Articles tagged with Infertility
A study revealed that mice have a constant fraction of their egg reserves ready for activation, despite aging and identical DNA. The ovary has an actively monitored system that keeps track of its egg supply, challenging the traditional view of ovaries as passive reservoirs.
This study examines associations between early life BMI and childbirth timing, as well as fertility outcomes among Danish women. Childhood body size is found to be associated with the timing of childbirth, highlighting the importance of addressing reproductive health early in life.
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 ...
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 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.
Researchers developed a new methodology to identify biomarkers for male infertility, enabling comprehensive analysis of lipids and metabolites. They found 955 potential metabolites and 473 lipids that could be present in sperm.
A pilot study found that immunotherapy can stimulate egg maturation in women with autoimmune POI, leading to healthy births in three out of ten cases. The treatment involves rituximab, an approved drug for autoimmune conditions and cancers, which suppresses the autoimmune process and activates the remaining egg reserve.
A new study investigated the effects of ornidazole, an antimicrobial drug, on male fertility. Ornidazole was found to reduce sperm count and motility, as well as disrupt seminiferous tubule structure, in both mouse and human models.
A Taiwanese national cohort study analyzes the growth of children from birth to 12 years old conceived through infertility treatments. The results show that these children grow similarly to naturally conceived peers when accounting for twinning rates.
A new study found that chronic oral inflammation can impair female fertility by triggering a systemic immune response that affects the ovaries. This leads to oxidative damage, reduced egg quality, disrupted follicle development, and reduced live birth rates.
Research in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that babies born to mothers with endometriosis are at a higher risk of congenital anomalies. The study included over 1.4 million births and found an increased risk of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genital, and musculoskeletal anomalies as well as neoplasms and tumours.
Researchers developed an AI-driven wearable skin sensor patch to track reproductive hormones and detect hidden endocrine dysfunction, which can improve conception. The study found that men with normal testosterone levels may still have disrupted hormone rhythms associated with reproductive dysfunction.
A single-center study demonstrates uterus transplant feasibility in multidisciplinary centers, supporting its use for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. Ongoing reporting and data sharing will refine risk estimates and optimize patient counseling.
The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.
Two new studies from Aarhus University reveal that endometriosis is often difficult to recognize in its early stages, requiring a systematic approach even when symptoms are diffuse. The studies highlight the need for improved knowledge, collaboration with specialists, and referral pathways to reduce diagnostic delays.
Research from Lund University found a link between male infertility and an increased risk of developing colorectal and thyroid cancer. Men who underwent assisted reproduction techniques, such as ICSI, were more likely to develop these cancers.
The University of Cincinnati has opened a zebrafish research facility to investigate the effects of environmental contaminants on human fertility. The lab will use zebrafish as a model organism to understand molecular mechanisms behind reproductive biology and infertility.
Two studies led by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that people living in redlined neighborhoods were less likely to conceive than those in favorable areas. The findings suggest that historical practices like redlining continue to influence reproductive health disparities in present-day communities of color.
Researchers found that an approved antifibrotic drug, finerenone, can reduce ovarian fibrosis and promote follicle growth in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. Clinical trials showed that finerenone improved follicle development and mature oocyte quality in women with POI.
A Purdue University-developed contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in feral horses, deer, swine, and other animals, overcoming limitations of existing models. The vaccine, based on a male sperm protein, induces a long-lasting immune response and infertility in female mammals, with promising results for wildlife management.
A new study reveals that fecal transplants from older female mice significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in young mice. The transplants show a direct link between the gut microbiome and ovarian health, with potential implications for fertility and overall health as women age.
The ESE and ESPE have launched a landmark Joint Clinical Practice Guidance to support structured and effective transition of young people with endocrine conditions. The Guidance provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to ensure continuity, safety and quality of care during this critical phase in a patient's life.
A study from Rutgers Health and Michigan State University has identified 556 genes in the uterine lining that are increased in fertile women but not in those struggling with infertility. This research sheds light on potential causes of infertility, including the role of the uterus itself.
A research team has identified eleven novel factors essential for mouse zygote development, which modulate embryonic development through precise mechanisms. These findings suggest the existence of previously unrecognized regulatory factors and indicate potential for molecular-level control of embryo development.
Researchers found that over half of IVF cycles in the US were performed at clinics affiliated with private equity firms, sparking concerns about the impact on quality and accessibility. The study's authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the benefits and risks of this business model.
A Chinese-led study maps the evolving global burden of infertility, revealing a sustained increase in global prevalence and years lived with disability among women. The study also finds that later marriage and childbearing contribute to the elevated infertility burden, while sociocultural factors lead to higher detection rates in women.
Researchers have discovered a key protein structure in the germ cells of male mice that causes deformations in sperm flagellum leading to infertility. The study used ultrastructure expansion microscopy to visualize the centriole, a tiny cylindrical structure critical for sperm movement.
Researchers have discovered that optical genome mapping can reveal hidden causes of pregnancy loss, including chromosomal changes in genes known to be linked to recurrent pregnancy loss. The study found structural changes in the genome that were missed by traditional genetic sequencing methods.
Researchers at Columbia University have successfully used an AI-guided sperm recovery method to help a man with azoospermia become pregnant. The STAR method combines advanced imaging technology and microfluidics to identify and isolate rare sperm cells, overcoming long-standing barriers in treating men with infertility. Larger clinical...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified four distinct subgroups of PCOS, showing clear differences in pregnancy rates and metabolic complications. These findings could lead to more tailored treatments for women with the disease.
