A prospective randomized multicenter study to evaluate the best day for embryo transfer: does the outcome justify prolonged embryo culture?

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the best day for embryo transfer in a prospective unrestricted randomized multicenter trial.

Methods: Data were collected on a preformed Excel-sheet which contained random numbers from 1 to 5 for each subsequent patient as a preprogrammed day for embryo transfer. Information was requested on patient's age, indication for sterility treatment, stimulation protocol used, numbers of oocytes retrieved, fertilized oocytes, cryopreserved embryos, and cell stage of embryos transferred.

Real-time fine morphology of motile human sperm cells is associated with IVF-ICSI outcome.

The aim of the present prospective study was to determine whether subtle sperm morphological characteristics affect the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and if so, to identify those that are relevant. For this purpose, we developed a new method, the motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME). The examination is performed in real time using an inverted light microscope equipped with high-power Nomarski optics enhanced by digital imaging to achieve a magnification up to 6300x.

Does glucose affect fertilization, development and pregnancy rates of human in-vitro fertilized oocytes?

The study was conducted to examine whether the presence of glucose in the incubation medium affects fertilization, development and implantation rates of human oocytes of patients who were attending our in-vitro fertilization programme. Harvested oocytes were transferred into one of four different media: human tubal fluid (HTF), P1, M3 and IVF-Universal (IVF-Med). Three of these contained glucose; the fourth (P1), contained no glucose or phosphate ions.

Oocyte donation in Israel: a study of 1001 initiated treatment cycles.

There are numerous studies concerning pregnancy rates in oocyte donation, yet only a handful report the obstetric outcome in such pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to assess factors that influence pregnancy rates, to determine the incidence of complications, and to evaluate obstetric outcome in pregnancies resulting from oocyte donation. This study included 423 oocyte recipients who underwent 1001 oocyte donation cycles at the Oocyte Donation Programme, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)-Embryo Transfer Unit, Herzlia Medical Center, Israel.

Pregnancy and birth after transfer of embryos that developed from single-nucleated zygotes obtained by injection of round spermatids into oocytes.

Objective: To use injection of spermatids into oocytes as a mode of infertility treatment in cases in which spermatozoa are not available.

Design: Prospective clinical evaluation and case report.

Setting: In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Herzliya Medical Centers, Herzliya-on-Sea, Israel.