Articles tagged with Infertility
Researchers found that embryo culture is associated with placental abnormalities, preeclampsia, and abnormal fetal growth. Optimizing embryo culture is key to ensuring healthy outcomes for mothers and offspring.
Scientists have identified a crucial protein called SKP1 that drives a key transition step in male meiosis, the process resulting in sperm production. Without this protein, meiosis cannot proceed, and defects can occur, leading to male infertility, pregnancy loss, or birth defects.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that an online program for women with infertility doubled their pregnancy rate, comparable to in-person programs. The Mind/Body Program offers ten hour-long modules of instruction covering stress management, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
A new NIH study found that antioxidant supplements did not improve semen quality or pregnancy and live birth rates in men with infertility. The Males, Antioxidants, and Infertility Trial (MOXI) reported no statistically significant differences between the placebo and antioxidant groups.
Dr. Neal Barnard shares how common conditions like infertility, weight gain, and menopausal symptoms are fueled by hormone imbalances linked to food choices. He offers practical tips and recipes to balance hormones and improve overall health.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have discovered the Meiosin gene, which acts as a control tower to switch on hundreds of genes for germ cell formation. This finding has significant implications for reproductive medicine and infertility treatments.
Ethicists argue that sperm donation after death is morally permissible to plug the UK's shortage of donor sperm and increasing demand. The process would involve collecting and freezing sperm after death through electrical stimulation or surgery, with health checks addressing potential genetic concerns.
A new study conducted at University of Utah Health found that zinc and folic acid supplements did not improve sperm counts or pregnancy rates in men. The researchers also noted a higher proportion of broken DNA in sperm among those who took the supplements, which could contribute to male infertility.
A randomized clinical trial examined the effects of daily folic acid and zinc supplementation on semen quality and live births among 2,300 couples. The study found that folic acid and zinc supplementation improved semen quality and increased the chances of conception.
Research by Lancaster University and the University of Oregon reveals that infertility disproportionately affects working-class people, those with disabilities, and others. The study calls for greater healthcare equity and inclusive reproductive health surveillance to address these disparities.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that direct-to-consumer hormone-based fertility tests for women are both empowering and confusing. The tests, which estimate egg supply or 'ovarian reserve,' are marketed as an accessible option for investigating fertility status but do not predict natural conception.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identify a genetic abnormality in the SYCP2 gene as a possible cause of male infertility. The study found that variants affecting this gene were associated with low sperm count and loss-of-function variants, making it a potential diagnostic marker.
Researchers at Penn Medicine identify specific genetic locations of retained histones in sperm DNA, which can affect embryonic development. A new mouse model with a mutated Gcn5 gene allows for closer tracking of defective sperm and potential therapeutic targets.
Men born small for gestational age have a 55% increased risk of infertility as adults, compared to those born within the normal weight range. The study found no link between gestational age and infertility in women.
A new UK study found that nearly half of those dealing with infertility and its treatment lack access to psychological support. The survey, which received over 800 responses, also revealed a 'postcode lottery' in the funding of IVF treatments, with some areas offering more support than others.
A recent study at the University of Virginia has made a groundbreaking discovery about fertilization, revealing that sperm and eggs fuse in a dynamic process where both play an active role. The research may lead to new treatments for infertility, including male contraceptives and improved IVF success rates.
Researchers have identified patterns of epigenetic molecules on sperm DNA that can indicate male infertility. A new diagnostic approach could provide doctors with a reliable method to screen men for infertility, saving couples time and effort in finding suitable treatment options.
A new study at U-M found that the addition of IVF coverage to health insurance plans increased the rate of IVF among university employees, with a nine-fold increase in the lowest-salary bracket. The benefit led to greater equity in fertility rates across income groups.
Researchers from CRCHUM unveiled a mechanism that likely contributes to the low level of pregnancy success in some fertility clinics. Healthy cells usually have one nucleus, but many fertility clinics transfer so-called 'binucleated embryos' with two nuclei back to patients. The study found that binucleation increases the chances of an...
Researchers identified genes that influence the balance between male and female offspring in mice, affecting male fertility. The study found that removing specific gene families led to skewed sex ratios and male infertility, providing a potential model for understanding sperm production.
A recent study has found chlamydia in the testicular tissue biopsies of infertile men with no identified cause, indicating a potential link between the bacteria and male infertility. Chlamydia was detected in 45.3% of fixed testicular biopsies, suggesting a significant impact on fertility.
The Edwards family's journey with uterus transplantation has resulted in the birth of their fourth child through this innovative procedure. Researchers at Baylor University Medical Center have completed 20 uterus transplants as part of a clinical trial, aiming to expand this option for women with absolute uterine factor infertility.
A national register study from Lund University found that fathers who underwent assisted reproduction, such as IVF and ICSI, had a 30-60% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who conceived naturally. The study also showed that men treated for infertility had a higher risk of prostate cancer at a young age.
Men who became fathers through assisted reproduction techniques have a higher risk of prostate cancer and early onset prostate cancer compared to those who conceived naturally. Early screening and long-term monitoring are advised for these men.
Researchers at Michigan State University are using $2.8M in NIH grants to study the piRNA pathway and its role in controlling male fertility. They hope to identify new targets for male contraception, addressing a significant reproductive health issue affecting one in ten couples.
A third family welcomes a baby after participating in a landmark uterus transplant clinical trial at Baylor University Medical Center. The successful birth is the largest program in the world, having performed a total of 20 uterus transplants.
Scientists have developed a new computational method that reveals genetic patterns in individual cells, enabling the diagnosis of specific genetic defects and potentially rectifying them with CRISPR. This breakthrough advances precision medicine by providing personalized treatment options for patients with unexplained infertility.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that Misr2+ cells play a critical role in forming a healthy uterus. The cells, which express the receptor for Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS), are found to continue expressing MIS past sexual differentiation, contributing to uterine development.
