Fertility and sterility
Fertility and sterility
Audio Summaries
Every issue of Fertility and sterility moves the field forward, but reading every paper cover-to-cover isn't realistic. OSLR turns each article into a 3-minute audio summary so you can stay current while you commute, round, or work out.
Recent summaries
The latest articles summarized from Fertility and sterility.
Transabdominal retrieval of oocytes when transvaginal access is not an option: mastering an egg-cellent technique
May 10, 2026
The authors aim to demonstrate the technique of transabdominal oocyte retrieval (TAOR) using a vaginal transducer in patients where transvaginal access is not feasible. They report successful outcomes in two patients with complex pelvic anatomy, highlighting TAOR as a safe and effective alternative for oocyte retrieval in such cases. This method may be particularly beneficial in settings lacking specialized abdominal transducer needle guides.
The International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care, 2025†
May 9, 2026
The authors aim to update the International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care to reflect contemporary scientific knowledge, social needs, and inclusive terminology, thereby enhancing international communication across various domains. The revised glossary now includes 348 terms, with modifications and additions that address advancements in science and inclusivity in gender and family structures. This resource serves as a global reference for standardized terminology, supporting clinical practice, research, and policy-making in reproductive health.
Prognostic Utility of Serum Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Level following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer for Live Birth
May 7, 2026
The authors aimed to determine the prognostic value of initial serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels following single euploid embryo transfer in predicting live birth outcomes. Their retrospective cohort study found a significant stepwise increase in live birth rates correlating with higher hCG levels, with the optimal threshold identified at approximately 75.7 mIU/mL. These results highlight the importance of initial hCG measurements as a counseling tool for patients undergoing this fertility treatment.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection for nonmale factor indications: a Committee opinion
May 6, 2026
This committee opinion evaluates the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in cases of infertility that do not involve male factor issues, despite normal semen parameters. The authors aim to identify specific scenarios where ICSI may be beneficial or not, based on a critical review of the existing literature. This document updates previous guidelines published in 2020.
Natural cycle frozen embryo transfer reduces obstetric complications: an inverse probability of treatment-weighted analysis
May 4, 2026
The authors aimed to compare obstetric complications between hormone replacement treatment (HRT) and natural cycle (NC) frozen embryo transfer (FET) and assess the impact of a policy shift towards NC on clinical outcomes. Their analysis revealed that NC is associated with lower miscarriage rates and fewer major obstetric complications compared to HRT, and that increasing the proportion of NC in treatment protocols correlates with significant reductions in adverse outcomes. This supports a transition towards prioritizing NC in clinical practice.
Testosterone-to-Follicle Stimulating Hormone Ratio Predicts Sperm Retrieval Success in Men with Idiopathic Non-Obstructive Azoospermia
May 4, 2026
The authors aimed to identify preoperative hormonal predictors of sperm retrieval success in men with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) undergoing microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). Their findings indicate that the testosterone-to-follicle-stimulating hormone (T/FSH) ratio is a reliable predictor of sperm retrieval success, outperforming other hormonal metrics and remaining statistically significant across independent validation cohorts. This study suggests that the T/FSH ratio can be utilized clinically to improve the prediction of mTESE outcomes in this patient population.
OBESITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS FOLLOWING EUPLOID FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER
May 2, 2026
The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity and the risk of early pregnancy loss in patients undergoing autologous euploid frozen embryo transfer (FET). Their findings indicate that patients with obesity have a 19% increased risk of pregnancy loss compared to non-obese patients, with the risk escalating across different obesity categories. Additionally, while implantation rates were similar, patients with obesity exhibited lower chances of achieving clinical pregnancies, ongoing pregnancies, and live births.
Non-invasive prenatal testing as a prenatal screening test in pregnancies following assisted reproductive technologies: a diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta-analysis
May 2, 2026
The authors aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for detecting common chromosomal abnormalities in pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Their systematic review and meta-analysis found that while NIPT exhibits high specificity (99.6% for singletons and 99.8% for twins), its sensitivity (88.2% for both singleton and twin ART pregnancies) is notably lower compared to naturally-conceived pregnancies, particularly for trisomy 21. This highlights the need for cautious interpretation of NIPT results in ART pregnancies.
Witnessing and protocol deviations in the in vitro fertilization and andrology laboratory: a committee opinion
May 1, 2026
This article addresses the critical issue of misidentification risks in in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories and the importance of robust witnessing protocols to mitigate these risks. The authors outline both manual and electronic witnessing protocols and provide guidance on how to handle protocol deviations, including grading, reporting, and risk mitigation strategies.
Adolescent Varicocele: A Surgical Conundrum
May 1, 2026
The authors investigate the complexities of managing adolescent varicocele, a condition affecting up to 15% of post-pubertal boys, particularly focusing on how to identify those at risk for impaired spermatogenesis while minimizing unnecessary interventions. They propose an algorithmic, longitudinal evaluation approach that incorporates various assessments to guide surgical decisions based on indicators of testicular dysfunction. The study emphasizes the need for individualized management strategies to preserve testicular function and optimize future reproductive outcomes.