Articles tagged with In Vitro Fertilization
A new study by Adelaide University researchers found that higher cumulative doses of clomiphene citrate increase the risk of miscarriage and twinning, but do not improve live birth rates. The study analysed over 21,000 embryo transfer cycles and found a dose-response relationship between cumulative doses and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A new Cochrane review analyzed 11 studies involving 2,524 women undergoing embryo transfer, finding no reliable evidence that preparatory techniques improve IVF success rates. The techniques examined included straightening the utero-cervical angle and removing cervical mucus before transfer.
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%.
According to the European IVF Monitoring Consortium, over 1.15 million fertility treatment cycles were reported across Europe in 2023, resulting in the birth of 247,021 children. The growth in frozen embryo transfer (FET) was particularly notable, with FET cycles increasing by 151% compared to previous years.
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 major new study suggests that age-related changes in the uterus may contribute to poorer pregnancy outcomes, with women aged 49 and over experiencing lower live birth rates and higher miscarriage risk despite donor-oocyte treatment. The study found that cumulative live birth rates declined substantially with age, from 80% among women...
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.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found no strong evidence that most IVF add-ons improve fertility. However, weak evidence suggests benefits from EmbryoGlue, endometrial scratching, and physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The study aimed to provide evidence-based information for patients making decisions about IVF add-ons.
The Columbia University Fertility Center has been ranked #1 on Newsweek's list of America's Best Fertility Clinics for the second consecutive year. The center offers cutting-edge innovations such as HELIOS near-infrared light technology to enhance embryo development, and STAR AI-assisted method to retrieve sperm in men with azoospermia.
An international analysis found that intrauterine administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) before embryo transfer does not increase pregnancy or live birth rates. The study urges patients and clinicians to rethink the commonly offered IVF add-on, citing concerns about unreliable trial data.
A large Australian study of over 417,000 women found that fertility treatments were not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but some cancers were slightly more common, while others were less common. Women who received fertility treatment were more likely to develop uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as melanoma, but the overall ris...
The lack of widely accepted standards for managing reproductive health risks in space is a pressing concern. Limited reliable data from human studies shows that space can be hostile to human biology, with conditions like altered gravity, cosmic radiation, and circadian disruption affecting reproductive processes.
A clinical trial found that natural ovulation before frozen embryo transfer is as effective as hormone treatment in achieving a healthy baby by IVF, with a lower risk of maternal complications. The study involved 4,376 ovulatory women and showed similar outcomes for birth weight and newborn complications.
A study found that TRAP laws increase maternal morbidity among fertility care patients, while states without such laws have better health outcomes. The study suggests a significant association between TRAP laws and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A McGill-led team has created a system that uses a hydrogel microneedle patch filled with nanoparticles to release leuprolide, an IVF hormone, in response to near-infrared light. This technology could make IVF treatment easier and more effective for patients.
Researchers at ISTA have found that the zebrafish embryo's geometry is essential for its development, guiding cell division and gene activation. The study's findings could improve IVF embryo assessments by understanding how the embryo interprets its geometry.
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.
Embryos and the uterus engage in a dynamic dialogue mediated by extracellular vesicles, influencing embryo attachment and implantation. Lipid droplets are also found to play an active role in this communication network.
A new study on artificial reproductive technologies found that mice conceived with IVF have slightly increased rates of DNA errors compared to those conceived naturally. The researchers discovered a 30% increase in new single-nucleotide variants, which are unlikely to be harmful.
Research reveals that ovarian aging is not just about egg quality, but also the surrounding cells and tissues. The study found that eggs cluster in pockets surrounded by egg-free zones, which decline in density with age, influencing egg lifespan and maturation.
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.
A team of Cornell University researchers has developed a groundbreaking device that automates oocyte cumulus removal, reducing manual labor and preserving embryo development outcomes. The vibration-powered chip ensures consistent results, minimizes contamination risks, and is portable and cost-effective.
Researchers developed a technique to study embryonic implantation in mice by keeping mouse uterine tissue alive outside the body. The method showed over 90% efficacy for implantation and provided insights into the maternal-embryonic signaling process.
Researchers at Wyss Institute develop in vitro method to induce meiosis in human cells, enabling replication of critical step in egg and sperm cell development. The breakthrough could lead to modeling defects and creating healthy gametes for individuals with infertility.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that weight loss interventions before IVF increased unassisted pregnancy rates, while the effect on live births was unclear. Weight loss interventions studied included low-energy diets, exercise programs, and pharmacotherapy.
Researchers at Newcastle University report eight babies born with no signs of mitochondrial DNA disease using pronuclear transfer, a new IVF technique reducing disease transmission. The study indicates the treatment is effective in reducing the risk of otherwise incurable diseases.
Pregnancy rates remained stable for IVF and IUI cycles in 2022, while single embryo transfer usage increased. Clinical pregnancy rates were stable, with singleton delivery rates improving to 91.5%. The use of ART rose by 15.6% despite a slight decline in total treatment cycles.
A new international study reveals that male partners over 45 carry significantly increased miscarriage risks and lower live birth rates even when young donor eggs are used. The study found that older paternal age is linked to genetic mutations, sperm DNA fragmentation, and epigenetic changes, impairing embryo development.
A new study found that a simple oral swab test can increase IVF success rates by identifying the best hormone treatment for each woman based on her genetic profile. The test, developed by researchers at Lund University, shows promise in reducing costs and increasing pregnancies.
