Human Reproduction
Audio Summaries

Subfertility in relation to gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes: the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study

Jun 23, 2026

The study investigates how gestational weight gain trajectories and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) differ based on fecundability and the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The findings indicate that women with ART pregnancies have distinct weight gain patterns compared to those who conceived spontaneously, with a higher weight gain in the second trimester and a lower gain in the third trimester, and longer time-to-pregnancy (TTP) and ART are associated with an increased risk of GDM. However, the authors caution that the results require further confirmation due to potential unmeasured confounding factors.

Pathogenic variants in ACTRT3 lead to male infertility characterized by fertilization defects

Jun 22, 2026

The authors aimed to identify new genetic factors contributing to male infertility characterized by fertilization defects despite normal sperm motility. They discovered pathogenic variants in the ACTRT3 gene, which were linked to impaired sperm function, including disrupted calcium oscillations and acrosome detachment, ultimately leading to fertilization failure. This research enhances the understanding of male infertility mechanisms and may inform future clinical treatments.

A large retrospective study on 1PN embryo transfer supports the need for updated harmonized best practice guidelines

Jun 22, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate whether the genetic and clinical outcomes of monopronuclear blastocysts (MPBs) differ between standard insemination and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, and how these differences might affect risk stratification and clinical decision-making. They found that IVF-derived MPBs had significantly lower rates of uniparental inheritance compared to ICSI-derived MPBs, with comparable clinical outcomes to 2PN blastocysts when euploid biparental embryos were transferred. These results suggest a need for updated guidelines on the management of MPBs, particularly emphasizing a risk-stratified approach based on the fertilization method used.

Explainability of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs): promise, clinical reality, and conceptual limits

Jun 21, 2026

The authors investigate the role of explainability in artificial intelligence (AI) tools used in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), questioning whether explainability is essential for clinical AI systems. They argue that the value of explainability is context-dependent and should be considered alongside other factors such as validation and clinical impact, advocating for a pragmatic approach to AI integration in medicine. Through their analysis, they aim to clarify the distinctions between interpretability, explainability, and transparency in the context of ART.

Ultra-rapid versus conventional oocyte vitrification: a comparative study of clinical and molecular outcomes with single-cell transcriptomic insights

Jun 21, 2026

This study investigates whether ultra-rapid vitrification-warming (URV/W) of oocytes, which reduces the procedure time to one minute, maintains oocyte viability and improves clinical outcomes compared to conventional vitrification-warming (CV/W) that takes 14 minutes. The findings indicate that URV/W enhances oocyte survival and is associated with fewer transcriptomic alterations, suggesting it may be a more effective method for cryopreservation. Additionally, the study provides insights into the molecular effects of both techniques on cellular stress and embryo quality.

A population-based study of the co-occurrence of hypospadias and congenital heart defects among boys conceived with in vitro fertilization†

Jun 18, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the association between hypospadias and congenital heart defects (CHD) in boys conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). They found a small but significant increased risk for co-occurring hypospadias and CHD among IVF-conceived boys, which was not fully explained by other risk factors, suggesting that IVF may contribute to these birth defects. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind these associations and to explore targeted screening opportunities.

Natural versus artificial cycle for endometrial preparation in ovulatory women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a randomised controlled trial

Jun 18, 2026

This study aimed to determine whether a natural cycle (NC-FET) leads to higher clinical pregnancy rates with fetal heartbeat compared to an artificial cycle (AC-FET) in ovulatory women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer. The results indicated no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the two methods, although NC-FET was associated with fewer cycle cancellations and required more monitoring visits. The findings suggest that NC-FET may be preferable for women with normal ovulatory cycles, especially considering potential higher obstetric risks associated with AC-FET.

Endometriosis and the mental health burden: a registry-based study of redeemed prescriptions and psychiatric hospital contacts before and after diagnosis of endometriosis

Jun 15, 2026

The study investigates whether women with endometriosis experience higher rates of antidepressant and anxiolytic prescriptions, as well as more frequent psychiatric hospital contacts for depression or anxiety, compared to women without the condition, both before and after diagnosis. The findings reveal that women with endometriosis indeed had significantly greater use of these mental health resources throughout the 20-year study period, highlighting the mental health burden associated with the condition. The authors suggest that understanding the relationship between endometriosis and mental health could enhance identification and treatment strategies for affected women.

ESHRE PGT Consortium data collection XXII-XXIV: PGT analyses from 2019 to 2021†

Jun 9, 2026

The authors aimed to analyze trends and developments in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) from 2019 to 2021 compared to previous years. They found that trophectoderm biopsy with comprehensive whole-genome testing is increasingly used for PGT for aneuploidies, while single-cell targeted testing remains prevalent for PGT for monogenic disorders and chromosomal structural rearrangements. The study highlights significant advancements in PGT methodologies and clinical outcomes, providing a valuable resource for monitoring practices in this field.

Novel variants in YTHDC2 cause non-obstructive azoospermia by disrupting the mitotic-to-meiotic transition in humans and mice

Jun 6, 2026

The authors investigate whether variants in the YTHDC2 gene contribute to male infertility, specifically non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and severe oligozoospermia, and the underlying mechanisms involved. They identify biallelic pathogenic missense variants in YTHDC2 that disrupt the mitotic-to-meiotic transition, leading to meiotic arrest in both humans and a knock-in mouse model. This study provides clinical evidence linking YTHDC2 variants to male infertility and highlights the gene's critical role in regulating the transition from mitosis to meiosis.