Fertility

28 Aug

Posted at 16:01h in Fertility, OBGYNE

For most of human history, making a baby cost nothing but time, hope, and a fair amount of luck. Money barely entered the equation. That changed the moment science learned how to help conception along, and it changed again the moment governments decided to help pay for it. Today, for many couples in Singapore, starting a family begins not in a bedroom but in a spreadsheet.

The first thing most people do, understandably, is look up the ivf treatment cost in Singapore and brace for the number. That number matters. But it is only half the story. The other half is a set of rules, largely invisible until you need them, that decide how much of that number the state will quietly absorb on your behalf, and how much depends on timing you may not even realise is running out. According to the Singapore Ministry of Health, government co-funding for assisted reproduction is available to eligible couples under defined criteria, including citizenship status and age at the start of each treatment cycle.

[caption id="attachment_75773" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Pe[/caption]

29 Jul

Posted at 20:15h in Fertility

Have you been thinking about protecting your future ability to start a family?

One of the most important medical decisions you will ever make regarding your fertility. Timing is everything.

The good news?

Armed with proper knowledge, anyone can choose wisely to safeguard their family goals in the future. This article simplifies all that a patient needs to know before deciding. Fertility preservation is no longer a niche topic — it is increasingly central to how individuals and couples plan for the future.

What you'll discover:

  • Why Timing Matters More Than Most Realise
  • Family Building Paths To Consider
  • Fertility Challenges Affect Everyone
  • The Most Common Preservation Options
  • Fertility Care For Medical Patients
  • Smart Questions To Ask The Doctor
[caption id="attachment_75330" align="aligncenter" width="500"]patients_should_understand_about_fertility_preservation.png Pexels [/caption]

28 Jul

Posted at 17:47h in Fertility

Choosing fertility treatment in another country is a deeply personal decision. Many people spend time researching clinics, arranging travel plans, and preparing themselves for what comes next. While these steps are important, some smaller details can have an equally meaningful impact on the overall experience.

A positive IVF Abroad experience is not only about the treatment. It is also about feeling understood, receiving the right guidance, and knowing you have support when you need it. The care, communication, and comfort you experience along the way can shape how you remember this important chapter of your life. For guidance on how to evaluate IVF success rates and ask the right questions before choosing a clinic, see this overview of how to read IVF success rates and what patients should really ask. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association also notes that patients who feel well-informed and emotionally supported throughout treatment tend to navigate the process with greater confidence and resilience.

[caption id="attachment_75294" align="aligncenter" width="500"]understanding-ivf-abroad-pexels Photo by olia danilevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-ultrasound-and-pregnancy-tests-on-a-red-surface-5974436/[/caption]

24 Jul

Posted at 10:01h in Fertility

Most people researching IVF have seen a headline figure somewhere online — perhaps £5,000 or $12,000 per cycle — and assumed that was roughly the ballpark. The reality is that IVF treatment costs are built from many moving parts: clinic fees, fertility medications, laboratory procedures, add-ons, and the everyday life costs that pile up around appointments. A single cycle is often not enough, and planning for just one round leaves many families financially blindsided when a second or third becomes necessary.

This article gives you an honest, all-in picture of what IVF realistically costs in 2026 — not just the advertised price for one attempt — along with a clear framework for estimating your likely total spend, building a workable budget, and setting financial boundaries so that money supports your treatment rather than controlling it. Research on online fertility calculators and IVF success prediction confirms that emotional and financial preparation before starting treatment is one of the most important things couples can do to navigate this journey well.

[caption id="attachment_75193" align="aligncenter" width="500"]real-cost-of-ivf-1 The Real Cost of IVF: What Patients Are Paying in 2026 and How to Plan Financially[/caption]

23 Jul

Posted at 12:08h in Fertility, OBGYNE

The exact IVF process in the exact same fertility centre in the same year can be portrayed as a "success rate" that varies considerably, and all versions would be correct in their own way. The number fluctuates based on what it means — either an established pregnancy or the birth of a baby — the calculation per embryo transfer or per cycle started; and whether it is calculated according to the age of the patient. It is extremely unlikely for any fertility centre to disclose which type they refer to when giving statistics on their website. This is the reason why two fertility centres that have the same results in practice may look entirely different online, and why the top number does not mean everything.

