IVF News

Mosie Baby, an innovative fertility care provider, recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining FDA Class II clearance for its at-home intravaginal insemination (IVI) kit. This marks a groundbreaking advancement as the first over-the-counter, FDA-cleared kit designed for IVI, creating new opportunities for patient care in the realm of fertility treatments.

Clinical Implications and Design Designed for use with fresh or cryogenically frozen donor semen, the Mosie Baby Kit includes two uniquely designed syringes and semen collection cups. The syringes feature a patented, barrel-free tip and slit opening, enhancing semen transfer efficiency while minimizing waste. The collection cups, with a proprietary design, optimize semen collection. This kit underwent rigorous clinical and technical testing, including Human Sperm Survival Assay, to ensure non-toxicity, non-irritation, non-sensitization, and freedom from microbial contamination. The kit's design and testing underscore its suitability for at-home use while aligning with clinical standards.

Physician Perspective For physicians, the Mosie Baby Kit presents an option for patients facing infertility challenges or those for whom traditional intercourse is not feasible or preferred. The kit's FDA clearance and adherence to high testing standards provide medical professionals confidence in recommending it as a viable at-home fertility solution. It enables physicians to extend fertility care beyond the clinic, offering a cost-effective, accessible, and user-friendly alternative to in-office procedures. By providing an FDA-reviewed option for at-home insemination, Mosie Baby empowers individuals and couples in their fertility journey, offering them a sense of autonomy and privacy in the process.

Training Batch Schedule 2024  

•                February             =   12th - 26th Feb 2024

The International School of Embryology a unit of Chennai Fertility Centre and Research Institute was established to offer training in Advanced Reproductive Techniques and Embryology for clinicians and embryologists. It will help them to know in-depth knowledge and have good hands-on training. The members of our teaching faculty aim to bring Clinician and Embryologists to the highest level of knowledge about Assisted Reproductive Technology and practical capability.

Our courses cover basics in Andrology, embryology, ICSI, and cryosciences (Hands-on).

Limited Seats. For admission Contact  9003111598 / 8428278218 

Training Batch Schedule 2024  

•                January              =   17th -  31st Jan 2024
•                February             =   12th - 26th Feb 2024
•                March                  =   04th - 18th Mar 2024

The International School of Embryology a unit of Chennai Fertility Centre and Research Institute was established to offer training in Advanced Reproductive Techniques and Embryology for clinicians and embryologists. It will help them to know in-depth knowledge and have good hands-on training. The members of our teaching faculty aim to bring Clinician and Embryologists to the highest level of knowledge about Assisted Reproductive Technology and practical capability.

Our courses cover basics in Andrology, embryology, ICSI, and cryosciences (Hands-on).

Limited Seats. For admission Contact  9003111598 / 8428278218 (Whats app)

January 2024 Training Batch Schedule - 17th January 2024 - 31st January 2024.

The International School of Embryology a unit of Chennai Fertility Centre and Research Institute was established to offer training in Advanced Reproductive Techniques and Embryology for clinicians and embryologists. It will help them to know in-depth knowledge and have good hands-on training. The members of our teaching faculty aim to bring Clinician and Embryologists to the highest level of knowledge about Assisted Reproductive Technology and practical capability.

Our courses cover basics in Andrology, embryology, ICSI, and cryosciences (Hands-on).

Limited Seats. For admission Contact  9003111598 / 8428278218 (Whats app)

The research published in JAMA Network Open on the association between infertility and the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children provides critical insights into the potential impacts of different modes of conception on child neurodevelopment. This study, conducted in Ontario, Canada, included a substantial cohort of over 1.3 million children and categorized them based on their mode of conception: unassisted, subfertility (infertility without treatment), and assisted reproductive techniques like ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

The study found that children born to individuals with infertility had a slightly increased risk of ASD, with the incidence rate of ASD being 1.93 per 1000 person-years in the unassisted conception group. Compared to this group, the adjusted hazard ratios for ASD were 1.20 in the subfertility group, 1.21 following ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination, and 1.16 after in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Notably, obstetrical and neonatal factors appeared to mediate a significant portion of the association between mode of conception and ASD risk. For example, following in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, factors like cesarean birth, multifetal pregnancy, preterm birth, and severe neonatal morbidity played a substantial role in mediating the risk of ASD​​​​.

