In Vitro Fertilization Technology Research Articles

In Vitro Fertilization and Hearing Impairment in Twins.

This study investigates the potential correlation between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and hearing impairment in twins compared to naturally conceived twins. Analyzing data from 2416 twin infants born between 2019 and 2021. Analyze the pregnancy conditions and complications of mothers, the birth conditions of newborns, perinatal diseases, initial hearing screening results, and subsequent follow-up conditions. Our findings reveal that the incidence of hearing impairment in IVF-conceived twins is comparable to that in naturally conceived twins. Significant differences in low birth weight, preterm birth, respiratory distress syndrome, and hyperbilirubinemia were observed between infants who passed and referred the hearing screening (P ＜ 0.05). The IVF group exhibited a lower incidence of low birth weight (P < 0.05) and older maternal age (P < 0.05), while showing higher rates of placental abnormalities and placental abruption (P < 0.05). Notably, these distinctions did not translate into a significant impact on hearing impairment. Regardless of the method of conception, the following key factors contributing to hearing impairment in twins were identified: low birth weight, preterm birth, respiratory distress syndrome, and hyperbilirubinemia. IVF technology does not exert specific effects on hearing impairment in twins, with perinatal complications being the primary influencing factors.

LEGAL CHALLENGES IN CROSS-BORDER IVF: THE ROLE OF BIOENGINEERING AND BIOINFORMATICS

This article explores the intricate legal challenges associated with cross-border in vitro fertilization (IVF), focusing on the roles of bioengineering and bioinformatics in this rapidly evolving field. As advancements in reproductive technology push the boundaries of what is possible, patients increasingly seek IVF treatment abroad, often due to varying regulations, cost differences, and access to specific procedures. However, this trend introduces a complex web of legal and ethical issues, as laws governing IVF differ significantly across countries. The article examines the impact of bioengineering, including genetic screening and manipulation, on the success rates and risks of IVF. It also underscores the importance of bioinformatics in personalizing treatment plans and improving decision-making processes, thereby highlighting the significance of individualized care. Ethical considerations, such as consent, autonomy, and cultural differences, are discussed alongside the challenges of regulatory compliance for clinics operating in multiple jurisdictions. The future of IVF technology is considered, with an emphasis on the need for international collaboration to standardize laws and protect patient rights. Through case studies and practical advice, the article provides a comprehensive overview of how patients and clinics can navigate the legal landscape of cross-border IVF.

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ СОСТОЯНИЯ ЖЕЛЕЗА В КРОВИ ДОНОШЕННЫХ ДЕТЕЙ, ЗАЧАТЫХ ЕСТЕСТВЕННЫИ ПУТЕМ И ПО ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ЭКО

The paper presents the results of a study of iron metabolism in full-term infants conceived naturally and using in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. The data obtained allowed us to conclude that there were no statistically significant differences in the studied indicators in the groups and did not reveal the effect of IVF technology on the iron metabolism of full-term newborns. The purpose of the study. To study and compare the data of iron metabolism - hemoglobin, serum iron, serum transferrin recep-tor (sTfR), ferritin, ferritin index (sTfR/logFer), transferrin saturation, zinc protoporphyrin/ heme ratio in full-term infants conceived using IVF technology and children born by natural conception. Materi-als and methods. Clinical, biochemical and statistical methods were used in the work. The indicators of hemogram and ferrokinetics were determined in 20 full-term children conceived by observation, and in 18 children born using the technology of in vitro fertilization. Research results. In full-term children born as a result of IVF procedure, the level of Hb it was 17,03 ± 0,82 g/dl. The level of serum iron was comparable in the study groups (in full–term children conceived naturally, it is 26,09 ± 0,68 μmol/l, in children conceived by IVF – 25,24 ± 0,5 μmol/l). Studies of the ferritin level in full–term children conceived in the traditional way showed values of 175,73 ± 11,63 μg/l, in children after IVF procedure – 177,04 ± 11,21 μg/l. When calculating the ferritin index (sTfR / log10 Ferritin), data were obtained - in full-term children, the ferritin index is 3,72 ± 0,28 and 4,03 ± 0,36 mg/l depending on the method of conception, the differences are not statistically significant. In full-term children conceived naturally, the TS level was determined to be 61,18 ± 4,11 %, and in full-term children born as a result of traditional conception – 61,77 ± 5,3 %. Conclusion. The study allowed us to conclude that there is no statistically significant effect of the IVF method on iron metabolism and ferrokinetic factors in full-term newborns conceived by this method.