For anyone researching IVF Victoria, understanding how to read these figures before your first consultation makes a meaningful difference. Research on online fertility calculators and IVF success prediction confirms that age of the woman is by far the strongest predictor of live birth — a reminder that headline percentages without age breakdowns tell only part of the story.

[caption id="attachment_75175" align="aligncenter" width="500"]choosing-ivf-clinic-pexels Photo by Gustavo Fring[/caption]

24 Jun

Posted at 11:26h in Fertility, Gender Differences
[caption id="attachment_74494" align="aligncenter" width="500"]vasectomy-child-planning-pexels.jpg Photo by Lucas Guimarães Bueno[/caption] Family planning is an important part of building a future that aligns with your personal goals, lifestyle, and financial priorities. For many couples in Central Alberta, deciding when to stop having children can be just as significant as deciding when to start a family. While there are several birth control methods available, many couples seek a long-term solution that is reliable, convenient, and low maintenance. A vasectomy is one option that has become increasingly popular among men who have completed their families or who are confident they do not want children in the future. This simple procedure can help couples reduce the stress associated with ongoing contraception while providing peace of mind for years to come.

Understanding Vasectomy as a Long-Term Family Planning Solution

A vasectomy is a minor medical procedure designed to prevent sperm from reaching the semen during ejaculation. Because sperm are no longer present in the ejaculate, pregnancy can be effectively prevented. Unlike temporary forms of contraception that require regular attention, a vasectomy is intended to provide a long-lasting solution. Many couples appreciate the simplicity of not having to remember daily medications, schedule injections, or rely on other methods that require consistent use. For families who have already achieved their desired family size, a vasectomy can offer confidence and convenience while reducing concerns about unintended pregnancies. According to the Planned Parenthood, vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of birth control available, with a failure rate of less than 1 percent, making it among the most reliable long-term contraceptive options for men who have decided their family is complete.

13 May

Posted at 15:19h in Fertility, Mens' Health
Men are statistically less likely than women to seek medical care, less likely to visit a specialist proactively, and more likely to let conditions progress longer than they should before taking action. The reasons are well-documented: a tendency to minimise symptoms, uncertainty about when a condition warrants a doctor's visit, and a general cultural habit of getting on with it. The result is that certain health conditions become far more entrenched and harder to treat than they needed to be, purely because the window for straightforward intervention was left unused. Two of the most underaddressed areas in men's health sit at opposite ends of the clinical spectrum: venous disease and reproductive options. Both involve conditions that are common, both have excellent modern treatment pathways, and both are areas where waiting tends to make outcomes worse.

29 Apr

Posted at 10:20h in Fertility, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_73525" align="aligncenter" width="333"]IVF and Emotional Wellbeing.jpg Image source[/caption] Infertility and IVF treatment can bring a whirlwind of emotions and challenges for couples. As you progress through IVF, it's common to swing between hope, excitement, and moments of worry. The emotional ups and downs are real, and coping well often means finding practical ways to support both your mental and physical health along the way. Women and men might feel the strain differently. The uncertainty, the persistence needed for multiple treatment cycles, the financial pressure, and the way all of this can affect your relationship—it's a lot to juggle. Yet, it's a journey rooted in hope. That's why so many turn to clinics where compassionate professionals understand the process. Millennium IVF in Thailand offers experienced infertility support, known for its genuine care that extends beyond just the latest medical treatments; they prioritise emotional wellbeing, too. The team is on hand for every phase, bringing both expertise and encouragement. At Millennium IVF Clinic, looking after how you feel is just as important as the clinical care, so you don't have to face it all alone.

25 Jun

Posted at 10:10h in Fertility
[caption id="attachment_69180" align="aligncenter" width="500"]fertility-pregnancy-infertility Photo by RDNE Stock project[/caption] When it comes to fertility treatment, there’s no such thing as a “standard” patient. Every individual’s reproductive journey is shaped by a unique blend of health history, age, hormone levels, emotional readiness, and life circumstances. That’s why personalized fertility plans are not just helpful, they’re essential. The world of reproductive medicine has evolved tremendously in the past two decades. We now understand that successful fertility treatment requires more than just a clinical checklist. While two people may receive the same diagnosis, their treatment paths can look vastly different. What works for one couple may not work for another.