The European Society of Endocrinology has published a new Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management and Evaluation of Menopause and the Perimenopause. The guideline provides guidance on evaluating and managing women with menopause-related symptoms, including hormone therapy benefits and risks. It also discusses alternative treatme...
Researchers from the University of Osaka have identified a crucial protein, TMEM217, that regulates sperm movement. By restoring the signal, they successfully treated immotile sperm and enabled them to fertilize eggs in vitro, leading to healthy births.
Researchers at The University of Osaka developed an mRNA therapy that restored sperm production and achieved the birth of viable offspring in a mouse model. This treatment showed promise for treating non-obstructive azoospermia, a genetic condition causing male infertility.
A recent study published in Oncoscience found that lifestyle choices and hormonal imbalances significantly impact male fertility in Indian men. The research discovered a strong association between poor habits such as tobacco and alcohol use, heat exposure, and body weight with lower semen quality and higher DNA damage.
Researchers at Aarhus University used mini-organs to show that cervical epithelial cells actively detect and combat infections, with uninfected cells becoming immune-active. This discovery opens opportunities for mucosal vaccines and targeted treatments against STIs and infertility.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified the precise location where human chromosomes break and recombine to form Robertsonian chromosomes. The study reveals that repetitive DNA sequences play a central role in genome organization and evolution, explaining how these rearrangements form and remain stable.
The global impact of IVF continues to grow, with estimated 20 million IVF births worldwide, increasing the demographic importance of fertility needs. IVF has become a more effective route to parenthood for those previously unable to conceive.
A poet's extensive rewrites in Dannie Abse's 1980 autobiography 'A Matter of Life' gave the narrative an emotional storytelling tone, highlighting the human stakes of IVF. The book's commercial success helped promote IVF at a time when the technique was controversial.
The study found that a specific spinal circuit is involved in both ejaculation and arousal, and integrates sensory inputs to adjust its output based on the animal's internal state. The researchers also discovered that Gal⁺ neurons receive sensory input from the penis and can trigger ejaculation, but their effects are suppressed by brai...
A review of hundreds of studies found a link between childhood plastic exposure and long-term health concerns like heart disease, obesity, and asthma. Parents can take simple steps to limit their children's plastic exposure, such as replacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel.
Human oocytes mature without centrosomes, relying on microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) to assemble spindles. Researchers reveal key factors required for MTOCs maturation and its importance in oocyte development and fertility.
A study using anonymized patient records from UC health centers found over 600 correlations between endometriosis and other conditions, including infertility, autoimmune disease, and certain cancers. The research supports the growing understanding of endometriosis as a multi-system disorder.
A study published in The EMBO Journal found that human eggs deliberately slow their internal waste disposal systems to maintain low metabolism and reduce damage. This minimalist strategy helps the cells stay pristine for decades, potentially leading to improved IVF success rates.
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 ...
Recent studies show chlorpyrifos exposure impairs spermatogenesis by compromising blood-testis barrier integrity, disrupting Sertoli cell junctional function and inducing ferroptosis. Chlorpyrifos primarily metabolite TCP triggers clockophagy-mediated ferroptosis in Sertoli cells.
A new study from Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers found that implementing a Best Practice Advisory in the electronic medical record system increased oncofertility referrals by 450%. This led to 14 successful fertility preservation cases within six months, compared to just 22 in the previous five years.
A new study reveals that BCAA supplements popular with male bodybuilders may impact their fertility, causing changes in sperm concentration and decline in fertility. Valine, a key BCAA, has a powerful effect on male reproductive function.
Researchers developed tiny human ovary organoids using stem cells to understand gonad development and disease. The models replicate key aspects of ovarian follicles, offering a powerful platform for studying gene function in a controlled environment.
Research shows that low phosphate levels in blood are associated with reduced sperm motility and poor semen quality. The findings suggest a potential link between phosphate and male fertility, highlighting the importance of understanding biological factors involved in reproductive health.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 178,000 women found that those with infertility history have a 14% increased risk of heart or blood vessel conditions, as well as higher risks of heart disease and stroke. Younger women and those undergoing fertility treatments are at greater risk.
Research finds high levels of phthalates in mothers' urine associated with shorter anogenital distances in 3-year-old boys and girls, a marker of reproductive health and hormone disruption. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
The event aims to create a positive scientific and policy legacy from the Congress in Denmark, Europe, and internationally. The conference will focus on key research presented at the Joint Congress and future priorities from the EndoCompass Research Roadmap.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have found that guinea pigs can serve as a reliable and robust small animal model to study human preimplantation development. The study provides new insights into the development of healthy embryos and fetuses, which could lead to improved fertility treatments and reproductive technologies.
Researchers at CRCHUM used single-cell RNA sequencing to study guinea pig pre-implantation development, finding striking similarities with early human embryogenesis. The discovery opens new possibilities for understanding women's infertility and developing therapeutics for healthy pregnancy.
Endometriosis is a painful and infertility-Linked condition that affects millions of women worldwide. New research by MSU professors identifies key cellular cross-talk that could lead to better non-hormonal treatments.
Researchers found that selfish genes use self-assembly properties to harm cells, with aggregate size and distribution being key factors in toxicity. The study also reveals an evolutionary arms race between sabotage and salvation, where rapid evolution of 'selfish' genes can lead to their own destruction.
A genetic mutation in mice reveals the crucial role of intercellular bridges in meiosis, a specialized cell division process that creates sperm. The study's findings may lead to new treatments and male contraceptives for infertility.
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.