BACKGROUND Embryo selection has been an integral feature of in vitro fertilization (IVF) almost since its inception. Since the advent of extended blastocyst stage embryo culture, and especially with increasing popularity of elective single embryo transfer (eSET), the concept of embryo selection has increasingly become a mainstay of routine IVF. DISCUSSION We here, however, argue that embryo s...

To optimize success rates of IVF, selection of the most viable embryo(s) for transfer has always been essential, as embryos that are cryopreserved are thought to have a reduced chance of implanting after thawing. Recent developments challenge this concept. Evidence is accumulating that all embryos can now be cryopreserved and transferred in subsequent cycles without impairing pregnancy rates or...

BACKGROUND To assess the value of testing for ovarian reserve prior to a first cycle IVF incorporating patient and doctor valuation of mismatches between test results and treatment outcome. METHODS A decision model was developed for couples who were considering participation in an IVF programme. Three strategies were evaluated: (I) withholding IVF without prior testing, (II) testing for ovari...

BACKGROUND The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the role of androgens or androgen-modulating agents on the probability of pregnancy achievement in poor responders undergoing IVF. METHODS Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for the identification of randomized controlled trials evaluating the administration of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosteron...

background: spontaneous occurrences of multifetal pregnancies always have been a medical problem. the risks of perinatal morbidity and mortality and maternal morbidity increase with enhancement of the number of fetuses. in our prospective experimental study, the outcome of twin pregnancy after assisted reproductive technologies (art) with and without multifetal pregnancy reduction (mfpr) is com...

background: placenta accreta is a rare obstetrical condition that mainly occurs in the third trimester leading to life-threatening complications. hereby, a case of uterine rupture due to placenta accreta occuring in the second trimester is presented. case presentation: a forty-year old patient who conceived after in vitro fertilization treatment (oocyte donation and embryo transfer) presented i...

STUDY QUESTION Are we able to develop a model to calculate the chances of pregnancy prior to the start of the first IVF cycle as well as after one or more failed cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER Our prediction model enables the accurate individualized calculation of the probability of an ongoing pregnancy with IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY To improve counselling, patient selection and clinical decision-...

BACKGROUND Although pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles has been increased over the preceding years, but the majority of IVF-ET cycles still fail. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) is a glycoprotein that stimulates cytokine growth factor and induces immune system which may improve pregnancy rate in women with history of implantation failure. OBJ...

In its simplest term, IVF is simply the uniting of egg and sperm in vitro (in the lab). Subsequently the embryos are transferred into the uterus through the cervix and pregnancy is allowed to begin. IVF was the first of the ART techniques to be developed. The first birth was in 1978 in England. The procedure was pioneered by a Gynecologist and a Ph.D. (Drs. Steptoe and Edwards). Next came GIFT,...

A prospective, randomized study of 158 patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer was conducted to evaluate whether a shortened exposure of oocytes to spermatozoa enhances oocyte development, and subsequently influences the IVF outcome. A comparison was made between conventional treatment time and shorter exposure of retrieved oocytes to spermatozoa. Fertilization and ...