Articles tagged with Infertility
A study of 1.3 million Canadian children found a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in those born to parents with infertility. The research suggests that certain obstetrical and neonatal factors may contribute to this increased risk, highlighting the need for further exploration of these factors in individuals with infertility.
Researchers created an immunodeficient mouse model of physiological ovarian aging, mirroring female fertility decline with age. The study found decreased oocyte quality, impaired follicle activation and growth, and increased mitochondrial dysfunctions in Old mice.
Researchers developed a new OCT approach to directly image coordination of tiny hair-like structures in live organisms, giving a powerful tool to investigate cilia's role in the female reproductive system. The technique revealed unexpected behaviors that contradict current views and suggested new roles for cilia.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that COVID-19 vaccination in female and male partners does not increase the risk of miscarriage. In fact, vaccinated individuals had a slightly lower risk of miscarriage compared to unvaccinated individuals. The study analyzed survey data from over 1,800 female participants...
Researchers discovered that a single mutation in a key synaptonemal complex protein can cause infertility in mice and is likely to have the same effect in humans. This finding may lead to new technologies for treating male infertility by pinpointing the exact location of the defect.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found no correlation between anxiety and depression in men on fertility treatment, nor was there a negative impact from antidepressant medication. Despite stress concerns, the study suggests men with anxiety should continue their treatment without fear of harming IVF outcomes.
A new specimen collection system has been developed to enhance assisted reproductive technologies by providing a simple one-step method for selecting high-quality sperm for ICSI. The system, known as NovaSort, uses a barrier mesh to isolate mobile sperm without damaging their DNA.
A global fertility crisis affects one in six couples, with half the time originating from men. Researchers highlight the need for targeted treatments and improved diagnoses, citing lifestyle factors such as hormone-disrupting chemicals, poor diet, stress, and smoking as contributing causes.
A study of over 850,000 Australian children born between 2009 and 2017 found a small increased risk of birth defects among those conceived through fertility treatment, partly attributed to parental infertility. The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was also associated with an increased risk for genitourinary abnormalities.
The special issue explores achievements and challenges in reproductive endocrinology and infertility medicine, presenting strategies to bridge the gap between societal obligations and practice. Access to care remains a challenge for varying populations within societies and underserved regions.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who follow a keto diet for at least 45 days may experience significant weight loss and improvements in reproductive hormone levels. Lower testosterone levels can also help reduce excess hair growth and other symptoms associated with PCOS.
A new $1.9 million NIH grant will investigate the role of glycogen in supporting healthy pregnancies. The study aims to understand how glycogen storage in the uterus affects fertility and pregnancy loss, with a focus on obesity's impact on uterine glycogen metabolism.
A recent study of 31 million pregnant individuals found that infertility treatment is associated with an increased risk of stroke-related hospitalization within 12 months of delivery. The risk was evident as early as 30 days postpartum, highlighting the importance of timely follow-up and long-term monitoring to mitigate stroke risk.
Researchers found novel autoantibodies implicated in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, and recurrent pregnancy loss. These autoantibodies are also associated with infertility and endometriosis-associated infertility.
A study of 612 women found that adherence to preconception healthy dietary patterns before infertility treatment may be associated with a lower likelihood of pregnancy loss. The findings suggest a potential benefit of healthy eating habits for fertility outcomes.
Researchers found that delivering at 39 weeks reduced perinatal risk in term singleton pregnancies conceived through infertility treatment. This study suggests a specific gestational age for optimal birth outcomes in these cases.
Researchers from Osaka University have shed light on how certain proteins contribute to the formation of piRNAs, a type of RNA that protects the genome. Tejas plays a key role in recruiting Vas and Spn-E, facilitating nuage formation and piRNA processing.
A new study suggests that women with prior infertility may experience more severe menopause symptoms, including depressive mood, irritability, and sleep problems. The study found no association between infertility and other common menopause symptoms.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers reveals that modifications to amino acids in sperm may be linked to infertility. The team analyzed the molecular sequence composition of protamines, finding non-arginine amino acids with unexpected post-translational modifications that affect sperm shape and function.
The study reveals that women physicians prioritize family building over career advancement, leading to a shift in their professional paths. Women in medicine experience significant alterations to their careers due to fertility concerns and family planning, contributing to ongoing gender disparities.
A new study analyzed data on women born between 1916 and 1975, revealing increases in primary involuntary childlessness and secondary infertility. Meanwhile, the success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART) increased over time, with significant contributions to population growth.
Researchers analyzed dairy cows' uterine microbiota and found significant associations with fertility, including a correlation between microbial diversity and AI frequency. The study suggests that farm-to-farm variations in microbiota can impact fertility, paving the way for new diagnostic approaches to low fertility in dairy farms.
Endometriosis suffers face significant barriers to timely diagnosis due to societal stigma surrounding periods, inadequate GP training, and challenges in distinguishing symptoms from normal menstrual pain. The study highlights the need for mandatory training on menstrual conditions during medical school to prioritize women's healthcare.
A new Boston University study found that COVID vaccines likely do not affect menstrual cycle regularity, bleed length, or pain. Menstrual cycles increased by 1.1 days after a first dose and 1.3 days after a second, but these changes resolved within one to two cycles.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found significant gaps and variations in UK schools' curricula for sexual and reproductive health, with important topics like endometriosis and miscarriage missing. The research suggests better education is crucial for young people to understand their reproductive systems and make informed decisions about their lives.
Researchers used cryo-electron tomography to study the dynein motor protein, revealing new details about how it generates force and coordinates with other proteins. This knowledge may help develop treatments for diseases related to cilia dysfunction, such as fertility issues and lung disease.
