Sperm Selection Technology in ART
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1732313Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a commonly used in vitro fertilization technique. Selection of sperm for injection is currently done using subjective assessment of morphology, which may not accurately identify the best-quality sperm. Hyaluronic acid receptors on sperm plasma membranes are a marker of maturity, and sperms which are capable of binding immobilized hyaluronic acid in vitro are of higher quality. This can be used as an advanced sperm selection technique to choose sperm for ICSI, termed physiological ICSI (PICSI). Several studies reported improved fertility ...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - July 13, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Martin, Catherine Woodland, Emma Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy: Current Perspectives
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731828Despite improvements in assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs), live birth rates remain suboptimal, particularly in women with advanced maternal age (AMA). The leading cause of poor reproductive outcomes demonstrated in women with AMA, as well as women with recurrent miscarriage and repetitive implantation failure, is thought to be due to high rates of embryonic aneuploidy. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) aims to select an euploid embryo for transfer and therefore improve ART outcomes. Early PGT-A studies using fluorescent in situ hybridization on mainly...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - July 8, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: L'Heveder, Ariadne Jones, Benjamin P. Naja, Roy Serhal, Paul Nagi, Jara Ben Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Thrombophilia, Inflammation, and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Case-Based Review
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731827Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as the loss of two or more pregnancies and is often multifactorial with the majority of miscarriages being due to aneuploidy and anatomic or physiological abnormalities. However, inherited or acquired thrombophilias have also been associated with RPL, albeit inconsistently. While inherited thrombophilias, such as factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene mutation, are relatively prevalent in women with RPL compared with the general population, a causal link has yet to be definitively established. Recently, systemic inflammation, as measured by...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - July 2, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Grandone, Elvira Piazza, Gregory Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Models of Care: A Review and Qualitative Evaluation of a Guideline-Recommended Integrated Care
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727191Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder and many women are dissatisfied with their healthcare under the current fragmented health services. Here, we review existing literature on PCOS healthcare services and qualitatively evaluate an integrated PCOS service based on experiences of women with PCOS. Limited prior PCOS-dedicated services have been studied and their quantitative and efficacy-focused evaluations are summarized. Here, we also provide a broader PCOS service evaluation via semistructured interviews and surveys, with thematic analysis based on a prede...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - June 29, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tay, Chau Thien Pirotta, Stephanie Teede, Helena J. Moran, Lisa J. Robinson, Tracy Skouteris, Helen Joham, Anju E. Lim, Siew S. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Immunological Testing in Assisted Reproductive Technology
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730908Fetal implantation requires carefully orchestrated involvement of the maternal immune system. Aberrant function within implantation has been suggested as a cause of implantation failure. The emergence of immunological theories of miscarriage has led to immunological testing as an adjuvant treatment in assisted reproductive technology; however, it remains controversial, with mixed evidence both for immunological cause and the benefits of immunological testing. Literature on common methods of immunological testing within assisted reproductive technology is reviewed including those ...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - June 23, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Odendaal, Joshua Quenby, Siobhan Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Embryo Glue: The Use of Hyaluronan in Embryo Transfer Media
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730415EmbryoGlue is available to patients at many in vitro fertilization clinics, usually at an additional cost. The efficacy of hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium (HETM) is supported by moderate quality evidence that indicates a significant improvement in clinical outcomes such as live birth rates for patients, including poorer prognosis women (i.e., maternal age factor [>35 years] and recurrent implantation failure). An increased multiple pregnancy rate has been reported with the use of HETM; therefore, a single embryo transfer policy should be considered in conjunction with the ...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - May 25, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Atkinson, Beth Woodland, Emma Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
The Pathophysiology of Hypercoagulability and Infertility
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729763Alongside an interplay of a multitude of factors, attainment of a favorable pregnancy outcome is predicated on successful implantation, which in itself is a complex process anchored by balanced interchange with the hemostatic system. Among other etiologies, failure of implantation can result in infertility, and lead affected couples to consider assisted reproductive technology (ART) in an effort to fulfill their desire for procreation. Given the critical role of the hemostatic system in the process of implantation, documentation of a hypercoagulable state during controlled ovaria...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - May 17, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Malinowski, Ann Kinga Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Metabolomic Biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review of the Evidence
