The rate of ectopic pregnancy following IVF has decreased significantly over the past 12 years, from 20 cases per thousand cycles in 2000 to 12 cases per thousand in 2012. This decrease is largely attributed to advancements in ART techniques and a reduction in tubal factor infertility.
A study by Dr. Marta Devesa found that IVF cumulative live birth rates decline significantly with age, especially in women using their own eggs, with a 3% chance of success at 44 and over. In contrast, egg donation shows higher success rates, making it a viable alternative for older patients.
A survey of 34 couples found that those with siblings from the same donor preferred to use the same donor for subsequent conceptions due to a desire for genetic bonds and improved sibling relations. However, some couples prioritized the genetic link between mother and child over full sibling relationships.
A study of 2 million women found that D&C performed for miscarriage or termination increases the risk of preterm birth by 29%, with a higher risk of 7.6% in subsequent pregnancies
A psychological evaluation of nine women who received a uterus from live donors indicates they adjusted psychologically well to their new life situation during the first year. Three of the seven remaining women have delivered healthy babies, with most reporting improved relationships with their donor and increased hope for a family.
A nationwide analysis of over 8,000 children conceived through ART found no difference in educational test scores compared to spontaneously conceived children. The study suggests that ART pregnancies, particularly twins, do not have a negative impact on academic performance in adolescence.
A nationwide analysis of 14,655 women found that those with endometriosis have a higher risk of early pregnancy loss and later complications. Women with a history of endometriosis are also at a higher risk of haemorrhage, preterm birth, and other issues.
A young woman has become the first to give birth naturally after doctors transplanted frozen ovarian tissue from her removed at age 13. The procedure restored her fertility and allowed her to conceive without assisted reproduction.
A study published in Human Reproduction found a link between eating high-pesticide residue fruit and vegetables and lower sperm counts and percentages of normally-formed sperm. However, the total amount of fruit and vegetables consumed was unrelated to semen quality overall.
In 35 low- and middle-income countries, an estimated 16.7 million unwanted pregnancies occur annually, with 15 million preventable by modern contraception use. The study found that traditional methods are associated with a 2.7-fold increase in undesired pregnancies compared to modern methods.
A new study found that frequent consumption of sugary drinks is associated with an earlier onset of menstruation in girls. The researchers followed 5583 girls aged 9-14 years and found that those who drank more than 1.5 servings of sugary drinks per day had their first period 2.7 months earlier.
Children born after IVF have fewer preterm births, low birth weight issues, and stillbirths. The study found that transferring only one embryo per cycle improves single baby health.
Research in mice suggests that maternal cigarette smoking can affect the fertility of male offspring, causing reduced sperm counts, poor sperm shape, and impaired fertility. The study's findings have implications for human health, particularly for men who were exposed to cigarette toxins in the womb.
A large-scale study of over 7,000 women found that sustaining a desire for children after failed fertility treatment is linked to worse mental health. Women who still wished to have children were up to 2.8 times more likely to develop clinically significant mental health problems than those who did not sustain a child-wish.
A study found that oral contraceptive users have significantly lower measures of ovarian reserve compared to non-users, with a marked suppressive effect on anti-Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count. The results suggest that women taking the Pill may need more frequent assessments of their reproductive status.
A survey of 973 women in the UK and Denmark found that while most are aware of egg freezing, only one in five consider it appropriate for their personal circumstances. The majority associate oocyte freezing with delaying childbearing until social and domestic circumstances improve.
A study by Dr Ana Cobo found that cumulative live birth rates increase progressively with the number of vitrified eggs used, reaching a plateau at 97.3% with 40 eggs. Egg banking can provide a large pool of donor eggs without synchronizing cycles, making it a more efficient and safer process.
A large case-control study found that pregnancies from egg donation are associated with a higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia. The study included over 580 pregnancies and found that the risk was more than three-fold higher for routine IVF patients.
A 30-year follow-up study found no link between fertility drugs and breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, except for extended use of clomiphene citrate. The study of 12,193 women treated for infertility showed a higher risk of invasive breast cancer with clomiphene use in 12 or more treatment cycles.
A large Danish population-based cohort study found that children born to women with fertility problems have a higher risk of psychiatric disorders than naturally conceived children. The increased risk persists throughout childhood and into young adulthood.
A large multicentre trial found no significant improvement in IVF success rates for women who underwent outpatient hysteroscopy before further IVF treatment. The study suggests that endometrial scratching, not routine hysteroscopy, may be responsible for the previously reported improvements.
The study analyzed over 230,000 sperm donation cycles in the UK and found no significant impact on live birth rates from sperm donor age. Instead, it highlighted the significance of female partner's age and sperm quality. The results suggest that advancing paternal age may not be as crucial for fertility outcomes as previously thought.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that mothers of daughters with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a significantly increased risk of death, especially when combined with type 2 diabetes. The research compared mortality rates between mothers and fathers of PCOS daughters with the general Dutch population.
A study published in Europe's leading reproductive medicine journal found that freezing semen before cancer treatment can significantly increase the chances of fatherhood. Among 334 male survivors who wanted to have children, those with frozen semen had a success rate of 62% compared to 21% without it.
Belgium's policy of limiting embryo transfers with six ART cycles reimbursement shows no negative impact on pregnancy and delivery rates, while reducing multiple births. This 'Belgian model' can be considered by governments worldwide to achieve a 50% reduction in MPR and public health costs.