07 Jun

Posted at 10:42h in Fertility, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_68954" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo by Yan Krukau[/caption] Knowing the process timeline of an egg donation agency will enable aspiring egg donors and parents to understand what to expect so there are no bad surprises, and to determine how much time they may need for a particular journey. Although actual timelines will differ depending on the agency and situation, the steps in the process can be expected. Initial Consultation and Application In your initial consultation, we will discuss your wants and needs, and you will fill out some paperwork and tell us your medical and social history. The agency will describe its process, fees, and services. You will also fill out lots of application forms, including medical questionnaires and consent forms. During this phase, financial matters are discussed and contracts are reviewed. Most programs need psychological clearance at this stage to make sure you’re ready for the emotional side of egg donation. You’ll also get educational materials on the process and what to expect in the months ahead.

27 Feb

Posted at 17:38h in Fertility, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_66875" align="aligncenter" width="468"]A Pre-Conception Health Guide for Couples Image source[/caption] Starting a family is one of the most significant decisions a couple can make. But before you take that step, it's important to ensure that both you and your partner are in the best possible health. Many couples assume that once they decide to have a baby, it will happen quickly. However, fertility and pregnancy are deeply connected to lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and overall well-being. Rushing into conception without preparing your body and mind can lead to unnecessary stress and potential health challenges. This guide will walk you through key steps to boost fertility, eliminate harmful habits, and enhance your well-being—so when the time comes, you’ll be ready to embrace parenthood with confidence. Switch to Safe and Non-Toxic Products Many couples don’t realize that everyday household products could be interfering with their ability to conceive. Chemicals found in cleaning supplies, skincare products, and even plastics contain endocrine disruptors that affect hormone balance and fertility. These harmful substances can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested through food stored in plastic containers. To minimize exposure, switching to organic and environmentally friendly alternatives is a smart move. Choosing products from reputable manufacturers ensures safety and effectiveness. Melaleuca: The Wellness Company, founded and led by Frank VanderSloot, offers a wide range of non-toxic, eco-friendly household and personal care products designed to support a healthier lifestyle. Their commitment to quality and wellness has been recognized through numerous awards. Couples looking to research their credibility can visit the Melaleuca Awards page to explore their achievements and reputation in the industry. A chemical-free home environment can positively impact reproductive health. By replacing harmful products with safer alternatives, couples can create a space that supports fertility and overall well-being.

03 Dec

Posted at 20:14h in Fertility, Lifestyle & Health
Please consult your health care provider for specific fertility and lifestyle advice. Do not take supplements without consulting your personal health care provider. fertility-lifestyle.jpg The complex interplay between lifestyle and fertility has become an area of significant interest within reproductive medicine. Prevailing research underscores the influence of dietary habits, physical activity, stress management, and sleep patterns on reproductive health, while harmful behaviours like smoking and alcohol consumption further complicate the fertility landscape. As we uncover these intricacies, it invites a deeper exploration into how lifestyle modifications can potentially enhance fertility outcomes. With this understanding, we stand on the precipice of a transformative approach to fertility management, one that encompasses a broader, more holistic view of reproductive health.

Understanding Fertility: A Brief Overview

Fertility, a crucial aspect of human reproduction, entails far more than the simple act of conceiving a child. It is a complex biological process that involves several coordinated events in both male and female bodies. Misunderstandings about fertility have given rise to numerous fertility myths, which often misguide people and obscure the true scientific factors affecting fertility. The development of reproductive technology, from assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to advanced genetic screenings, has revolutionized our understanding of fertility. These technologies have not only offered hope to countless couples struggling with infertility, but also helped debunk many fertility myths that have long persisted. One common myth is that age does not greatly impact fertility. However, scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that fertility declines with age, particularly for women. Reproductive technology tools, such as ovarian reserve testing, have provided tangible proof of this phenomenon.

01 Nov

Posted at 10:59h in Fertility, Hormone Therapy, Sexual Health
[caption id="attachment_64469" align="aligncenter" width="500"]young-women-pexels Pexels Photo by APG Graphics:[/caption] Birth control or medical contraception is used for a variety of reasons, but its main role is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. There are many different types of birth control, so their function and ingredients vary. In general, they usually affect your hormones to make you unable to conceive 99% of the time. Birth control is also used to regulate hormonal imbalances, stop menstruation, or alleviate symptoms of conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Like any medication, birth control can come with some side effects, which may be mild for some and extreme for others. You and your doctor will factor in your health, medical history, potential side effects, and reproductive goals to figure out which birth control method is the best for your needs and body. When prescribed birth control, it’s important to understand common and uncommon side effects to avoid concerns and complications.