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729841Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinologic condition affecting one in five women of reproductive age. PCOS is often characterized by disruptions to the menstrual cycle, development of male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism), and polycystic ovary morphology. Recently, PCOS has been linked to metabolic dysfunction, with 40 to 80% of women characterized as overweight or obese. Despite these well-known negative health effects of PCOS, 75% of sufferers remain undiagnosed. This is most likely due to the variability in symptom presentation and the lack of a definitive test for t...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - May 4, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Alesi, Simon Ghelani, Drishti Mousa, Aya Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Obesity and the Risk of Infertility, Gestational Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726866This review describes the relationship between obesity and the most common reproductive (infertility) and metabolic (gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] and type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]) consequences in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It also describes the vital role of lifestyle management for PCOS. PCOS is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder common in reproductive-age women. Consensus on the exact etiological mechanisms of PCOS is unreached. Overweight or obesity is present in at least 60% of the PCOS population, but the condition occurs irrespective of BMI, with excess BMI...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - April 19, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Pirotta, Stephanie Joham, Anju Grieger, Jessica A. Tay, Chau Tien Bahri-Khomami, Mahnaz Lujan, Marla Lim, Siew S. Moran, Lisa J. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Metformin for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Women with a Previous Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes: A Narrative Review
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727203Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) when compared with women who have not had GDM. To delay or prevent T2DM, guidelines recommend regular screening in the primary care setting and lifestyle interventions that are largely focused on dietary and physical activity modifications. As the postpartum period can be challenging for women, uptake and engagement in screening and lifestyle interventions have been poor. Poor uptake and engagement places women with a history of GDM at heightened risk for ...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - April 15, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Versace, Vincent L. Beks, Hannah Wesley, Hannah McNamara, Kevin Hague, William Anjana, Ranjit Mohan Mohan, Viswanathan Khunti, Kamlesh Dunbar, James A. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Management of Early Menopause/Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Women with or at High Risk of Breast Cancer
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726467The global incidence of breast cancer is increasing, as is the efficacy of treatments. Consequently, increasing survival rates reinforce the importance of survivorship issues, including posttreatment menopausal symptoms, sexual function, and mental health and well-being. Breast cancer patients can experience a range of menopausal symptoms associated with their treatment. Most commonly women may experience vasomotor symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats. Particularly for women on maintenance tamoxifen therapy, up to 80% will experience hot flushes, with almost one-third...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - March 31, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Brennan, Annabelle Hickey, Martha Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Obesity, Diabetes and Reproductive Health
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727221 Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Full text (Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine)
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - March 31, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Thong, Eleanor P. Lim, Siew S. Tags: Preface Source Type: research
Musculoskeletal Health in Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Part Two: Bone
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1722849Accelerated bone loss and muscle loss coexist in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), but there are significant gaps in our understanding of musculoskeletal health in POI. This review describes estrogen signaling in bone and its role in skeletal health and disease. Possible mechanisms contributing to bone loss in different forms of POI and current evidence regarding the utility of available diagnostic tests and therapeutic options are also discussed. A literature review from January 2000 to March 2020 was conducted to identify relevant studies. Women with POI experie...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - March 30, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Samad, Navira Nguyen, Hanh H. Ebeling, Peter R. Milat, Frances Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Co-designing an Early Menopause Digital Resource: Model for Interdisciplinary Knowledge Translation
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726273Early menopause/premature ovarian insufficiency is associated with negative health impacts, unmet information needs, delayed diagnosis, and variation in management. Co-designed digital resources for women with early menopause/premature ovarian insufficiency and health practitioners were developed to address information needs and support management. A five-phase mixed methods multidisciplinary research, co-design and translation process comprised: (1) survey/interviews with women and health practitioners to explore early menopause/premature ovarian insufficiency needs, experiences...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - March 18, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Yeganeh, Ladan Johnston-Ataata, Kate Vincent, Amanda J. Flore, Jacinthe Kokanovi ć, Renata Teede, Helena Boyle, Jacqueline A. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Diet Quality and Its Effect on Weight Gain Prevention in Young Adults: A Narrative Review
Semin Reprod Med DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1723776Global environmental and societal changes have resulted in an increased consumption of energy-dense foods contributing to escalating obesity prevalence, with most rapid weight gain occurring in young adults. Diet is one major modifiable factor contributing to escalating obesity prevalence. Understanding overall diet quality of populations at high risk for weight gain and obesity development, including young adults, provides evidence of dietary intakes, dietary patterns, and associated behaviors, to inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at the prevention of weight...
Source: Seminars in Reproductive Medicine - March 16, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Martin, Julie C. Moran, Lisa J. Harrison, Cheryce L. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