Further insight into the relationship between assisted reproductive technology (ART) and ASD comes from a CDC report examining children born in California between 1997 and 2007. This report found that children conceived using ART were about two times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD compared to children conceived without using ART. The increased risk for ASD in pregnancies conceived with ART was largely due to the higher likelihood of adverse pregnancy and delivery outcomes, like being born as a twin or multiple, being born too early, or being born too small. Additionally, the type of ART procedure impacted the ASD risk, with a higher likelihood of ASD diagnosis in children conceived using intracytoplasmic sperm injection compared to conventional in vitro fertilization. These findings suggest that single embryo transfer, where appropriate, may reduce the risk of ASD among children conceived using ART​​.

Moreover, the CDC report also highlighted that children conceived using ART had a lower median age of autism diagnosis compared to those not conceived with ART. However, despite earlier identification, these children were less likely to have co-occurring intellectual disability or severe deficits in communication and social functioning. The differences in autism diagnosis age and symptom severity were largely accounted for by socio-demographic differences between ART-conceived and non-ART-conceived children. This suggests that earlier identification of autism in children from more advantaged families, who typically have greater access to ART services, contributes to the observed ART-autism association​​.

Overall, these studies underscore the complexity of the relationship between infertility treatments and the risk of ASD in children. They highlight the need for focused care and pregnancy plans for individuals with infertility, both with and without fertility treatment, and emphasize the importance of considering a range of obstetrical and neonatal factors to optimize child neurodevelopment.

Sources: 

JAMA Network Open
Infertility and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

Medical Xpress
Risk for autism increased for children born to those with infertility

Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Key Findings: The association between assisted reproductive technology and autism spectrum disorder

Build a strong foundation in IVF

Our two-day IVF Study Course on the 2 to 3 February 2024 lays the groundwork for understanding and practising IVF procedures and will provide a practical learning experience with hands-on sessions with simulators.

Why choose this course?

• Focused on IVF Fundamentals: Specifically designed for clinicians with some to no experience in IVF, our course lays the groundwork for understanding and practicing IVF procedures.
• Practical Learning Experience: Engage in hands-on sessions with simulators, offering a basic yet essential understanding of key IVF techniques.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from fertility experts who specialise in educating newcomers to the field, providing a supportive and informative learning environment.

Course highlights:

• Introduction to IVF Procedures: Gain a solid understanding of the IVF process, from pre-treatment consultation to embryo transfer.
• Insights into Ovarian Stimulation and Oocyte Retrieval: Learn the basics of ovarian stimulation protocols and the crucial steps of oocyte retrieval.
• Fundamentals of Embryo Transfer: Get acquainted with the principles of delivering a highly successful embryo transfer.
• Andrology: Learn how the andrologist assesses and manages male factor infertility.
• Alignment with RCOG ATSM in Subfertility and Reproductive Health & BFS Assisted Conception Modules: While the course covers the basics, it aligns with the learning requirements of the RCOG ATSM in Subfertility and Reproductive Health and the BFS Assisted Conception Module.
• AI in the IVF sector: Learn how to evolve in your job role as a fertility specialist in order to thrive in the era of AI.

View the full course programme

Perfect for those working towards the RCOG Subfertility and Reproductive Health ATSM; the BFS Assisted Conception Module; or Subspecialty Training in Reproductive Medicine and healthcare professionals early on in their journey in the field of reproductive medicine and IVF.

Taking place at our state-of-the-art Cambridge clinic in February and led by top experts in the field.
 

Begin your IVF learning journey:

Spaces are limited for this introductory course. Register now to take your first step into the world of IVF.

Register Now

In recent years, the question of whether mobile phone use impacts male fertility has garnered significant attention. A comprehensive study led by Rahban, Senn, Nef, and Rӧӧsli provides valuable insights into this ongoing debate. Conducted across Switzerland over a 13-year period (2005-2018), this study is among the largest of its kind, involving 2886 young men aged 18-22.

The core objective of the study was to assess the relationship between self-reported mobile phone usage and various semen quality parameters. Participants, recruited during military conscription, provided semen samples and completed detailed questionnaires about their health, lifestyle, and specifically, their mobile phone usage habits. This included the frequency of phone usage and where they typically carried their phones when not in use.

The findings of the study are particularly intriguing. Higher frequency of mobile phone use, defined as more than 20 times per day, was associated with a decrease in sperm concentration and total sperm count (TSC). This relationship remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounding factors such as body mass index, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption.

