Pregnancies achieved from oocyte, sperm or embryo donation are unique, since they have resulted from donor gametes that are immunologically foreign to the mother. Thus, studying the obstetric outcome of such pregnancies may shed some light on the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, particularly in women conceiving with donated embryos, since the entire fetal genome is allogenic in these pregnancie...

Evidence accumulated in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles suggests that the use of long-acting forms of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) for pituitary desensitization may impair the outcome of IVF as compared to classical short-acting formulations. Whether the negative effects are directed against the corpus luteum, the endometrium, or both is unknown. However, the presence o...

The creation of human embryonic stem cells through the destruction of a human embryo pits the value of a potential therapeutic tool against that of an early human life. This contest of values has resulted in a polarized debate that neglects areas of common interest and perspective. We suggest that a common ground for pursuing research on human embryonic stem cells can be found by reconsidering ...

Most couples enrolled in Assisted Reproductive Technologies' (ART) treatments need to make decisions regarding embryo disposition, as they are asked to sign a consent form about embryo donation for research. Beyond the current assessment of patients' individual experiences and levels of satisfaction with care delivery, we argue that it is crucial to provide stakeholders in health systems with f...

STUDY QUESTION How does vitrification affect oocyte viability? SUMMARY ANSWER Vitrification does not affect oocyte viability in oocyte donation cycles. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Oocyte vitrification is performed routinely and successfully in IVF and oocyte donation programs. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a prospective study performed between June 2009 and February 2012 to compare ongoi...

Synchronization of the availability of good quality oocytes from donors and adequate endometrial maturation of recipients are very important for the success of an oocyte donation programme. A flexible protocol for the endometrial preparation of recipients is important in timing embryo transfer between days 17 and 19 of the cycle ('window of receptivity'). The purpose of this study was to evalua...