Purpose Obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI), is implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes for women seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) care. However, the shape of the dose-response relationship between BMI and IVF outcomes remains unclear. Methods We therefore conducted a dose-response meta-analysis using a random effects model to estimate summary relative risk (RR) for clinical pregnancy (CPR)

We report the pregnancy and live birth achieved after in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes and PGT-A in a 23-year-old patient suffering from ovarian gonadotropin resistance. A woman with resistant ovary syndrome (ROS) had secondary amenorrhea, high FSH levels (25.34 mIU/mL) and LH (29.6 mIU/mL), low estradiol levels (15.2 pg/mL), and high serum AMH levels (38.0 ng/mL), associated with an increased

Purpose The current review aims to summarize the data available concerning the applicability of fertility preservation techniques to genetic conditions at risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Methods A literature review through the PubMed Database was carried out. Results About 10% of cases of POI is related to genetic diseases. The most frequent conditions associated with POI are Turner

Purpose To identify the pathogenic mutation in PMFBP1 leading to acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Methods Sanger sequencing was used to screen for mutations in the known pathogenic genes SUN5 and PMFBP1 in a patient with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression and localization of PMFBP1 in sperm. At the same time, a PMFBP1 mutant was

The most common reason for in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle cancelation is a lack of quality gametes available for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Here we present the successful fertility treatment of the couple affected by obstructive azoospermia combined with suboptimal response to controlled ovarian stimulation. Since the conventional approach appeared ineffective to overcome both partnersˈ

Purpose To report three cases of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) among oncofertility patients receiving a long-acting GnRH agonist for ovarian suppression after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with a GnRH antagonist protocol Methods Chart abstraction was completed for three patients at a single academic medical center. Patients included were undergoing fertility preservation

In order to maintain pregnancy rates following single embryo transfer, optimisation of embryo culture and selection is vital. Time-lapse monitoring (TLM) has the potential to play a crucial role by providing sequential images of embryo development and minimal disturbance. Therefore, in this study morphometric assessment of blastocyst area and maximum width was performed in order to evaluate if these

Purpose To provide a comprehensive analysis of mtDNA quantity in D5 and D6 blastocysts, as well as a further insight to the origin of delayed blastocyst development. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of 829 D5 and 472 D6 blastocysts from 460 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) with next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). The

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane bound complexes that have been identified as a mean for intercellular communication between cells and tissues both in physiological and pathological conditions. These vesicles contain numerous molecules involved in signal transduction including microRNAs, mRNAs, DNA, proteins, lipids, and cytokines and can affect the behavior of recipient cells.

Purpose Recent publications suggested that the risk for pre-eclampsia (PE) is higher with frozen-thawed embryo transfers (FETs) compared to fresh transfers (IVF-ETs). These studies were based on old data that reflects outdated practices. In this paper, we wanted to assess the incidence of PE in current assisted reproductive technology (ART) practice. Methods In this cohort study, we present the incidence

Purpose To analyze the content of websites of ACGME-accredited REI fellowship programs in the USA and to determine whether there are differences in content across geographic regions. Methods All ACGME-accredited REI fellowship websites active as of September 2020 were evaluated and reviewed using 20 criteria in the following nine domains: program overview, contact information, application information

Purpose To determine the utility of the endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA) in women with prior failed embryo transfers (ET). Methods This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent an ERA test with a subsequent frozen ET. Women were classified based on their indication for an ERA test: (1) ≥ 1 prior failed ET (cases), or (2) as a prophylactic measure (controls). A subset analysis of women

Purpose The main objective of Repro-Can-OPEN Study Part 2 is to learn more about oncofertility practices in optimum resource settings to provide a roadmap to establish oncofertility best practice models. Methods As an extrapolation for oncofertility best practice models in optimum resource settings, we surveyed 25 leading and well-resourced oncofertility centers and institutions from the USA, Europe

Purpose To provide a validated method to identify copy number variation (CNV) in regions of the Y chromosome of infertile men by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Methods Semen analysis was used to determine the quality of semen and diagnose infertility. Deletion of the azoospermia factor (AZF) region in the Y chromosome was detected by a routine sequence-tagged-site PCR (STS-PCR) method. We then used