Interestingly, the study revealed a time-dependent aspect to these associations. The inverse relationship between mobile phone use and semen quality was more pronounced in the earlier phase of the study (2005-2007) and appeared to decrease over time. This trend might reflect the evolving nature of mobile phone technology, including the transition from 2G to 3G and 4G networks and a corresponding decrease in mobile phone output power.

However, the study did not find consistent links between mobile phone use and other semen parameters such as sperm motility and morphology. This suggests that while mobile phone use might impact certain aspects of semen quality, its effects are not universal across all parameters of male reproductive health.

An interesting aspect of this research is its methodological rigor. The large sample size and the comprehensive nature of the data collection, including a wide range of confounding factors, lend a high degree of credibility to the findings. Additionally, the longitudinal nature of the study, spanning over a decade, provides a unique perspective on how changes in technology might influence health outcomes.

Despite its strengths, the study has its limitations, primarily related to the self-reported nature of mobile phone usage data. This reliance on self-reporting can introduce biases and inaccuracies. Furthermore, the study did not differentiate between various types of mobile phone usage, such as calling, texting, or internet browsing, which might have different levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields.

The study's findings are a crucial step in understanding the potential impact of modern lifestyle factors, particularly technology usage, on reproductive health. They underscore the need for further research, especially studies that can more accurately measure RF-EMF exposure and its impact on the male reproductive system.

In conclusion, while this study provides compelling evidence linking frequent mobile phone use to decreased sperm concentration and total sperm count, it also opens the door for further inquiries into the nuances of this relationship. As mobile phone technology continues to evolve rapidly, understanding its health implications remains a critical area of study.

Sources:
Andrology
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(23)01875-7/fulltext

Tuesday 28th November 2023 (3pm EST/8pm UK/9pm CET)
Control of cell division and origins of genetic errors in human embryos.

Moderators:
Dr. Manuel Viotti
Dr, Svetlana Madjunkova
Dr. Mina Popovic
Professor Jan Traeger Synodinou
Presenters:
“The first mitotic division: a perilous bridge connecting the zygote and the early embryo”- Dr. Giovanni Coticchio
“Meiotic and mitotic aneuploidies drive arrest of in vitro fertilized human preimplantation embryos” -Dr. Rajiv C. McCoy
“Human embryo live imaging reveals nuclear DNA shedding during blastocyst expansion and biopsy”-Prof. Nicolas Plachta
REGISTER

Tuesday 14th November 2023 (3pm EST/8pm UK/9pm CET)

Moderators:
Kimberly Kienast
Neringa Karpaviciute
Panelists: 
Prof. Gianpiero D. Palermo and Dr. Caroline McCaffrey
Presentations:
Introduction by Dr. Caroline McCaffrey 
"Perfect date – uncovering the molecular bases of human fertilization"- Dr. Zuzana Holubcová
“Improving sperm preparation” - Xavier Gonzalez 
“Vitrification of Sperm- Sounds like a Plan” - Chaya Rothschild
“à la recherche du spermatozoïde parfait” - Dr. Debbie Montjean 
Q and A
View at https://ivfmeeting.com/collections/sessions/products/session-125-fertilization-what-matters

This talk, given by Dr. Denny Sakkas, the Scientific Director at Boston IVF in Massachusetts, USA, at an Alpha symposium organized by I3, focuses on highlighting risks and errors in laboratory settings, particularly in the context of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) labs. Dr. Sakkas emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing errors in laboratory practices to improve safety and efficacy. He discusses various types of errors, their frequency, and the impact they can have on IVF cycles and patient outcomes.

Dr. Sakkas presents data from a study conducted between 2003 and 2015, analyzing non-conformances in an IVF lab. This study categorizes errors into different grades based on their severity and impact on IVF cycles. He explains how even minimal errors can affect the success rates of IVF treatments and stresses the need for effective quality systems and procedures to minimize and manage errors.

The talk further delves into the comparison of error rates in IVF labs with other areas of medicine, indicating that IVF practices are relatively safe. Dr. Sakkas highlights the necessity of proper staff training, adequate staffing levels, and robust systems for error tracking and management. He points out that acknowledging and learning from mistakes, rather than concealing them, is crucial in reducing error rates and improving lab practices.

In conclusion, Dr. Sakkas underscores the importance of treating non-conformances as a key performance indicator (KPI) in lab management. He encourages laboratories to adopt a proactive approach in identifying and addressing errors, thereby enhancing the overall safety and effectiveness of IVF treatments.

The full session can be see here.