Research published in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's journal Human Reproduction found a significant association between casual employment and delayed childbirth. Women who spent more time in temporary jobs were less likely to have their first child by age 35, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Research found that the average pregnancy length is 268 days, but variations of up to 37 days were detected. Factors such as a woman's age, birth weight, and previous pregnancies also influenced gestation duration.
A large Dutch nationwide cohort study found that women giving birth to multiples after IVF treatment have a higher risk of breast cancer. The study suggests a link between high embryo implantation potential and breast cancer risk, with increased levels of VEGF possibly playing a role.
A study of almost 10,000 first cycles of egg donation treatment found that female obesity reduces uterine receptivity to embryo implantation, compromising reproductive outcome. Obese women had significantly lower rates of embryo implantation, pregnancy, twin pregnancy, and live birth compared to normal-weight women.
A study of egg banking for anticipated gamete exhaustion found that many women believe they'll never use their stored eggs, but still consider the experience positive. Most wish they had done so at an earlier age to preserve fertility.
A large UK cohort study found that children born through assisted reproduction have no higher cancer risk than naturally conceived children. However, rare cancer types were associated with low birth weight and small absolute excess risks.
A meta-analysis of studies found that women working shifts experience a higher rate of menstrual disruption (33% increase) and subfertility (80% increase), while night shift work only increases the risk of miscarriage. The study suggests that altering circadian rhythms can lead to short- and long-term biological disturbances.
A new study found that phthalate exposure is associated with reduced fertility in women undergoing IVF treatment. Exposure to specific phthalates was linked to lower IVF success rates, including implantation failure and reduced oocyte retrieval rates.
A study of 1423 egg donors across 11 European countries found that altruism is the primary motivation, but financial compensation plays a significant role in some countries. The majority of donors are young women who expect personal benefits, and their age affects their motivations.
A study in Belgium demonstrates that simplified IVF methodology can be successful and cost-effective, with estimated costs as low as €200 per cycle. The research aims to make infertility care universally accessible to couples in developing countries.
A new study suggests that early life factors such as impaired fetal growth and exposure to maternal smoking may lead to reduced semen parameters in adulthood. The study found that around one in six men had sperm parameters below the normal threshold, with poor fetal growth and smoking exposure associated with lower sperm quality.
A new genome sequencing technique has been used to select embryos for IVF, resulting in the first birth following embryo screening. The 'next generation sequencing' method reveals information on genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities, increasing the chances of successful pregnancies.
A recent study found that morbidly obese women have a significantly lower risk of developing endometriosis compared to those with low normal BMI. The association was strongest in infertile women, who had a 77% lower rate of endometriosis
A randomized trial compared treatments for ectopic pregnancies, finding no significant differences in subsequent fertility between medical treatment and conservative surgery. The study suggests that medical treatment may be preferred for less active ectopic pregnancies due to fewer risks, while surgical treatment is recommended for wom...
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that children born after infertility treatment have a higher risk of developing asthma. At the age of five, these children were two to four times more likely to experience asthma, wheezing, and take anti-asthmatic medication compared to those conceived naturally.
A French study of over 26,600 men found a significant decline in semen concentration and quality between 1989 and 2005. The researchers reported a 32.2% decrease in semen concentration and a 33.4% decrease in the percentage of normally formed sperm.
A study of nearly 3,000 women in Denmark found that those with an ectopic pregnancy had significantly lower delivery rates and total number of pregnancies over 20-30 years compared to others. These women also have a high risk of another ectopic pregnancy.
A nationwide Finnish study found that women who had three or more induced abortions before a first birth have a higher risk of delivering a baby prematurely and with low birth weight. The risk increases with each additional abortion, but the overall increase is small.
A meta-analysis suggests that freezing all embryos for later transfer in a non-stimulated cycle may improve implantation and pregnancy rates, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) associated with fresh embryo transfers. The study found a relative risk of 1.31 for clinical pregnancies, with higher ongoing pregnan...
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology announces a breakthrough in fertility preservation, with Italy's first successful pregnancy and live birth after cryopreserving ovarian tissue. The technique has shown promising results, even after lengthy storage periods.
A policy of single embryo transfer (SET) has been associated with a reduction in overall perinatal mortality for IVF and ICSI babies. SET has also been linked to lower risks of preterm birth and low birth weight, as well as sequelae such as prematurity and neonatal complications.
Researchers found that smoking reduces the production of a key gene called BAD in Fallopian tubes, creating an environment conducive to ectopic pregnancies. This finding may lead to new ways to prevent and diagnose ectopic pregnancies.
A Danish study found that women who drink five or more cups of coffee a day have a 50% reduced chance of success in IVF treatment. The live birth rate was also lower by 40%. The researchers suggest that women should not consume more than five cups of coffee a day when undergoing IVF.
A study by Harvard School of Public Health found that women with higher intakes of dietary saturated fats have fewer mature oocytes available for collection in IVF, leading to lower live birth rates. On the other hand, polyunsaturated fat consumption is inversely related to embryo quality.
A study found that higher public reimbursement for fertility treatment increases access to care, reducing unmet needs in subfertile populations. Countries with more generous funding policies have a higher volume of ART cycles performed and lower rates of multiple births.