Purpose Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) is known as a severe type of teratozoospermia, defined as semen composed of mostly headless spermatozoa that affect male fertility. In this regard, this systematic review aimed to discuss gene variants associated with acephalic spermatozoa phenotype as well as the clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment for the acephalic s

Obesity is associated with serious health risks, and its rising prevalence represents a growing public health emergency. Ongoing research into the association of obesity and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes aims to disentangle selective detrimental effects of obesity on the oocyte and the endometrium. More translational studies involving women with severe obesity and in the third-party

Research question Granulosa cells (GCs) surrounding oocytes are crucial for follicular growth, oocyte development, ovulation, and luteinization under the dynamic co-stimulation of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This study aimed to investigate the effect of LH levels on GCs in preovulatory follicles under gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist-based ovarian stimulation

Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of the initial ASRM COVID-19 recommendations for infertility treatment held by women’s health providers within varying subspecialties, as well as their attitudes toward pregnancy and fertility during this time. Methods An electronic survey was sent to all women’s healthcare providers, including physicians, mid-level providers and nurses

Purpose Geographic disparities for assisted reproductive technology (ART) continue to exist. Travel cost and time off work may create additional barriers for patients living remotely. Implementing telehealth can alleviate these barriers by reducing office visits. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with telehealth during ART. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey and retrospective

Purpose To review cases of couples presented to our PGT-unit with copy number variants (CNVs) classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in order to better understand their needs. Methods Retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary medical-center, 2014–2019. We reviewed files of all couples applying for genetic counseling with CNVs classified as VUS. The main outcomes measured: number

Purpose The main purpose and research question of the study are to compare the efficacy of high-security closed versus open devices for human oocytes’ vitrification. Methods A prospective randomized study was conducted. A total of 737 patients attending the Infertility and IVF Unit at S.Orsola University Hospital (Italy) between October 2015 and April 2020 were randomly assigned to two groups. A total

Purpose The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical outcomes of apparently balanced chromosome rearrangement (ABCR) carriers in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles by next-generation sequencing following microdissecting junction region (MicroSeq) to distinguish non-carrier embryos from balanced carriers. Methods A retrospective study of 762 ABCR carrier couples who requested PGT

Purpose We compared our clinical experience to international standards, assessed by response to treatment and pregnancy rates to ensure our results were comparable. Methods Men presenting with azoospermia related to hypogonadism were recruited into a treatment programme which was managed by one person over 8 years in a secondary care facility. Treatment followed published management plans using urinary

Almost 50% of infertility cases are due to male factors, and spermatogenesis failure is one of the most severe forms of male infertility. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) also known as germ cell aplasia is characterized by azoospermia in which the seminiferous tubules of testicular biopsy are lined only with Sertoli cells. The definitive diagnosis of SCOS is by diagnostic testicular biopsy. Although

Cell-free DNAs (cfDNAs) are fragmented forms of DNA that are released into extracellular environments. Analyzing them, regarding either concentration or genetic/epigenetic status can provide helpful information about disorders, response to treatments, estimation of success rates, etc. Moreover, since they are presented in body fluids, evaluation of the aforementioned items would be achieved by less/non-invasive

Purpose Is serum progesterone(P) level on day 2 of vaginal P administration in a hormonally substituted mock cycle predictive of live birth in oocyte donation(OD)? Methods Retrospective analysis of 110 mock cycles from 2008 to 2016 of OD recipients having at least one subsequent embryo transfer (ET). Endometrial preparation consisted of sequential administration of vaginal estradiol, followed by transdermal

Purpose To characterize the experiences of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) through a qualitative analysis of content shared on Instagram. Methods We analyzed Instagram posts from five randomly selected days in February 2020. The hashtag, #ivfcommunity, was selected to identify public posts authored by Instagram’s IVF community members from multiple treatment centers. Text, photos,

Purpose To assess the effects of letrozole or tamoxifen coadministration on fertility preservation treatment outcomes. Methods Retrospective cohort study of 118 breast cancer patients undergoing fertility preservation treatment between 2008 and 2018. Patients who received letrozole (n = 36) or tamoxifen (n = 30) were compared to controls (n = 52) who underwent standard ovarian stimulation protocols