11 Oct

Posted at 10:57h in Fertility, OBGYNE
Women are looking to freeze their eggs, which is an option that is gaining popularity and provides fertility preservation for a level of control over family planning. Medical advances have made the procedure more reliable, and it allows women to put off having children without diminishing their chances of being able to conceive using their eggs later on. In this post, let’s get into why egg freezing is a powerful and how it can potentially give women more options when it comes to the capacity of reproduction. [caption id="attachment_63468" align="aligncenter" width="500"]pregnancy-test-fertility_pexels-rdne-6149343 Source[/caption] Better Chances of Getting Pregnant The quality and number of eggs decline with age, which makes getting pregnant more challenging. Freezing eggs can up their odds, as long as they do it at a younger age. Because generally speaking, lower-quality eggs do not respond as well to fertility treatments.

02 Jul

Posted at 10:05h in Fertility

Enhancing fertility involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and personal care. By understanding the key factors that affect reproductive health and taking proactive steps to improve these areas, couples can increase their chances of conceiving...

25 Jul

Posted at 12:58h in Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Endocrinology, Fertility, Lancet, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60669" align="alignleft" width="150"]Raymond M. Anchan, MD, Ph.D.Director, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Laboratory Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School Obstetrics/Gynecology Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery Brigham and Women's Hospital Dr. Anchan[/caption] Raymond M. Anchan, MD, Ph.D. Director, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Laboratory Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School Obstetrics/Gynecology Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery Brigham and Women's Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: As a reproductive endocrinologist, I have the privilege of caring for patients who unfortunately experience premature ovarian insufficiency- Some of these patients are as young as 17 yo. Additionally, a significant number of patients over the years have been reproductive age women who have breast cancer and ovarian failure from chemotherapy.  These patients have been my inspiration to try to find a treatment for them.  Since my earlier days as a neurobiologist and stem cell scientist, it was a natural course for me to seek cell-based therapies that are patient specific using autologous iPSCs.

02 May

Posted at 19:19h in Author Interviews, Fertility
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60390" align="alignleft" width="150"]Arshia Sandozi, DO, MPHUrology Resident at Maimonides Medical Center Interested in health disparities, equity, and policy Dr. Sandozi[/caption] Arshia Sandozi, DO, MPH Urology Resident at Maimonides Medical Center Interested in health disparities, equity, and policy MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Infertility affects 12-15% of heterosexual couples and can be a devastating diagnosis.  Healthcare for infertility can be costly, and is not always covered by insurance. This is troubling because the median cost for a procedure like in vitro fertilization is more than nineteen thousand dollars per cycle and most people require more than one cycle before a live birth.

14 Feb

Posted at 23:29h in Author Interviews, Fertility, Nature
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60020" align="alignleft" width="150"]Melanie Balbach PhDPostdoctoral Associate in Pharmacology Weill Cornell Medicine Dr. Balbach[/caption] Melanie Balbach PhD Postdoctoral Associate in Pharmacology Weill Cornell Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: For men, the only two options for birth control currently available are condoms and vasectomy. Additional contraceptive methods are required to more equally distribute the burden of contraception between men and women. We aim to develop an on-demand contraceptive pill for men where sperm motility and thereby fertility is only blocked for multiple hours. The idea is that men take our contraceptive shortly before intercourse and regain fertility about 24 hours later.

20 May

Posted at 23:08h in Author Interviews, Education, Fertility, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Kathryn S. Smith, BS M.D. Candidate, Class of 2023 Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Illinois MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study  Response: There are studies that show women in medicine do not achieve promotion at the same rate as men and that only a minority of women are in the upper levels of leadership such as Department Chairs and Medical School Deans. Since peak fertility coincides with peak career building years, we wanted to explore themes related to career advancement, physician burnout and ultimately whether women were being held back from their potential by the burden of fertility, family building, childcare, and household responsibilities.

