Fertility and sterility
Audio Summaries

Semen parameters in unirradiated, alkylating agent exposed childhood cancer survivors in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study

Mar 22, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the long-term effects of alkylating agents on sperm parameters, specifically azoospermia and oligospermia, in adult survivors of childhood cancer who were not treated with radiation. Their findings revealed that a significant proportion of these survivors experienced fertility issues, with increased risks associated with higher doses of alkylating agents, platinating agents, and etoposide. This study highlights the need for improved pre-treatment counseling regarding potential reproductive outcomes for childhood cancer patients.

Epigenetic clock timing in the endometrium of women undergoing IVF

Mar 20, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate endometrial epigenetic age acceleration (EEAA) in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) by comparing epigenetic and chronological ages using Horvath's DNA-methylation-based clock. They found that the average endometrial epigenetic age was significantly higher than chronological age, with the most pronounced acceleration observed in younger women. This suggests that EEAA may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing endometrial health and fertility potential, warranting further research into its clinical implications.

Intra-Patient Variability in the Number of Retrieved Oocytes and Ovarian Response Categories Between Consecutive IVF Cycles

Mar 19, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the intra-patient variability in the number of retrieved oocytes across consecutive IVF cycles using the same ovarian stimulation protocol. Their findings revealed significant fluctuations in oocyte yield, with nearly half of the patients experiencing shifts in ovarian response categories, highlighting the challenges in predicting ovarian response based solely on previous cycle outcomes. This variability underscores the need for improved performance indicators in IVF treatment protocols.

Frozen versus fresh embryo transfer in low responders: a systematic review

Mar 19, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether cryopreservation of all embryos followed by frozen embryo transfer yields better reproductive outcomes than fresh embryo transfer in low responders undergoing assisted reproduction. Their systematic review found that high-quality evidence indicated frozen embryo transfer was associated with lower live birth and clinical pregnancy rates, while non-randomized studies showed no significant differences. The findings suggest that fresh embryo transfer may lead to improved reproductive outcomes, warranting further investigation through randomized trials.

Testicular Immune Privilege Revisited: When Protection Fails

Mar 19, 2026

The authors investigate the mechanisms behind the disruption of testicular immune privilege, which can lead to infertility in men, particularly through the breakdown of the blood-testis barrier and subsequent germ cell loss. They explore how factors such as infections, cancers, and traumas can compromise this immune protection and discuss the implications for clinical practice, including counseling and fertility preservation strategies. The goal is to enhance understanding of immune regulation in the testes to better address male infertility issues.

Data driven analysis of fertility optimization

Mar 18, 2026

The authors aim to evaluate and summarize the evidence on various methods for optimizing fertility, including lifestyle interventions, surgical restoration, menstrual cycle tracking, and comparisons with IVF. They highlight existing knowledge gaps and emphasize the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to enhance women's health and personalize care, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing time to pregnancy. The need for further research in women's health and fertility is also underscored.

Seminal fluid cytokines in reproductive health and fertility of men

Mar 18, 2026

The authors investigate the role of cytokines in seminal fluid and their impact on male reproductive health and fertility. They explore how these immune-regulatory factors influence sperm function and female reproductive tract interactions, while also addressing the potential clinical implications for diagnosing and managing infertility. The paper highlights existing knowledge gaps regarding the significance of specific cytokines and the need for improved assay methodologies to better understand their roles in reproductive biology.

Varicocele and Low Testosterone

Mar 15, 2026

The authors investigate the relationship between varicocele and testosterone levels, particularly how varicocele repair may influence testosterone production in men with low testosterone. They highlight that patients undergoing varicocelectomy can experience significant increases in testosterone levels, suggesting that this surgical intervention, alongside lifestyle changes, may alleviate testosterone deficiency without the need for medication. The review calls for further research to identify predictors of testosterone improvement post-surgery and to assess the clinical significance of these changes.

Diet, lifestyle factors and human fertility: what we know, what we wish we knew, and what we may never know

Mar 15, 2026

The authors investigate the impact of diet, lifestyle factors, and substance use on human fertility, amidst growing concerns about declining birth rates and semen quality. They aim to identify actionable recommendations based on current evidence while acknowledging the gaps in knowledge and the limitations of available data. The review categorizes questions into those that can be robustly answered, those that are still open but addressable, and those that may remain unresolved, emphasizing the need for balanced guidance in reproductive health.

Varicocele Repair for Chronic Orchialgia

Mar 14, 2026

This article investigates the effectiveness of varicocele repair in alleviating chronic orchialgia associated with clinical varicoceles, synthesizing data from recent studies published over the last decade. The authors conducted a thorough review of literature focusing on clinical outcomes related to pain relief following various surgical and radiologic interventions. Based on their findings and personal experience, they offer recommendations for treatment approaches.