Purpose To determine if the use of ICSI in women of advanced maternal age with non-male factor infertility increases chances of live birth. Methods Retrospective data analysis of 10 years of cycle data from a single Australian IVF clinic (Repromed). First cycle patients only of an advanced maternal age (≥ 35 years) with non-male factor infertility utilising standard IVF or ICSI insemination and having

Purpose To describe a case of a young woman who presented for fertility preservation and underwent ovarian stimulation with an etonogestrel implant in place. Methods A 24-year old, gravida 0, with an etonogestrel implant and newly diagnosed lower extremity sarcoma and DVT desiring oocyte cryopreservation prior to adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. To avoid delay in her oncologic care and allow for

Purpose A growing number of Chinese individuals of reproductive age will face the choice of accepting or refusing expanded carrier screening (ECS). This study aimed to explore the awareness, wishes, and possible misconceptions of ECS among this population, as well as factors affecting their decision-making. Methods Chinese reproductive-aged individuals in Eastern China who sought cell-free fetal DNA

Purpose To explore facilitators and barriers for male partner follow through carrier screening (CS) after their female partners were identified as carriers, from both male and female perspectives. Methods Participants were either females identified as a carrier through CS (512 participants) or males who had CS (125 participants). Participants were recruited via e-mails with survey links. The survey

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine factors affecting the chromosome imbalance in blastocysts and reproductive outcomes by a comparison between the reciprocal translocation (REC), inversion (INV), and Robertsonian translocation (ROB) carriers. Methods Couples with one partner carrying translocation or inversion underwent preimplantation genetic testing for chromosomal structural rearrangement

Objective Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) can restore fertilization rates after IVF/ICSI cycles with fertilization failure. AOA is an experimental technique, and its downstream effects remain poorly characterized. Clarifying the relationship between AOA and embryo, morphokinetics could offer complementary insights into the quality and viability of the embryos obtained with this technique. The aim

Purpose This review aims to summarize the key findings of several miRNAs and their roles in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance, characterize the disease pathogenesis, and establish a new theoretical basis for diagnosing, treating, and preventing polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods Relevant scientific literature was covered from 1992 to 2020 by searching the PubMed database with search

Purpose Today, male and female adult and pediatric cancer patients, individuals transitioning between gender identities, and other individuals facing health extending but fertility limiting treatments can look forward to a fertile future. This is, in part, due to the work of members associated with the Oncofertility Consortium. Methods The Oncofertility Consortium is an international, interdisciplinary

Purpose We have been inquiring into the diffusion process of reproductive genetic services (RGS) and the viability of geneticization in human reproduction. Method A 2-round modified-Delphi survey was applied amongst Israeli and Spanish experts to analyze regulatory attitudes and expectations about the future applications of RGS. We argue that an explanation of RGS diffusion based on a ‘technology-push’

Objective Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in regulating trophoblast cell invasion and proliferation, involved in a variety of pregnancy complications, such as spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia. Numerous studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are participated in a series of molecular processes that regulate cell function, such as cell invasion, proliferation

Purpose There are limited genes known to cause primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)–associated asthenozoospermia. In the present study, we aimed to expand the spectrum of mutations in PCD and to provide new information for genetic counseling diagnoses and the treatment of male infertility in PCD. Methods One sterile patient with typical situs inversus was recruited to our center, and semen sample was collected

Purpose Does IDEF mapping help monitor the technical process of IUI and explore the potential improvements which might contribute to increased pregnancy and live birth rates? Method Retrospective analysis of 1729 homologous IUI cycles of couples attending a fertility clinic in a university hospital setting. Standardized conventional semen parameters were analyzed and the semen samples prepared via

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-02044-6

Purpose To evaluate perceptions of delayed fertility care secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a cross-sectional anonymous survey of N = 787/2,287 patients (response rate = 42.6%) from a single academic fertility center. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive supplemental educational explaining the rationale behind recommendations to delay fertility treatments due to the COVID-19