A Michigan Medicine study found that white women and those with higher education levels are more likely to seek fertility treatment than other groups. Nearly 12.5% of women reported experiencing infertility, but only 33% of those with lower education levels sought care.
A large multicentre study of almost 5000 patients found no benefit from ICSI in terms of fresh and cumulative live birth rate in non-male factor cases, challenging the global trend of ICSI adoption
A study has identified new potential genetic causes of male infertility, which will help develop better diagnostic tests. Researchers found de novo mutations in genes involved in spermatogenesis, none of which were previously known to cause human infertility.
The study reveals that dietary phytoestrogens are metabolized by the gut microbiota of southern white rhinoceroses, leading to infertility. The researchers also found species differences in estrogen receptor sensitivity to phytoestrogen metabolites.
Scientists have identified a crucial role for GDNF in regulating the length of the ureter, a tube connecting the kidneys to the bladder. Excessive GDNF production can lead to reproductive organ malformations and infertility in males and females.
A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that female reproductive endocrinology and infertility subspecialists make $67,000 less than their male counterparts annually. Researchers attribute the pay gap to factors such as salary compression and women's reluctance to negotiate over salary.
Researchers at Kyoto University have made a breakthrough in understanding the root cause of abnormal sperm morphology in infertile mice. By modifying a single amino acid on a key protein, they were able to restore fertility in test mice, opening up new possibilities for treating infertility.
A new study reveals that long-term opioid users are at risk of hormone deficiencies, including hypogonadism and hypocortisolism. Up to 65% of men using opioids long term have low testosterone levels, leading to symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and infertility.
A study of over 64,000 women found that infertility is associated with a higher risk of developing cancer compared to non-fertile women. The absolute risk is very low at just 2%, but still significantly higher among infertile women.
Women who undergo infertility treatment are more likely to experience severe pregnancy complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage and sepsis. Researchers found a 40% increased risk among women who received in vitro fertilization compared to those without treatment.
A randomised controlled trial involving over 2,700 couples found that the new IVF technique PICSI did not significantly improve success rates for male infertility, with a success rate of around one in four couples. However, it did reduce miscarriages by 39% compared to standard ICSI treatment.
A study published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry found that antidepressants may affect fertility in women, but the evidence is limited. In contrast, the impact on male fertility is unclear and requires further research.
Scientists at Newcastle University have identified a gene crucial for sperm production, shedding light on why some men may be infertile. The RBMXL2 gene's deletion blocked sperm production, paving the way for further research into male factor infertility.
A study of 1644 infertile men found that longer durations of infertility were associated with lower sperm counts and impaired sperm parameters. Older age and higher body mass index were also linked to prolonged infertility.
Researchers have successfully performed the world's first uterus transplant from a deceased donor, allowing a woman with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome to give birth. The recipient received immunosuppression drugs and had a healthy pregnancy, resulting in the birth of a baby girl via caesarean section.
UTSA scientists create world's most comprehensive digital roadmap for male fertility by analyzing individual cells' gene expression. This innovation could help diagnose and treat infertility issues, as well as inform the development of new contraception methods.
Researchers have identified three proteins that regulate each other with surprising complexity, potentially leading to treatments for some forms of infertility and fighting aggressive cancers. The discovery could also inform precision medicine treatments for certain types of aggressive cancers.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that accounting for cellular variability in endometrial gene expression profiles improves the accuracy of biomarker discovery. This approach can increase IVF success rates for couples who have experienced repeated IVF failure.
A new study by Lancaster University highlights the issue of men's invisibility in fertility research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that surveys like the Demographic and Health Surveys often exclude or unfairly represent men's experiences, leading to gender inequalities.
A population-based cohort study found that boys with undescended testes had a 2.4 times increased risk of adult testicular cancer compared to unaffected boys, as well as a 20% lower chance of paternity and higher use of assisted reproductive technologies for infertility.
New guidelines and resources have been published globally to address the complexities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affecting up to 13% of reproductive-age women. The initiative aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes for women with PCOS.
Recent studies suggest a potential relationship between air pollution and infertility, menstrual irregularity, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. Researchers emphasize the need for further exploration of these findings to support policy guidelines on air pollution and human health.
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 study at the University of Toledo identifies a new centriole in human sperm that functions in zygotes, potentially contributing to male infertility and early embryo developmental defects. The research provides new avenues for diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.
A new study found that combination CC+AZ therapy is safe and effective for patients with elevated estradiol or low testosterone/estradiol ratios. The treatment improves testosterone levels and reduces estradiol levels by lowering conversion of testosterone to estradiol.
The prevalence of twin births in PRE horses is higher than previously thought, with 14 documented cases. Chimerism was found to be associated with twin births but not linked to infertility, contrary to previous studies.
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.
A study by researchers at the University of Adelaide found that women who eat less fruit and more fast food take longer to get pregnant. The study also showed that a diet rich in fruits can improve fertility and reduce the time it takes for women to conceive.
Chemotherapy-induced DNA damage triggers apoptosis in oocytes due to p63 activation. Researchers found that inhibiting specific enzymes can prevent this process, offering new hope for fertility preservation.
A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that infertility is significantly associated with a shorter gestation and diminished birth size. Infertile women's infants weighed less, were shorter, and had smaller head circumferences compared to non-infertile women.
A protein called ZFP36L2 is essential for eggs to complete normal development and fertility. Female mice lacking this protein in their eggs are infertile due to a failure in global transcriptional silencing.
Research suggests that women with unexplained infertility have higher levels of a hormone stimulating the thyroid gland, negatively impacting their ability to conceive. The study found nearly twice as many women with unexplained infertility had elevated TSH levels compared to those with known infertility causes.