Latest Advances in Fertility Research: What It Means for You

The field of fertility research continues to face advancements as technologies continue to develop new innovative ways to improve current fertility treatments. This has led to more breakthroughs in reproductive medicine and fertility technology in recent years.

It is important to understand the current advancements in fertility research, and what their potential impacts are, allowing couples to better understand their current and potential future fertility treatment options. 

This article will explore the latest advancements in fertility research and what they mean for you.

What are the current fertility treatments available? 

There is a wide range of fertility treatments currently available to help couples who are having trouble conceiving. Some common fertility treatments include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). 

Couples can also choose to partake in alternative therapies such as acupuncture and supplements to aid IVF treatments. Hence, there are many options for couples to choose from that can be tailored to their individual needs.

Explore more information about the available fertility services at Thomson Fertility Centre.

What are the newest innovations in fertility treatment?

1) Capacitation in-vitro maturation (CAPA-IVM) 

CAPA-IVM allows for egg retrieval at an immature stage and allows them to mature in a lab environment. This reduces the need for extensive hormone injections required for treatments like IVF. Moreover, the first baby conceived via CAPA-IVM in Australia had just been born, marking a significant milestone in fertility treatments.

2) In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) 

IVG is another promising area of fertility treatment. IVG involves creating eggs and sperm from skin cells. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have successfully demonstrated this technique via animals, hoping to further develop it for human application. Thus, eventually providing a new fertility treatment option for couples. 

What are the current advancements in IVF technology?

1) Artificial intelligence

• The latest IVF technology has seen recent improvements in increasing success rates and reducing costs by using artificial intelligence (AI). 
• AI will process and analyse different datasets with multiple intermediary outcomes from previous IVF cycles to optimise and personalise them for the specific individual. 
• Examples of such optimisation and personalisation include drug selection and dosing, cycle monitoring, and selection of suitable embryos. 
• AI could also help analyse sperm motility and predict which individuals have abnormalities in their sperm.

2) Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)

• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has become more sophisticated, allowing for better detection of genetic abnormalities in embryos. 
• Thomson Fertility Centre offers a similar service called preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) (instead of PGT) for couples undergoing IVF treatments to detect any abnormalities within the embryos before implantation occurs. 
• PGD is usually performed when one of the parents carries a risk of passing down a heritable disease or disorder to their child and wants to prevent it from happening.
• PGD may also be done by older couples or couples who have had previous miscarriages to improve pregnancy rates. Hence, ensuring that only the healthiest embryos are selected for implantation, increasing the likelihood of successful pregnancies.

The future of fertility research and treatment

After exploring the current different advancements in fertility research, it would appear that personalised treatment plans are becoming more common. As innovations continue to occur, fertility specialists can soon tailor these treatments to suit their patients, optimising their chances to successfully conceive, whilst reducing risks. 

Moreover, the emerging technologies used in IVF, such as microfluidics, are helping streamline the processes by allowing precise control over gamete manipulation. Thus, improving sperm sorting techniques and enhancing overall efficiency within the laboratory setting.

What do these advancements mean for you?

As these technologies continue to evolve, it is important to stay knowledgeable about your current and future potential fertility treatment options. Developing innovative treatments like CAPA-IVM and IVG provides a new set of solutions for those facing fertility issues.

Improvements made to IVF treatments are streamlining the processes. Couples can continue to benefit as the accuracy of IVF technology increases, leading to higher chances of conception. Consult with a fertility specialist regarding fertility questions and advice on the best solutions currently available to you.

While these advancements in fertility research may seem exciting, remember that some of these are still in their developmental phase. For those struggling with fertility, it is important to understand how different factors like lifestyle or age can affect your fertility. 

FAQ

What has the biggest impact on fertility?

There are a few different factors that affect fertility such as age, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions to name a few. For example, as women get older, the number of eggs decreases, whilst for me, as they get older, sperm quality will also decrease. However, while age seems like a more critical factor affecting fertility, it is hard to say what factor has the biggest impact.

The most common factor that impacts female fertility is failure to ovulate, but what has the biggest impact on fertility is unique to each individual. Hence, it is hard to pinpoint what factor may have the biggest impact on you. 

Thus, it is important to do a fertility screening and consult a fertility specialist to pinpoint what is affecting your fertility, and how this can be managed and/or treated.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please book a consultation with a fertility specialist at Thomson Fertility Centre.