27 Apr

Posted at 11:22h in AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Fertility, Heart Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_59095" align="alignleft" width="200"]Pensée Wu, MBChB, MD(Res) Senior Lecturer, Honorary Consultant Obstetrician Subspecialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine School of Medicine, Keele University Staffordshire, UK Dr. Wu[/caption] Pensée Wu, MBChB, MD(Res) Senior Lecturer, Honorary Consultant Obstetrician Subspecialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine School of Medicine, Keele University Staffordshire, UK MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: We looked at outcomes in pregnancies conceived with assisted reproductive technology and compared those with pregnancies that were conceived naturally. Using a hospital admissions database in the U.S. called the National inpatient sample between 2008 and 2016, we included >100,000 pregnancies conceived with assisted reproductive technology and 34 million naturally conceived pregnancies. We found that women with assisted reproductive technology-conceived pregnancies had doubled the risk of acute kidney injury and arrhythmias (irregular heart beats). These women also had a 1-3-1.6-fold risk of preterm birth, Caesarean delivery and placental abruption (placenta separating from the womb). We concluded that women should be informed of these risks during pre-pregnancy counselling. 

19 Apr

Posted at 11:02h in Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Fertility, Heart Disease, JACC
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_59055" align="alignleft" width="200"]Emily Lau, MD, MPH Cardiologist Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School Director, Menopause, Hormones & Cardiovascular Disease Clinic Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. Lau[/caption] Emily Lau, MD, MPH Cardiologist Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School Director, Menopause, Hormones & Cardiovascular Disease Clinic Massachusetts General Hospital MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings? Response: Emerging data suggest that a woman’s reproductive history influences her future risk of heart disease. Infertility is a reproductive risk factor that affects ~14% of women but has not been rigorously studied with respect to its relationship with cardiovascular disease risk. We studied over 38,000 women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative and found that infertility was associated with greater risk of heart failure. In particular, we found that the association was driven by greater risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a form of heart failure that is far more common among women.

15 Mar

Posted at 16:51h in Author Interviews, Fertility, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Lora Shahine MD FACOG Host of the fertility podcast Baby or Bust https://www.lorashahine.com/ Dr. Shahine is double board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility as well as obstetrics and gynecology Clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington Pacific NorthWest Fertility MedicalResearch.com: How did you become interested in reproductive medicine? Response: I love the combination of technology, women’s health, and helping people during a vulnerable time with all the emotions that come with it. I knew becoming a reproductive endocrinologist would mean a career of learning and helping people build families. MedicalResearch.com: When should women consider freezing their eggs?   Response: There is no one perfect age. The younger someone freezes eggs (in their 20s), the higher quality the eggs will be and the higher success in the future but the more likely someone may not need the. The older someone freezes eggs (in their late 30s and 40s), the lower quality and the lower chance of success over time. For many people and in general - the research supports its most cost effect to freeze eggs in your mid 30s.

08 Feb

Posted at 18:19h in Author Interviews, Environmental Risks, Fertility, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Gang Chen, MD, PhD Deputy chief of cardiovascular surgery Children's Hospital of Fudan University Shanghai, Chin  MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings? Response: Preterm birth is a crucial global health issue. The relation between fertility treatment and preterm birth of singletons have not been fully clarified. In this cohort study of over 14 million pregnant women included in the US National Vital Statistics, fertility treatment, including both assisted reproductive treatment (ART) and non-ART treatment, was found positively correlated with preterm birth in singletons and infants conceived after fertility treatment were more strongly associated with higher rates of very preterm and extremely preterm birth. 

30 Nov

Posted at 18:16h in Author Interviews, Cannabis, Fertility
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Kanako Hayashi PhD Associate Professor Associate Director, Center for Reproductive Biology Washington State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: There have been several correlative reports showing statistical associations between cannabis use and low sperm counts, dysregulated menstruation, abnormal placentation, preterm birth, stillbirth and offspring psychosis etc. However, the long-term consequences of cannabis use on reproductive functions and how it might impact the next generation have not been examined. In the present study, we examined the generational effects of cannabis vapor exposure on male reproductive function. Vaporization is the most common route of cannabis administration in humans. Therefore, in order to understand the generational effects of cannabis exposure on male reproductive functions, the present study was performed using an inhalation method as an administration route, by which adult male mice were exposed to dry cannabis plants to assess the toxicological effects of cannabis on F0, F1 and F2 male reproductive functions.

