General aspects of fertility and infertility.

Fertility rates have been declining in most Western nations over the past several decades, although it is not entirely clear if an increased rate of infertility substantially contributes to this. As compared to other species, the reproductive efficiency of humans is relatively low. Factors related to fertility include age, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, frequency of intercourse, coital timing, as well as diet and lifestyle habits.

Similar DNA methylation levels in specific imprinting control regions in children conceived with and without assisted reproductive technology: a cross-sectional study.

Background: While a possible link between assisted reproductive technology (ART) and rare imprinting disorders has been found, it is not clear if this is indicative of subtler disruptions of epigenetic mechanisms. Results from previous studies have been mixed, but some methylation differences have been observed.

Methods: Children conceived through ART and children conceived spontaneously were recruited for this cross-sectional study.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome prevention strategies: oral contraceptive pills-dual gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist suppression with step-down gonadotropin protocols.

The identification of patients at high risk for excessive responses to ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer is essential in the tailoring of safe and effective treatment strategies. Known factors associated with increased sensitivity to gonadotropins include polycystic ovary syndrome, young age, prior ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), high baseline antral follicle count, and high baseline ovarian volume. Although several treatment strategies have been proposed for these patients, this report describes the experience using the dual suppression with gonadotropin step-down protocol.

Duration of progesterone-in-oil support after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: a randomized, controlled trial.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of a short P-in-oil protocol (11 days) in comparison with a traditional P-in-oil protocol (6 weeks) after IVF and embryo transfer.

Design: Prospective randomized, controlled trial.

Setting: Tertiary referral reproductive medicine unit.

Cumulative first live birth after elective cryopreservation of all embryos due to ovarian hyperresponsiveness.

Objective: To estimate cumulative chance for first live birth after elective pronuclear stage cryopreservation of all embryos due to ovarian hyperresponsiveness.

Design: Retrospective analysis with longitudinal follow-up.

Setting: Academic hospital.

Hypersensitivity to progesterone-in-oil after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Objective: To report the occurrence and management of pulmonary compromise, marked leukocytosis, and eosinophilia in a patient receiving P-in-oil after IVF and embryo transfer.

Design: Case report.A tertiary referral reproductive medicine unit.

Body mass index and uterine receptivity in the oocyte donation model.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of body mass index (BMI) to uterine receptivity under conditions of programmed hormonal support and standardized embryo quality.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.A tertiary referral center.

Ultrasound-guided unification of noncommunicating uterine cavities.

Background: The benefits of ultrasound-guided hysteroscopic metroplasty have been well described in the management of the partial septate uterus. The use of ultrasonography at the time of hysteroscopy provides visualization of the intrauterine instruments within the uterine cavity. This report describes a case where ultrasound-guidance was used to enter a noncommunicating uterine cavity hysteroscopically.

Transabdominal-transperitoneal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval in a patient with müllerian agenesis.

Objective: To describe the approach of transabdominal-transperitoneal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval undertaken in a patient with müllerian agenesis and ovarian malposition who underwent a successful gestational carrier treatment cycle.

Design: Case report.

Setting: A tertiary-referral reproductive medicine unit.

Successful elective single blastocyst transfer in a patient with prior repetitive high-order multiple gestations.

Multiple gestations remain one of the leading causes of morbidity related to infertility therapy. In the realm of assisted reproductive technologies, multiple gestations can be significantly limited by the reduction in the number of embryos transferred. Significant concern remains that a reduction in the number of embryos transferred may appreciably lower overall chances for pregnancy.