New discovery to improve success rates of IVF

October 1, 2012 in Obstetrics & gynaecology

(Medical Xpress)—Researchers from the University of Otago, Christchurch, are collaborating with clinicians at Fertility Associates in Christchurch to develop a test to significantly improve the success rate for in vitro fertilisations implantations.

Christchurch researcher, Dr Gloria Evans, has just published a paper in the international journal which shows positive results for a test to determine the optimal time to implant a fertilised embryo through IVF.

She has discovered for the first time key biomarkers – or signs - which show when a woman's uterus is 'more favourable' for implantation. If the key biomarkers are not present, then the embryo can be frozen until a cycle with more positive can be achieved.

This discovery could have a significant effect in improving the success rate for couples undergoing the emotional and expensive process of IVF.

In collaboration with Fertility Associates Christchurch, Dr Evans now wants to confirm her exciting findings in a larger sample of women and is calling for volunteers.

Evans says currently less than half of fertilised eggs implanted through IVF result in a pregnancy.

Implantation failure, where the woman's uterus is not in an optimal state to receive a fertilised embryo, is a common reason for IVF failing.

A woman might be taking and be but pregnancy does not occur.

"The main problem at present is there is a lack of understanding of events at the time the embryo is implanted into the uterus (the window of implantation).

Researchers have been exploring this challenge for some time but have not been able to develop a showing how 'hospitable' the uterus is to implantation.

What Dr Evans has determined for the first time is a showing when the uterus is more hospitable for implantation. She and Fertility Associates Christchurch medical director Dr Greg Phillipson will now confirm these findings in a larger sample of women undergoing IVF treatment and fine-tune the test for use in IVF clinics.

"This test will mean that clinicians may be able to determine the best time in the fertility cycle to implant embryos giving women a much better chance of achieving pregnancy."

"If these very encouraging results are supported in this expanded study it would mean a big step forward in assisting couples who are going through the IVF process to try to have a child."

The larger study requires women volunteers from Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton to take a simple test involving a minute sample of tissue from the endometrium or lining of the uterus.

More information: Dr Evans says the research team would be grateful if any woman aged 20 – 37 years who has experienced unexplained repeat miscarriage or IVF procedures without pregnancy occurring or women who require treatment for poor ovulation could contact Fertility Associates 0800102828 or gloria.evans@otago.ac.nz to find out more details about taking part in this ground-breaking study.

Journal reference: Fertility and Sterility search and more info website

Provided by University of Otago search and more info website

not rated yet  

Rank not rated yet
Relevant PhysicsForums posts

More news stories

Bulletin provides guidelines for second-trimester abortion

(HealthDay)—New evidence-based guidelines provide guidance on medical and surgical methods for second-trimester abortion and management of associated complications, according to a practice bulletin published ...

Obstetrics & gynaecology created 21 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 1

ACOG: Hormone therapy not recommended to prevent CHD

(HealthDay)—Menopausal hormone therapy should not be used for prevention of coronary heart disease, according to a Committee Opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published ...

Obstetrics & gynaecology created 22 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy may adversely affect children's mental development

A study of around 1,000 UK mothers and their children, published in The Lancet, has revealed that iodine deficiency in pregnancy may have an adverse effect on children's mental development. The research raises concerns that t ...

Obstetrics & gynaecology created May 21, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

72 percent of pregnant women experience constipation and other bowel problems

Nearly three out of four pregnant women experience constipation, diarrhea or other bowel disorders during their pregnancies, a Loyola University Medical Center study has found.

Obstetrics & gynaecology created May 20, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Women's reproductive ability may be related to immune system status

New research indicates that women's reproductive function may be tied to their immune status. Previous studies have found this association in human males, but not females.

Obstetrics & gynaecology created May 17, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast


First drug to improve heart failure mortality in over a decade

Coenzyme Q10 decreases all cause mortality by half, according to the results of a multicentre randomised double blind trial presented today at Heart Failure 2013 congress. It is the first drug to improve heart failure mortality ...

Heart failure accelerates male 'menopause'

Heart failure accelerates the aging process and brings on early andropausal syndrome (AS), according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. AS, also referred to as male 'menopause', was four times ...

Hormone levels may provide key to understanding psychological disorders in women

Women at a particular stage in their monthly menstrual cycle may be more vulnerable to some of the psychological side-effects associated with stressful experiences, according to a study from UCL.

Researchers identify first drug targets in childhood genetic tumor disorder

Two mutations central to the development of infantile myofibromatosis (IM)—a disorder characterized by multiple tumors involving the skin, bone, and soft tissue—may provide new therapeutic targets, according to researchers ...

Feds fight morning-after pill age ruling in NY

(AP)—Department of Justice lawyers have again asked a federal appeals court in New York to delay lifting age restrictions and prescription requirements on an emergency contraceptive popularly known as the morning-after ...

Death highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight

Mortality and length of stay are highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight, according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. The analysis of nearly 1 million ...