10 Apr

Posted at 16:13h in Author Interviews, Fertility, JAMA, Menopause
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Duke Appiah, Ph.D., MPH Assistant Professor,Public Health Texas Tech University  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Reports from several countries point towards increasing trends in age at natural menopause. However, epidemiological report from the United States on the long-term trends in age at natural menopause or reproductive life span among a nationally representative sample of women is lacking. Understanding changes in the timing of age at natural menopause and length of the reproductive life span and their associated factors are important. For instance, earlier age at natural menopause is reported to be associated with cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases and osteoporosis while later onset of menopause has been associated with the occurrence of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. Similarly, longer durations of reproductive life span are associated with reduced morbidity and mortality.

17 Feb

Posted at 17:57h in Fertility, OBGYNE
Not being able to have biological children is a fear most people hope they never to have to face. fertility-pregnancy-IVFAlthough we might not all have grown up knowing for sure if children were in our future, or already have our baby names picked out - James if it’s a boy Violet if it’s a girl - having the decision whether or not to have children taken away from us, due to biological issues inside our bodies, can be devastating. When trying to have children, it can of course, become very frustrating when you aren’t getting pregnant. If you find this is the case, it is recommended that you go to the doctor after one year of failing to conceive. It’s always a good idea to get tested to really understand what is happening in your body. The main signs a woman may be infertile is if her menstrual cycles are too long (35 days or more) or are too short (21 days or less). When going for fertility tests, it is good to have an idea of what to expect. For women, samples of blood will most likely be tested to check for the presence of the hormone Progesterone. For men, a semen sample is obtained for analysis, checking its quality and quantity. Sitting in a waiting room waiting for the results of yet more testing takes its toll, and it’s easy to feel helpless as the image of the life you had planned drifts further out of reach. Luckily nowadays, these results don’t have to be so final as we finally have other options.

12 Jan

Posted at 23:17h in Author Interviews, Autism, Fertility, Genetic Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_56402" align="alignleft" width="152"]Michael Skinner,  PhD Eastlick Distinguished Professor Founding Director, Center for Reproductive Biology School of Biological Sciences Washington State University Pullman WA Dr. Skinner[/caption] Michael Skinner,  PhD Eastlick Distinguished Professor Founding Director, Center for Reproductive Biology School of Biological Sciences Washington State University Pullman WA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Over twenty years ago we identified the existence of a non-genetic form of inheritance through analysis of environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease, now well established in a number of species including humans.  I was giving a talk on this topic at a meeting in Spain.   This study was initiated following the scientific meeting in Spain with an in vitro fertilization clinical group that said they had access to sperm from males with and without autistic children.  It took several years to collect and characterize the samples, and find financial support for the study.  Once this was done then we did the molecular analysis to see if the sperm from fathers with autistic children had epigenetic, DNA methylation alterations, that associated with them having offspring with autism.

19 Nov

Posted at 00:04h in Author Interviews, BMJ, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Fertility, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_55925" align="alignleft" width="200"]Jennifer Yland, MS Department of Epidemiology Boston University School of Public Health Jennifer Yland[/caption] Jennifer Yland Doctoral Student in Epidemiology Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Worldwide, about 22% of reproductive-aged women used hormonal contraception last year. Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods, which include intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, patches, and injectable contraceptives, have become increasingly popular. However, little is known about the return to fertility after use of different contraceptives, particularly LARC methods.

