In a nutshell This study examined whether progesterone levels have an effect on live birth rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Some background For a successful pregnancy to occur with an assisted reproductive technique such as in vitro fertilization (IVF; the egg is fertilized outside of the body and implanted into the uterus), the...
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In a nutshell The current study examined the safety and efficacy of letrozole (Femara) for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Some background Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common cause of infertility due to non-ovulation. The first treatment for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome trying to achieve...
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How do you share information with your doctor? This is a tough question. If you have had a bad experience or if you have been afraid to even broach something new with your doctor, this is the post for you. We asked two patient activists how they talk to their physicians and they provided us with tips that can help when sharing information. From Patient...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether physical activity, as opposed to weight loss, increased fertility in obese women undergoing assisted reproduction. Some background Obesity is associated with a number of chronic conditions and can also affect fertility. Obese women may find that it takes longer to conceive than non-obese women, and obesity...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether the timing of clomiphene citrate affects ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Some background Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common cause of anovulation, or lack of regular ovulation. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are at a high risk...
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In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of oral and vaginal progesterone supplementation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Some background The hormone progesterone is important for the successful implantation and development of an embryo. It is often recommended that women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether early pregnancy is a time of increased fibroid growth. Some background Fibroids, or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that can occur inside or attached to the uterus. It is not clear what causes fibroids, but hormones, such as estrogen, are thought to play a role in their growth. It is unclear...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether surgical repair of varicoceles increased fertility in men with low sperm counts. Some background Varicoceles, or enlarged blood vessels in the scrotum, are found in 40% of infertile men. They are thought to lead to infertility by increasing the temperature in the scrotum, killing the sperm cells....
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In a nutshell This review explained the process and success rates of in vitro maturation, an assisted reproductive technique that can avoid the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Some background Assisted reproductive techniques, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) generally involve the use of hormones to stimulate the ovaries...
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In a nutshell This analysis explored the effect of prenatal care on pregnancy outcomes in infertile women. Some background Prenatal care, including regular doctor’s visits, ultrasounds, and blood tests, is associated with a decreased number of adverse outcomes, such as preterm or stillbirths and low birth weights. Prenatal care is...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether conception associated with in vitro egg maturation led to any differences in height and weight development in children compared to those conceived through traditional in vitro fertilization. Some background Assisted reproductive techniques, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), often involve the use...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether progesterone levels affect pregnancy rates during in vitro fertilization. Some background Hormone levels are vitally important to the proper functioning of the female reproductive cycle. Estrogen (a female hormone) rises as the time of ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) nears. This surge in...
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