levels. Women with adequate vitamin D were 34% more likely to have a positive pregnancy test and 46% more likely to achieve a clinical pregnancy.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that underweight women are at a greater risk of experiencing an early menopause compared to lean or normal weight women. Women who were underweight as teenagers or in their mid-30s had a significant increase in the risk of early menopause, with some women reporting a 50% higher risk.
A large nationwide study involving over 40,000 women found that fertility treatment does not increase the risk of divorce. The study, which followed couples for 16 years, revealed that the majority of couples had children with their baseline partners and around one-fifth ended up separated or divorced.
A study of single-mother-by-choice families found no differences in parent-child relationships or child development compared to heterosexual two-parent families. However, single-mothers-by-choice had a significantly higher social support network, which was valued as crucial for their well-being.
Spain now holds the pace of European ART with over 100,000 cycles performed annually, resulting in a steady pregnancy rate of around 35%. The data collected by ESHRE also reveals that IVF remains more successful than ICSI, but pregnancy rates from egg donation continue to rise.
A study using artificial intelligence has found that automated embryo assessment systems are more accurate than those of embryologists, with a 76% accuracy rate. The system uses mathematical variables from time-lapse images to classify embryos automatically, reducing human error and improving predictive value.
A new study reveals that chromosomally 'abnormal' embryos can still result in pregnancy through IVF, with the potential for self-correction and development into a healthy fetus. The extent of mosaicism influences clinical outcomes, suggesting priority should be given to mosaic embryos with low aneuploidy levels.
A higher number of eggs retrieved in IVF treatment is linked to more chromosomally normal embryos available for transfer. The benefit of a greater oocyte yield decreases with advancing female age.
A large population study found that female cancer survivors are 38% less likely to achieve a pregnancy than women in the general population. The detrimental effect on fertility was evident in almost all types of cancer diagnosed, with variations between different cancer diagnoses.
A study has shown that an inexpensive fertility drug can be just as effective as more recent reproductive hormones in treating unexplained infertility. The 50-year-old drug, taken orally, was found to have a comparable pregnancy rate to newer hormones used in intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovarian stimulation.
A new study of almost 19,000 IVF treatment cycles reveals that the age of the male partner significantly affects live birth success rate. The study found a decline in cumulative incidence of live birth with increasing male partner age, particularly among women aged 30-35 and those over 40.
Researchers found that simultaneous genetic and chromosomal screening of a single biopsy improved pregnancy rates. The study used double genetic tests on cells taken from 1122 blastocysts, resulting in 99 pregnancies and 70 healthy births. This approach reduces the risk of implantation failure and miscarriage.
Women who started their periods before age 12 have an increased risk of premature menopause, with no children amplifying the risk further. The study found that these women are up to five times more likely to experience premature or early menopause.
The study found that ICSI men had almost half the sperm concentration and a two-fold lower total sperm count compared to naturally conceived men. They were also nearly three times more likely to have sperm concentrations below 15 million per millilitre of semen.
A randomized trial found that IVF culture media affect embryo quality, implantation rates, pregnancy rates, and birthweights. The study suggests that the exact composition of culture media should be listed to ensure transparency.
A large multicentre study found that freeze-all embryo protocols are associated with significantly improved IVF outcomes, particularly in women over 35. The study showed a 13% increase in ongoing pregnancy rates for these patients compared to traditional fresh embryo transfer methods.
A large randomized study found that a short period of bed rest after intrauterine insemination has no beneficial effect on pregnancy rates, contrary to previous small studies. The results suggest that immobilization after IUI may even hinder fertility in some cases, rendering recommendations for prolonged bed rest obsolete.
A new approach to embryo assessment uses mitochondrial DNA quantification to identify viable embryos in IVF treatments. Studies have shown that embryos with unusually high levels of mitochondrial DNA rarely implant, supporting the use of this method as a marker of embryo viability.
A study of 290 women found that lifestyle intervention preceding fertility treatment improved natural conception rates, particularly in anovulatory women. However, the intervention had no significant effect on fertility treatment outcomes or overall live birth rates in any subgroup.
A recent ESHRE study found that human growth hormone did not improve live birth rates in women having difficulty conceiving, with a clinical pregnancy rate of 14% in the treatment group and 11% in the placebo group. Poor responders are a challenging group to treat, accounting for up to 30% of patients who respond poorly to treatment.
A Cochrane review suggests that endometrial scratching may be beneficial for couples trying to conceive naturally or with intrauterine insemination (IUI), increasing the chance of clinical pregnancy and live birth. The procedure involves a biopsy-like action on the uterine lining, which may create an environment more receptive to embry...
A study of 51 solo mother families and 52 heterosexual two-parent families found no significant difference in child adjustment. However, higher financial difficulties and parenting stress were associated with child adjustment problems. Children reported generally positive feelings about family life and enjoyed school.
A survey of 15,000 women and men in Britain found that nearly half who experienced infertility did not seek medical help. The study also found that those who sought help were more likely to have higher educational qualifications and better job prospects.
The report shows that ICSI use is approaching 100% in some regions, despite being developed for male infertility. The editor highlights the need to make decisions based on evidence, warning against unnecessary and costly care.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women with BRCA1 gene mutations have lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, indicating reduced ovarian reserves. This may impact fertility and suggest a need for earlier pregnancy planning.
A study of 41 Danish women who received ovarian tissue transplants found that the procedure is effective in restoring ovarian function and fertility in up to 10 years. The majority of patients (31%) became pregnant, with some even experiencing full-term pregnancies.
A large study found no benefit in IVF from routinely freezing all embryos before transfer, even among normal responders. This challenges the move to adopt a freeze-all strategy in IVF.