Experimental treatment offers hope of fertility for early menopausal women
A novel approach of administering platelet-rich plasma and gonadotropins near the ovarian follicles is showing promise in restoring ovarian function in women with early menopause. As more women look to build their careers before pursuing motherhood, the average age of conceiving a child continues to be pushed back. For some of these women, however, their […]
Multiple Sclerosis does not raise the risk of pregnancy complications
In a finding that should reassure women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who want to have a baby, new research suggests the disease doesn’t raise the risk of pregnancy complications. “While previous research has shown there is no higher risk of birth defects for babies born to women with MS, there are still a lot of […]
Preconception cannabis use linked to reduced chances of pregnancy
Women who use cannabis — marijuana or hashish — could have a more difficult time conceiving a child than women who do not use cannabis, suggests a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Cannabis use among the women’s partners was not studied. The researchers were led by Sunni L. Mumford, Ph.D., […]
Identical twins often don’t share 100% of their DNA
Identical twins may not in fact be genetically identical at birth, according to a new study by researchers in Iceland. Researchers found that twin-specific genetic mutations could occur while embryos were still developing inside the womb. The team were also able to pinpoint at which stage in development the mutations occurred, by searching for them […]
Researchers isolate high-quality sperm using acoustic waves
Monash University researchers have combined acoustic waves and fluid dynamics to create a new approach for separating high-quality sperm in assisted reproduction – opening new windows for infertile couples to have a family of their own. This rapid and automated acoustofluidic process, developed by a team from Monash University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, […]
Cell-free DNA blood tests may help predict pregnancy complications
UCLA researchers say a blood test commonly used to detect fetal genetic abnormalities may help predict complications associated with pregnancy before symptoms develop. Their preliminary study, appearing in Epigenetics, links certain cell-free DNA signatures to adverse outcomes in pregnancy, including ischemic placental disease and gestational diabetes. The findings are the first to show that genetic […]
Researchers have begun recruiting for a study looking at the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on male fertility
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is the first institution studying the effects on sperm of men who receive the vaccine, according to the study’s principal investigator, Ranjith Ramasamy, M.D., associate professor and director of reproductive urology. “Based on the mechanism by which mRNA acts, we do not expect the COVID-19 vaccines will have […]
Men over 50 have same success with vasectomy reversal outcomes as younger men
In recent decades, the age of men who father children has increased. However some older would-be dads face a stumbling block because they have undergone vasectomies. In good news for older men, a study from Keck Medicine of USC published in Urology shows that men over 50 who undergo a vasectomy reversal had the same […]
Preeclampsia-related placental gene expression may be associated with vitamin D status
According to the World Health Organization, preeclampsia affects between 2% to 8% of pregnancies. It can cause serious, sometimes fatal, complications in the mother and child. Among other risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. In an article in Pregnancy Hypertension, […]
Fertility takes up to eight months to return after stopping contraception
Women may have to wait up for up to eight months for their fertility to return to normal after stopping some forms of contraceptives, new research suggests. Oral contraceptives were, and still are, the most used method of contraception, but long-lasting reversible contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices (IUD) or injectable contraceptives are becoming more popular. […]