29 Oct

Posted at 15:21h in Author Interviews, Fertility, Genetic Research, OBGYNE, Technology
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: PGT-A & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IMPROVES PREGNANCY OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING IVF MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Michael Large, PhD Senior Director, Research at CooperGenomics CooperSurgical MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Dr. Large: Independent study results, presented at the recent the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Virtual Scientific Congress, demonstrated a 13 percent relative increase in ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates associated with the use of CooperSurgical’s PGTaiSM 2.0 technology to screen embryos for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The single-center study was conducted by NYU Langone Fertility Center (NYULFC), part of The Prelude Network. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is performed on embryos produced through IVF; it provides genetic information to help identify embryos that are more likely to result in a successful pregnancy. PGTai 2.0 technology is an advancement in PGT-A testing platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to increase objectivity of this screening process. The study compared results from three next generation sequencing (NGS) genetic tests: Standard NGS, NGS with first generation artificial intelligence (PGTai 1.0 Technology Platform) and NGS with second generation artificial intelligence (PGTai 2.0 Technology Platform). The ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates significantly increased by a relative 13 percent in the PGTai 2.0 group as compared to subjective and prior methodologies. Study results also suggest that the increase in ongoing pregnancy and live births may be linked to improvements in several preceding IVF outcomes (implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates and pregnancy loss.) MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report? Dr. Large: This research moves us an important step closer to our goal of increased live births, improved pregnancy outcomes and further reduction of multiples in pregnancy through greater confidence in single embryo transfer. An estimated 48.5 million couples – approximately 15% of couples -- are affected by infertility worldwide. 80,000 babies were born with IVF in 2017 in the United States and more than one million babies were born in the period 1987 to 2015 in the United States as a result of IVF. MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research this study? Dr. Large: The goal of PGT-A is to decrease risk and maximize the chances of IFV success by screening for embryos with the highest potential. This was precisely what NYULFC have observed so far with PGTai 2.0 compared to older technologies. To fully appreciate the impact that these improvements are having for patients, we’re excited to hear from additional IVF centers across the world as they utilize this technology. MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures? Dr. Large: The study demonstrates CooperSurgical’s commitment to developing the most advanced technology in the field of genetic testing to advance reproductive medicine and help families. By applying artificial intelligence in the PGTaism2.0 technology, we leverage mathematical algorithms derived from real-world data to achieve objective embryo assessment. I am the Senior Director of Genomics Research and Development at CooperSurgical. Michael Large, PhD, is the Senior Director, Genomics Research and Development at CooperSurgical. His team recently led and continues to develop state-of-the-art analytical methods for interrogating Reproductive Genetics. Dr. Large earned his PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the Baylor College of Medicine and his Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Michael Large, PhD Senior Director, Research at CooperGenomics CooperSurgical   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Dr. Large: Independent study results, presented at the recent the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Virtual Scientific Congress, demonstrated a 13 percent relative increase in ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates associated with the use of CooperSurgical’s PGTaiSM 2.0 technology to screen embryos for in vitro fertilization (IVF).[1] The single-center study was conducted by NYU Langone Fertility Center (NYULFC), part of The Prelude Network. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is performed on embryos produced through IVF; it provides genetic information to help identify embryos that are more likely to result in a successful pregnancy. PGTai 2.0 technology is an advancement in PGT-A testing platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to increase objectivity of this screening process. The study compared results from three next generation sequencing (NGS) genetic tests: Standard NGS, NGS with first generation artificial intelligence (PGTai 1.0 Technology Platform) and NGS with second generation artificial intelligence (PGTai 2.0 Technology Platform). The ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates significantly increased by a relative 13 percent in the PGTai 2.0 group as compared to subjective and prior methodologies. Study results also suggest that the increase in ongoing pregnancy and live births may be linked to improvements in several preceding IVF outcomes (implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates and pregnancy loss.)

30 Sep

Posted at 00:31h in Author Interviews, Fertility, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Liron Rozenkrantz Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Program in Placebo Studies, Harvard Medical School Former PhD student at Human Olfaction Research group, Department of Neurobiology Weizmann Institute of Science Reut Weissgross Research student Human Olfaction Research group, Department of Neurobiology Weizmann Institute of Science MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: A pregnancy loss is not such a rare event as you would think: it is estimated that about 50% of all conceptions (or 15% of the documented pregnancies) end in spontaneous miscarriage. About 1-2% of all couples trying to conceive will experience recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), meaning 2-3 consecutive miscarriages, and despite going through numerous clinical investigations (hormonal tests, genetics and so) - about half of these cases will remain unexplained. This devastating phenomenon leaves couples with no explanation as to why they cannot bear a child. While most research in this field is focused on the reproductive organs (mainly the uterus), hormones and genes, we set out to look for new possible routes. The literature regarding the tight connection between olfaction and reproduction, mainly by social body-odors (or pheromones), is heavily documented, especially in rodents. Body-odors emitted from males affect pubertal development of juvenile female rodents and estrus cycle, and females body odors affect other females’ fertility state. The most robust phenomenon in this relation is the Bruce effect, in which pregnant female mice who are exposed to body-odors from a non-stud male - will experience impanation failure in 80% of exposures! Since there is growing evidence for the involvement of the olfactory system in human reproduction, we asked whether the olfactory system is also involved in human reproductive disorders such as unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (uRPL). To answer this question, we recruited 40 women experiencing uRPL and 57 matched controls (who never experienced a miscarriage, and are at similar age to the uRPL women), and compared their olfactory profile, mainly in response to men’s body-odors.