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Babies born to single mothers by choice have birth outcomes comparable to average

A UCL-led study found that babies born to single mothers by choice have similar birth outcomes to babies of partnered mothers who had conceived naturally. Single mothers by choice were also less likely to have low birth weight or be born pre-term compared to single mothers who conceived naturally.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2026

New study from University Hospitals identifies who is most likely to use whole systems traditional Chinese Medicine during IVF

A new study from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that women with chronic pain conditions or a history of recurrent pregnancy loss were more likely to use Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine during IVF. The study also identified higher-income neighborhoods and prior ART cycles as factors associated with WS-TCM...

Halving fertility treatment costs could more than double births, major global study shows

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 ...

More than 1.15 million fertility treatment cycles reported across Europe and the impact of frozen embryo transfer continues to grow

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.

New study links uterine ageing to poorer pregnancy outcomes after 49 despite donor eggs

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...

European survey reveals broad support for fertility care, embryo research and genome editing, alongside opportunities for greater public engagement

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.

The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health: Lack of good evidence that majority of IVF ‘add-ons’ improve fertility, finds most comprehensive study to date

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.

SourceThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 23, 2026

IVF not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but study shows differences in some cancers

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...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026

Natural ovulation as effective as hormones before IVF embryo transfer

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 21, 2026

Geometry shapes life

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.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

Eight babies born after Mitochondrial Donation treatment to reduce transmission of mitochondrial DNA disease

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.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 16, 2025

Older paternal age linked to higher miscarriage risk and lower live birth rates in donor egg IVF cycles, new study finds

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.

Higher success rate using a simple oral swab test before IVF

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.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 13, 2025

New IVF method mimics fallopian tube environment, increasing sperm viability

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.

IVF pregnancies at greater risk of exposure to medicines that can harm the fetus

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.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2025

Simulating natural selection in assisted reproduction

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.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 17, 2024

How chain IVF clinics improve infertility treatment

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalManagement Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2024

Defective sperm doubles the risk of preeclampsia

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.

SourceLund University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateOct 11, 2024

Chromosome copying errors pinpointed in embryo development

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2024

Time-lapse imaging for embryo selection in IVF does not improve the odds of live birth compared with conventional methods, according to largest study of its kind

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.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 18, 2024

Even very small amounts of elements in follicular fluid may impact IVF success rates, according to new study from George Mason University researcher

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.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2024

Study finds preconception stress may affect health of women undergoing fertility treatment

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.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·TypeObservational study·DateJan 4, 2024

Assisted reproductive technologies not associated with body mass index in children, except when using frozen embryos – according to new Danish study

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 19, 2023

Mouse model of gender-affirming testosterone treatment and fertility finds decrease in egg yield but not quality

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2023