Objective Multifetal gestation is more frequent among gestational carrier pregnancies than non-surrogacy IVF pregnancies. We aimed to evaluate the association between multifetal gestation and obstetric and neonatal morbidity among gestational carrier pregnancies. Methods Pooled cross-sectional study of birth certificate data from gestational carrier pregnancies in Utah from 2009 to 2018. Our primary

Purpose To evaluate the factors that affect the incidence of euploid balanced embryos and interchromosomal effect (ICE) in carriers of different structural rearrangements. Methods This retrospective study includes 95 couples with reciprocal translocations (RecT) and 36 couples with Robertsonian translocations (RobT) undergoing Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR) between

Purpose To determine whether the blastocyst mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content is related to the miscarriage rate in patients undergoing single euploid frozen embryo transfer (SEFET). Methods A total of 355 single euploid frozen embryo transfer cycles were studied retrospectively between April 2017 and December 2018. A trophectoderm biopsy was performed on day 5/6 blastocysts. Post next-generation sequencing

Purpose This study sought to identify the initiation of placental hormonal production as defined by the production of endogenous estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in a cohort of patients undergoing programmed endometrial preparation cycles with single embryo transfers resulting in live-born singletons. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, patients undergoing either programmed frozen-thawed

Purpose Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a fetal growth complication that can be caused by ineffective nutrient transfer from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. Abnormal placental development and function have been correlated with abnormal expression of imprinted genes, which are regulated by epigenetic modifications at imprinting control regions (ICRs). In this study, we analyzed the

Purpose Fertility is a quality of life outcome adversely affected by cancer therapy. Many childhood cancer patients, however, are not offered options to preserve their fertility. Providers acknowledge difficulty discussing impaired fertility to patients due to lack of knowledge of available options. Our objective was to review the impact of a pediatric multidisciplinary fertility preservation program

Purpose IVF treatment in women with grafted frozen-thawed ovarian tissue is associated with poor reproductive outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) followed by assisted reproductive technology (ART) in women with or without associated infertility factors. Methods This is a prospective cohort study with retrospective data collection including

Purpose To evaluate whether endometrial compaction using sequential transvaginal ultrasound is associated with improved live birth rates in medicated single euploid frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Methods Prospective observational cohort study at a private fertility clinic. Patients who underwent FETs between January and December 2018 were assessed for inclusion. The change in endometrial thickness

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-02039-3

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-020-02040-w

Purpose (1) To test the hypothesis that under-represented minority women, including Hispanic/Latina and African American or Black women, will be more likely to report greater socioeconomic and cultural barriers to infertility care compared with white women. (2) To identify gaps in knowledge that can guide future educational interventions. Methods A cross-sectional survey was completed by 242 women

Purpose To develop and validate a prediction score for having 2 or more embryos cryopreserved following an IVF cycle without a fresh transfer such that an embryo selection method may be applicable. We also developed a counseling tool on the probability of not having any embryos following an IVF cycle without a fresh transfer. Methods We split the data into a development set and a validation set by

Objective This study was carried out to determine the potential role of the M2/ANXA5 haplotype as a risk factor for recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Carriage of the M2/ANXA5 haplotype that induces prothrombotic changes has been implicated in failure of early pregnancies and placenta-mediated complications (preeclampsia, IUGR, preterm birth). Material and methods In the present case control study

A clear definition of developmentally incompetent preimplantation embryo (DIPE) in literature is still missing, while several scientific societies are discussing this challenging topic. From both a clinical and scientific perspective, the identification of embryos unfit for reproductive purpose is crucial. This aim should be pursued in light of all diagnostic technologies for embryo evaluation, encompassing

Purpose To evaluate whether the morphologically normal spermatozoa selected for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) under microscope had a higher rate of normal/balanced chromosome contents than that in the whole unselected sperm from reciprocal translocation carriers. Methods Five hundred unselected spermatozoa from each of 40 male translocation carriers were performed with fluorescence in situ

Purpose To evaluate whether adjusting timing of modified natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (mNC-FET) 1 day earlier in the setting of a spontaneous LH surge has an impact on pregnancy outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study evaluated all mNC-FET with euploid blastocysts from May 1, 2016 to March 30, 2019, at a single academic institution. Standard protocol for mNC-FET included ultrasound