Research presented at ENDO 2023 found women with PCOS died 47% earlier than those without the condition. They were also at higher risk for deaths due to cardiovascular disease, tumors, diabetes, and lung infections.
Research reveals that women with PCOS experience significant body image concerns, including greater self-classification as overweight and lower body satisfaction scores. This correlation may increase the risk of developing eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
Researchers developed a noninvasive diagnostic test to identify intact sperm in infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia. The test uses protein biomarkers AKAP4 and ASPX to visualize well-developed sperm, potentially increasing success rates for surgical sperm extraction. This breakthrough may lead to new male birth control drugs ...
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered that targeting Fusobacterium bacteria can reduce the formation of lesions associated with endometriosis. The study suggests an effective non-hormonal antibiotic treatment for this gynecological disorder, which affects one in ten women between 15 and 49 years old.
Researchers at Nagoya University have found that ATP, an energy 'currency' within cells, acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and causes mammalian ovulation. Administering ATP to rats induced the LH surge leading to ovulation, suggesting a potential new treatment for infertility.
A new study found that overweight boys tend to have lower testicular volume, putting them at risk for infertility in adulthood. The research suggests that weight loss could help patients avoid infertility later in life.
Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have revealed the dynamics of a new, young chromosome in fruit flies similar to those found in humans associated with treatment-resistant cancer and infertility. The B chromosomes are maintained by meiotic drive, enabling them to persist in a genome.
A mouse study suggests that a specific brain receptor, the leptin receptor, may be involved in the development of PCOS symptoms. Researchers found that mice exposed to excess androgens prenatally had improved estrous cycles and regulation of their menstrual cycles, offering potential therapeutic targets for people with PCOS.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified the Arrdc5 gene as a potential target for male contraception. The study found that when this gene is inactivated, it causes significant infertility in males, characterized by decreased sperm count, slowed mobility, and distorted shape.
Scientists have developed a new microfluidic sperm selection device to improve IVF success rates. The device replicates the natural sperm selection process, resulting in an 85% improvement in DNA integrity and a 90% reduction in sperm cell death.
A UC Riverside study identifies how a Fragile X gene mutation contributes to premature ovarian failure, leading to early infertility. Researchers found that the mutation affects neurons regulating reproduction in the brain and ovaries, causing an increase in hormone production and faster secretion rates.
A new finger-prick test for Trichomonas vaginalis has been developed by Washington State University researcher John Alderete. The test detects an antibody specific to the organism and provides rapid, affordable results, making it a potential game-changer in the fight against this prevalent but neglected STI.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia identified an increased prevalence of disease-causing genetic variants in females with unexplained infertility. The study found that 17% of these women had gene variants known to cause heart problems and cancer.
Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a way to reverse infertility in sterile mice by reducing high-circulating cholesterol with a bacterial protein. The study showed that this protein, called serum opacity factor, lowered HDL cholesterol levels by over 40% in three hours and restored fertility in the mice.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that the protein TSKS plays a crucial role in eliminating sperm cytoplasm, enabling a streamlined structure necessary for successful fertilization. The findings suggest potential applications for diagnostic tests and male contraceptives.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that men who regularly lift heavy objects at work have higher sperm counts. Men with more physical jobs also had higher levels of testosterone and estrogen, counterintuitively.
Scientists at the Wyss Institute and Gameto develop a living, fully human ovarian organoid that supports egg cell maturation and secretes sex hormones. This technology enables the study of human ovarian biology without tissue from patients and could lead to new treatments for infertility and ovarian cancer.
Researchers from Osaka University have identified a protein called FER1L5 that is crucial for the acrosome reaction, allowing sperm to fertilize eggs. The study found that mice lacking FER1L5 were unable to undergo the acrosome reaction, highlighting the importance of this protein in male fertility.
A recent study found that less than four in 100 men who applied to be sperm donors completed the process, with over half withdrawing before samples were released. The research, published in Human Reproduction, also showed that nearly a fifth of applicants were rejected due to health issues or genetic diseases.
Researchers found that a Mediterranean diet can improve fertility outcomes by reducing inflammation and increasing sperm quality in men. The anti-inflammatory properties of the diet may also enhance couples' chances of conception.
Scientists at Northwestern Medicine have discovered a causal link between environmental phthalates and increased uterine fibroid growth. Exposure to certain phthalates, such as DEHP, may activate a hormonal pathway that causes fibroid tumors to grow. This study explains the mechanisms behind this association.
Researchers have discovered a family of selfish genes, wtf, that have survived for over 100 million years in yeast, contradicting established beliefs on their longevity. These 'killer meiotic drivers' transmit themselves to half of offspring and destroy reproductive cells without being suppressed by natural selection.
Researchers found that administering nitric oxide to preterm mice after birth can reverse symptoms of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, including sensory and cognitive disorders. A clinical trial is now underway to test this treatment in human preterm infants.
A new paper published in Social Science & Medicine proposes that synthetic steroids were administered to female captives in Nazi concentration camps to prevent menstruation and fertility. The study, led by Dr. Peggy J. Kleinplatz, is based on historical evidence and testimony from Holocaust survivors, who reported suspicious food ratio...
Researchers have discovered a new protein called MAIA, which is crucial for human fertilization. The protein helps draw sperm into the egg cytoplasm, paving the way for novel ways to treat infertility.
Researchers discovered that human egg cells skip a crucial metabolic reaction to maintain their reproductive capacity without losing energy, allowing them to remain dormant in ovaries for up to 50 years. This finding explains why some women with mitochondrial conditions linked to this reaction do not experience reduced fertility.
Researchers discovered that the process of hypercondensation, where DNA is compressed, relies on a second type of protamine, PRM2, which may be crucial for fertility. The study sheds light on the complex mechanism behind sperm development and could lead to new treatments for male infertility.