IVF with planned single-embryo transfer versus IUI with ovarian stimulation in couples with unexplained subfertility: an economic analysis.

Couples with unexplained subfertility are often treated with intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovarian stimulation, which carries the risk of multiple pregnancies. An explorative randomized controlled trial was performed comparing one cycle of IVF with elective single-embryo transfer (eSET) versus three cycles of IUI-ovarian stimulation in couples with unexplained subfertility and a poor prognosis for natural conception, to assess the economic burden of the treatment modalities. The main outcome measures were ongoing pregnancy rates and costs.

Preconception folic acid use modulates estradiol and follicular responses to ovarian stimulation.

Background: Folate is a methyl donor. Availability of folate affects DNA methylation profiles and thereby gene expression profiles. We investigated the effects of low-dose folic acid use (0.

IVF outcomes are associated with biomarkers of the homocysteine pathway in monofollicular fluid.

Background: Maternal hyperhomocysteinemia is detrimental for reproduction, but the effects on embryo quality are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether biomarkers of the homocysteine pathway are associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome.

Methods: In a prospective study, we investigated biomarkers of the homocysteine pathway for associations with embryo quality and biochemical pregnancy in women undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment (n = 181).

A mild treatment strategy for in-vitro fertilisation: a randomised non-inferiority trial.

Background: Mild in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment might lessen both patients' discomfort and multiple births, with their associated risks. We aimed to test the hypothesis that mild IVF treatment can achieve the same chance of a pregnancy resulting in term livebirth within 1 year compared with standard treatment, and can also reduce patients' discomfort, multiple pregnancies, and costs.

Methods: We did a randomised, non-inferiority effectiveness trial.

Milder ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization reduces aneuploidy in the human preimplantation embryo: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: To test whether ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) affects oocyte quality and thus chromosome segregation behaviour during meiosis and early embryo development, preimplantation genetic screening of embryos was employed in a prospective, randomized controlled trial, comparing two ovarian stimulation regimens.

Methods: Infertile patients under 38 years of age were randomly assigned to undergo a mild stimulation regimen using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist co-treatment (67 patients), which does not disrupt secondary follicle recruitment, or a conventional high-dose exogenous gonadotrophin regimen and GnRH agonist co-treatment (44 patients). Following IVF, embryos were biopsied at the eight-cell stage and the copy number of 10 chromosomes was analysed in 1 or 2 blastomeres.

The early luteal phase administration of estrogen and progesterone does not induce premature luteolysis in normo-ovulatory women.

Objective: The luteal phase after ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is insufficient. Therefore, luteal phase supplementation is routinely applied in IVF. It may be postulated that premature luteolysis after ovarian hyperstimulation is due to supraphysiological steroid levels in the early luteal phase.

Oocytes in the empty follicle: a controversial syndrome.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and etiology of the empty follicle syndrome (EFS).

Design: Observational longitudinal study.

Setting: Tertiary fertility centers.

Nonsupplemented luteal phase characteristics after the administration of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin, recombinant luteinizing hormone, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist to induce final oocyte maturation in in vitro fertilization patients after ovarian stimulation with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and GnRH antagonist cotreatment.

Replacing GnRH agonist cotreatment for the prevention of a premature rise in LH during ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) by the late follicular phase administration of GnRH antagonist may render supplementation of the luteal phase redundant, because of the known rapid recovery of pituitary function after antagonist cessation. This randomized two-center study was performed to compare nonsupplemented luteal phase characteristics after three different strategies for inducing final oocyte maturation. Forty patients underwent ovarian stimulation using recombinant (r-)FSH (150 IU/d, fixed) combined with a GnRH antagonist (antide; 1 mg/d) during the late follicular phase.

First live birth after ovarian stimulation using a chimeric long-acting human recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) agonist (recFSH-CTP) for in vitro fertilization.

Objective: To report the first pregnancy and live birth after ovarian stimulation using a chimeric long-acting human recombinant FSH agonist (recFSH-CTP) for IVF.

Design: Case report.

Setting: Tertiary fertility center.

Women with regular menstrual cycles and a poor response to ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization exhibit follicular phase characteristics suggestive of ovarian aging.

Objective: To investigate whether follicular phase characteristics associated with ovarian aging can be observed in women of normal reproductive age, who had previously shown a poor response to ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF.

Design: Observational, prospective study.

Setting: Tertiary fertility center.