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.
Researchers discovered toxic zinc in glassware used for in vitro fertilization (IVF), which inhibited embryo development. By adding chelating agent EDTA or thoroughly cleaning glassware, embryotoxic effects of zinc were reduced.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London reveals substantial financial burdens on patients and concerns over the reliability of information in the fertility sector. The research highlights a need for regulatory action to ensure clinics provide accurate cost information and treatment options.
Researchers developed a new IVF method that uses glycans to bind and store sperm, increasing fertilization rates and prolonging sperm viability. The method aims to improve IVF success for both animals and humans, particularly in cases where timing mismatches between egg maturity and sperm viability are critical.
Solutions-based therapy shows promise in improving wellbeing, sleep quality, and reducing anxiety among IVF patients aged 35 or over. The study used a problem-oriented model with clear intervention goals, which can be tailored to individual needs.
A study of 242 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment found that men experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, while women were more affected by stress. The researchers used online questionnaires to assess the couples' emotional well-being and job performance.
A new Australian study found that IVF pregnancies had the highest exposure to teratogenic medicines during the first trimester, compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. The risk was linked to medications used as additional treatment following ART to prevent repeat miscarriages or failed implantation.
Researchers highlight the risks of bypassing natural selection in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which can lead to deleterious epigenetic changes and increased health problems. They propose applying evolutionary principles to ART protocols to improve outcomes for human ART and animal production.
Researchers at Niigata University successfully generated rat offspring from ovarian oocytes transplanted into mice, overcame previous challenges in producing fertilized eggs and embryos.
A study by University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business researchers found that chain IVF clinics significantly improve treatment cycles and live birth rates compared to independent operators. Clinic acquisition leads to a 27% increase in IVF cycles and a 14% rise in live births, indicating improved care quality.
A study from Lund University shows that high DNA fragmentation in sperm is associated with doubled risk of preeclampsia and premature birth in women conceived through IVF. The findings suggest that DFI analysis could be used to identify high-risk pregnancies, potentially leading to improved fertility treatment.
A study by Radboud University Medical Center found that IVF success rates are the same whether embryos are transferred on day three or five after fertilization. This allows couples to make a personal decision about the timing of embryo transfer with their doctor.
A large study found that women with asthma are more likely to miscarry and require fertility treatment, but most can still have babies. The study analyzed reproductive outcomes for over 700,000 Danish women, finding higher rates of foetal loss and fertility treatment among those with asthma.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics found multiple specialized types of DNA replication in early-stage embryos, including a period of instability prone to chromosomal copying errors. This discovery could lead to improved methods of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and better strategies for minimizing chromosomal abnormalities.
A large-scale randomized controlled trial found no difference in live birth rates between time-lapse imaging and standard approaches used in IVF. The study suggests that time-lapse imaging does not improve clinical outcomes for women undergoing fertility treatment, contrary to theoretical benefits.
A large-scale egg freezing study in London found consistent, predictable, and reliable success rates comparable to those of routine IVF. The 15-year study followed up on almost 30,000 eggs frozen between 2008 and 2022, with a live birth rate per embryo transfer of 26%.
The UK has released a pioneering Code of Practice for the use of stem cell-based embryo models in research, providing standards for rigorous ethics and maximizing benefits. The code sets out processes for decision-making in research using these models, allowing scientists to proceed confidently while maintaining public trust.
A new study from George Mason University found that trace amounts of non-essential elements, such as lead and mercury, in ovarian follicular fluid may impact IVF success rates. Higher concentrations of cobalt and copper were associated with a stronger ovarian response, while higher levels of lead were linked to reduced fertility.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that children born via frozen embryo transfer have similar metabolic profiles to those born via fresh embryo transfer. The research compared over 4,000 children aged 2-5 years and found no differences in blood glucose, insulin, or cholesterol levels.
Researchers identified a genetic link between low birth weight and assisted reproductive technologies, with mutations in mitochondrial DNA increasing risk. The study suggests that hormonal stimulation may exacerbate this risk, highlighting the need for balancing oocyte yield with mutation minimization.
Scientists at University of California San Diego have developed a noninvasive approach to detect exRNA molecules in leftover culture media, which can help predict embryo quality and IVF success. By analyzing these molecules, the researchers were able to replicate morphological measurements used in current embryo tests.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that women who experienced more preconception stress had higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy, a predictor of current and long-term cardiovascular health. The study also discovered that socioeconomic status was associated with preconception stress and blood glucose levels.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between assisted reproductive technologies and body mass index in children, except when using frozen embryos. The study analyzed data from Denmark and other countries, providing insights into the health outcomes of children born through assisted reproductive technologies.
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.
A mouse model study found that testosterone treatment decreased egg yield without affecting quality, but outcomes improved with a washout period. This research provides evidence to inform fertility care for transgender and gender diverse people who wish to become parents.
A study of 2,433 women who received in vitro fertilization treatment found that delaying frozen embryo transfer for at least six months after a preceding clinical pregnancy loss was associated with beneficial pregnancy outcomes. This delay resulted in improved rates of live births and healthy pregnancies.
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.
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.
Scientists analyzed nearly 1,000 IVF embryos to understand why some fail to develop, finding that genetic errors in cell division are more common than thought. The study reveals potential ways to improve IVF outcomes by changing the fertility treatment process and understanding the earliest stages of pregnancy.
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.
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 ...