http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/fertility/ When it comes to the challenges and solutions you face on the road to conception, there is no such thing as too much information. Read about the latest research on fertility drugs, infertility treatments and IVF. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/fertility/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524215249.htm A new type of male contraceptive could be created thanks to the discovery of a key gene essential for sperm development. The finding could lead to alternatives to the conventional male contraceptives that rely on disrupting the production of hormones, such as testosterone. These treatments can cause side effects such as irritability, mood swings and acne. Thu, 24 May 2012 21:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524215249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123013.htm A new study has revealed previously undiscovered genetic variants that influence fertility in men. The findings shed much-needed light on human reproduction and might provide answers for countless men suffering from infertility. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102956.htm Scientists have identified a gene expression fingerprint associated with very low pregnancy rates in semen donors with normal seminal quality. Wed, 23 May 2012 10:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134301.htm Nice guys do finish last at least when it comes to procreation, according to a new study that answers the question of why women choose bad boys. New research has demonstrated that hormones associated with ovulation influence women's perceptions of men as potential fathers. Mon, 14 May 2012 13:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141909.htm A study conducted in Chile has found that the most important factor in reducing maternal mortality is the educational level of women. Thu, 10 May 2012 14:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508220004.htm Researchers are hoping to better understand why the mutated genes for breast and ovarian cancer are not passed on more frequently from one generation of women to the next. Tue, 08 May 2012 22:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508220004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103911.htm Fears that sex-linked chromosomes, such as the male Y chromosome, are doomed to extinction have been refuted in a new genetic study which examines the sex chromosomes of chickens. Tue, 08 May 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507154110.htm Scientists have shed new light on how sperm navigate the female reproductive tract, "crawling" along the channel walls and swimming around corners -- with frequent collisions. Mon, 07 May 2012 15:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507154110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120505130923.htm A new study has identified the risk of major birth defects associated with different types of assisted reproductive technology. In the most comprehensive study of its kind in the world, researchers compared the risk of major birth defects for each of the reproductive therapies commonly available internationally, such as: IVF (in vitro fertilization), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and ovulation induction. They also compared the risk of birth defects after fresh and frozen embryo transfer. Sat, 05 May 2012 13:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120505130923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125816.htm Insect glands are responsible for producing a host of secretions that allow bees to sting and ants to lay down trails. New research focuses on secretions from glands in the reproductive tract that help sperm survive and guide the sperm on the trip to fertilize an egg. The gene that controls the development of these glands in fruit flies provides important information about gland development in all insects, as well as potential clues to similar human reproductive glands. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184833.htm A new study suggests that exposure to estrogenic chemicals in the womb or during childhood could have a long-term effect on female fertility. Limiting such exposures, including minimizing use of soy-based baby formula, would be a step toward maintaining female reproductive health. Wed, 02 May 2012 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112902.htm Researchers report that male pseudoscorpions treated with the antibiotic tetracycline suffer significantly reduced sperm viability and pass this toxic effect on to their untreated sons. They suggest a similar effect could occur in humans and other species. Wed, 02 May 2012 11:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501133501.htm A U.S. national study suggests that a significantly greater number of highly educated women in their late 30s and 40s are deciding to have children - a dramatic turnaround from recent history. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501133501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430223907.htm Scientists looking at fertility in mice, have discovered for the first time that the gene, which makes a protein called PDILT, enables sperm to bind to an egg, a process essential to fertilization. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430223907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430164227.htm Occupational exposure to formaldehyde in Chinese men may be linked to reduced fertility, reports a new article. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430164227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114600.htm Medical researchers have defined the structure of a key part of the human obesity receptor -- an essential factor in the regulation of body fat -- which could help provide new treatments for the complications of obesity and anorexia. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427100222.htm Scientists report that male pseudoscorpions treated with the antibiotic tetracycline suffer significantly reduced sperm viability and pass this toxic effect on to their untreated sons. They suggest that a similar effect could occur in humans and other species. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427100222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162207.htm While the artist’s haunting self-portraits focus largely on anatomy and failed reproduction attempts, relatively little attention has been paid to her own body and infertility. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413121912.htm When you cannot become a parent without outside help, making decisions to deal with your longing is a complicated process. The world of assisted reproduction treatment is confusing, but the couples try to adapt since it is their only possibility to conceive a child together. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413121912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412121355.htm Researchers have discovered a key tool that helps sperm and eggs develop exactly 23 chromosomes each. The work, which could lead to insights into fertility, spontaneous miscarriages, cancer and developmental disorders. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412121355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405224703.htm Many women do not fully appreciate the consequences of delaying motherhood, and expect that assisted reproductive technologies can reverse their aged ovarian function, researchers have reported. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405224703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402144934.htm Women having children at older ages and the growing availability of fertility treatments has led to a marked increase in the birth of twins: In 2009, one in every 30 babies born in the United States was a twin compared with one in every 53 in 1980. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402144934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402124335.htm A new study describes how a secreted enzyme helps egg cells avoid being fertilized by more than one sperm. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402124335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313230358.htm Men's diets, in particular the amount and type of different fats they eat, could be associated with their semen quality according to the results of a study. The study of 99 men in the USA found an association between a high total fat intake and lower total sperm count and concentration. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313230358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305160658.htm Women who have eggs that cannot mature will not become pregnant, and they cannot be helped by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Now researchers have identified a molecule called Cdk1 that has an important function for mammalian egg maturation. In the future this could lead to an increased rate of successful IVF. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305160658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301143758.htm Treatment with vitamin D reduced the size of uterine fibroids in laboratory rats predisposed to developing the benign tumors, reported researchers. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301143758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301084302.htm A novel system for processing embryos during IVF treatment has been shown to significantly improve the chances of pregnancy -- by more than a quarter. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301084302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229105029.htm Scientists have discovered a new way of measuring the potential success rate of an embryo before it is transferred back into the womb during in vitro fertilization (IVF). According to the findings, the fluid within a woman's ovaries that surrounds the egg or oocyte holds metabolic information that can improve predictions on which embryo is more likely to lead to pregnancy. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229105029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120226153641.htm For the first time, researchers have isolated egg-producing stem cells from the ovaries of reproductive age women and shown these cells can produce what appear to be normal egg cells or oocytes. Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120226153641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216133432.htm Researchers have discovered how the "guardian of the genome'' oversees quality control in the production of sperm -- and perhaps in many other cells as well. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216133432.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206174354.htm Researchers have, for the first time, described the genetic basis of endometriosis, a condition affecting millions of women that is marked by chronic pelvic pain and infertility. The researchers' discovery of a new gene mutation provides hope for new screening methods. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206174354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201093102.htm Involuntary childlessness owing to reduced fertility is a concern for many men. However, these men do have one advantage -- they run a significantly lower risk of suffering from prostate cancer. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201093102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109212207.htm A certain omega-3 fatty acid is necessary to construct the arch that turns a round, immature sperm cell into a pointy-headed super swimmer with an extra long tail, according to new research. The study shows that docosahexaenoic acid is essential in fusing the building blocks of the acrosome together. The acrosome is critical in fertilization because it houses, organizes, and concentrates a variety of enzymes that sperm use to penetrate an egg. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109212207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109145901.htm Environmental exposure to organochlorine chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and p,p'-DDE (the main metabolite of the insecticide DDT) can affect male reproduction, according to new research. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109145901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105101453.htm Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services today announced the publication of an article in the December issue of Reproductive BioMedicine Online (www.rbmonline.com) about miscarriage rates following IVF treatment with frozen thawed embryos which may revolutionize clinical and laboratory practice. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105101453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135137.htm A new technique has already been successfully used in mice to identify embryos likely to result in a successful pregnancy. A new study suggests the same technique could be used in humans, potentially boosting IVF success rates and helping to reduce the number of multiple births. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208092246.htm Women who use bust-enhancing dietary supplements containing the mycoestrogen zearalenone (ZEN), a naturally occurring toxin that widely contaminates agricultural products, could be increasing their risk of breast cancer. No clinical trials have been published on the use of potent oestrogens like ZEN in bust-enhancing products and their use should be discouraged because of the lack of evidence of their long-term safety, says a breast cancer expert. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208092246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125545.htm Examining the chin and upper and lower abdomen is a reliable, minimally invasive way to screen for excessive hair growth in women, a key indicator of too much male hormone, researchers report. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125545.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028103306.htm Scientists have developed a “fertility chip” that can accurately count sperm and measure their motility. The chip can be inserted into a compact device for one-off use. A home test kit will soon make it possible for men to test their sperm in a familiar environment. As a result, there is a greater chance of obtaining a correct diagnosis, also the method is simple and inexpensive. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028103306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024113133.htm A dedicated fertility preservation patient navigator can guide newly diagnosed cancer patients through a hopeful process -- preserving their future ability to have children in the face of life-saving, yet fertility-threatening treatments. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024113133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111016132043.htm Scientists have discovered an enzyme that acts as a 'fertility switch'. High levels of the protein are associated with infertility, while low levels make a woman more likely to have a miscarriage, the research has shown. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111016132043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014151349.htm One in 15 women of childbearing age is diagnosed with a disorder commonly referred to as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The condition is one of the most common causes of women not ovulating and thus causes difficulty in conceiving. Fertility is not the only health consequence these women face, however. PCOS has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading killer of women and men alike. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014151349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013184811.htm Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to have problems with pregnancy regardless of whether they are undergoing fertility treatment, claims new research. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013184811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005172649.htm A study of daughters of women given diethylstilbestrol, synthetic estrogen, during pregnancy has found that exposure to the drug while in the womb is associated with many reproductive problems and an increased risk of certain cancers. Beginning in 1940, DES was used to prevent certain pregnancy complications, but was later found to be ineffective in the 1950s. In the 1960s, a rare cancer of the vagina in young women was linked to DES exposure. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005172649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005111819.htm A new study shows the parents of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to have some form of cardiovascular disease. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005111819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123600.htm It's no secret that women often gain weight as they get older. The sex hormone estrogen has an important, if underappreciated, role to play in those burgeoning waistlines. Now, researchers have traced those hormonal effects on metabolism to different parts of the brain. The findings may lead to the development of highly selective hormone replacement therapies that could be used to combat obesity or infertility in women without the risks for heart disease and breast cancer, the researchers say. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926173119.htm The risk of dying from cardiovascular disease is higher for childless men than for fathers, according to a large study. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926173119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920103822.htm A new study finds that a simple-to-use, fertility-awareness based method of family planning so effectively meets the needs of users that they continue to rely on it for years. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920103822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825102340.htm Current estimates of the impact of chemotherapy on women's reproductive health are too low, according to a new study. The researchers say their analysis of the age-specific, long-term effects of chemotherapy provides new insights that will help patients and clinicians make more informed decisions about future reproductive options, such as egg harvesting. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825102340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818190600.htm A recent study demonstrated increased rates of celiac disease in women who present with unexplained infertility. The study evaluated 191 female patients presenting with infertility. Each participant underwent serologic screening for celiac disease as well as routine infertility testing. The four patients who had positive serum test results were advised to seek evaluation with a gastroenterologist. All four patients were confirmed to have celiac disease. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818190600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818142749.htm Researchers have uncovered exactly how a human egg captures an incoming sperm to begin the fertilization process. The research identifies the sugar molecule that makes the outer coat of the egg 'sticky', which is vital for enabling the sperm and egg to bind together. The scientists behind this study believe their work could help address some of the previously unexplained causes of human infertility and sub-fertility and be very useful for diagnosing this problem in couples who are unable to have children. It could also provide a new target for the development of natural contraceptive agents. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818142749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132129.htm When an egg cell is being formed, the cellular machinery which separates chromosomes is extremely imprecise at fishing them out of the cell's interior, scientists have discovered. The findings could explain why errors in the number of chromosomes in the egg cell are the leading cause of miscarriages and severe congenital diseases like Down's syndrome, as well as causing female infertility. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816133059.htm Using a new approach to developing biomarkers for the very early detection of ovarian cancer, researchers have identified a molecule in the bloodstream of infertile women that could one day be used to screen for those at high risk for the disease -- or even those with early-stage ovarian cancer. Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816133059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809092051.htm Couples who are having trouble getting pregnant adjust how much information they share with friends and family, depending on whether it's the husband or the wife who feels stigmatized about their reproductive difficulties, a new study shows. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809092051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804123857.htm Researchers have found a way to turn mouse embryonic stem cells into sperm. This finding opens up new avenues for infertility research and treatment. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804123857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802201834.htm Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are associated with fertility problems and negative attitudes to pregnancy, according to a new study. The research also revealed high rates of unplanned pregnancies in women with a history of anorexia, suggesting they may be underestimating their chances of conceiving. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802201834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728144939.htm Future trends in global population growth could be significantly affected by improvements in both the quality and quantity of education, particularly female education. Projections of future population trends that do not explicitly include education in their analysis may be flawed, according to new research. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728144939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728133413.htm A growing body of evidence suggests that antioxidants may have significant value in addressing infertility issues in both women and men, including erectile dysfunction, and researchers say that large, specific clinical studies are merited to determine how much they could help. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728133413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726213453.htm Children born after unplanned pregnancies tend to have a more limited vocabulary and poorer non-verbal and spatial abilities; however this is almost entirely explained by their disadvantaged circumstances, according to a new study from the UK. The same study reported no adverse effects of infertility treatment on the children. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726213453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720142127.htm The loss of a protein that coats sperm may explain a significant proportion of infertility in men worldwide, according to a study by an international team of researchers. The research could open up new ways to screen and treat couples for infertility. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720142127.htm