Репродуктологические аспекты проблемы консервативного хирургического лечения эндометриоидных кист яичников

The aim is to clarify the timing of recurrence of endometriomas removed and the dependence of the ovarian reserve status on the number of ovarian resections performed, as well as to assess the awareness of patients about the impact of surgical treatment of endometrioid ovarian cysts (EOC) on reproductive function and therapeutic effectiveness of in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. Material and methods. In 93 infertile patients with EOC and values of anti-muller hormone (AMH) &lt; 1.2 ng/ml, the dependence of the degree of reduction of this hormone on the number of operations performed with relapses of endometrioma was analyzed. Using standard research methods in the same patients, the prevalence of infertility factors identified in the International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision was studied in parallel, and women's awareness of the impact of surgical treatment of EOC on reproductive potential was clarified. Results. Other forms of endometriosis were found in 71% of women with EOC, and the observed infertility, which necessitated the appointment of IVF, was mainly associated with confirmed male and tubal factors. Among the patients operated on for EOC with a reduced level of AMH, the majority underwent repeated ovarian resections due to relapses of endometriomas that occurred within two and a half years after their removal. The degree of decrease in the level of AMH was directly dependent on the number of operations performed. During surgical treatment of EOC, only 7.5% of patients received relevant information about their frequent recurrence and possible consequences for the reproductive function of ovarian resection performed (especially multiple). Conclusions. Frequent recurrence of EOC, which forces repeated resections of the ovaries, is an obvious factor that, due to the reduction of the ovarian reserve, prevents the successful use of IVF technology with its own oocytes in situations where this method of infertility treatment is in demand. When planning the removal of EOC in women of reproductive age, surgeons should necessarily refer patients to reproductologists for advice on issues related to the implementation of reproductive plans both in the near and long term

Association of adverse birth outcomes with in vitro fertilization after controlling infertility factors based on a singleton live birth cohort

Infants conceived with in vitro fertilization (IVF) are exposed to underlying infertility and the IVF process. High risks of adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) were observed among these infants, including preterm birth, low birth weight, macrosomia, being large/small for gestational age (LGA/SGA). It is unclear whether the specific etiology of the rise of ABOs among IVF infants is IVF technology itself or underlying infertility. A total of 9,480 singletons conceived with IVF and 1,952,419 singletons from the general population were obtained in this study. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess variations in risk of ABOs according to causes of infertility. Poisson distributions were applied to calculate standardized risk ratios of IVF infants vs. general population after controlling the causes of infertility. Higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight were observed among parents with polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine and semen abnormalities. Compared to the general population, after excluding the influence of infertility causes, singletons conceived with IVF were at higher risk of macrosomia (SRR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.14–1.44) and LGA (SRR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.15–1.35). The higher risk of ABOs in IVF was driven by both IVF treatments and infertility, which is important for improving IVF treatments and the managing pregnancies and child development.

Absolute Risk of Adverse Obstetric Outcomes Among Twin Pregnancies After In Vitro Fertilization by Maternal Age

Twin pregnancy is a common occurrence in pregnancies conceived with in vitro fertilization (IVF), but the absolute risk of adverse obstetric outcomes stratified by IVF, twin or singleton pregnancy, and maternal age are unknown. To estimate the absolute risk of adverse obstetric outcomes at each maternal age among twin pregnancies conceived with IVF. This retrospective cohort study included pregnant women with infants born from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, based on the Hospital Quality Monitoring System in China. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. Twin pregnancy with IVF (IVF-T), singleton pregnancy with IVF (IVF-S), twin pregnancy with non-IVF (nIVF-T), and singleton pregnancy with non-IVF (nIVF-S). Sixteen obstetric outcomes, including 10 maternal complications (gestational hypertension, eclampsia and preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, placental abruption, placenta accreta, preterm birth, dystocia, cesarean delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage) and 6 neonatal complications (fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, very low birth weight, macrosomia, malformation, and stillbirth). Among 16 879 728 pregnant women aged 20 to 49 years (mean [SD] age, 29.2 [4.7] years), the twin-pregnancy rates were 32.1% in the IVF group and 1.5% in the non-IVF group (relative risk, 20.8; 95% CI, 20.6-20.9). The most common adverse obstetric outcomes after pregnancy conceived with IVF were cesarean delivery (88.8%), low birth weight (43.8%), preterm birth (39.6%), gestational diabetes (20.5%), gestational hypertension and preeclampsia and eclampsia (17.5%), dystocia (16.8%), and postpartum hemorrhage (11.9%). The absolute risk of most adverse obstetric outcomes in each subgroup presented in 2 dominant patterns: Pattern A indicated the absolute risk ranging from IVF-T to nIVF-T to IVF-S to nIVF-S, and pattern B indicated the absolute risk ranging from IVF-T to IVF-S to nIVF-T to nIVF-S. Both patterns showed an elevated obstetric risk with increasing maternal age in each subgroup. In this cohort study, twin pregnancy, IVF, and advanced maternal age were independently associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. Given these findings, promotion of the elective single embryo transfer strategy is needed to reduce multiple pregnancies following IVF technologies. Unnecessary cesarean delivery shouldh be avoided in all pregnant women.

PROBLEMATIKA BAYI TABUNG

As technology gets more advanced the more Islamic law is in need to regulate it. The use of technology must be in accordance with the provisions of Sharia, or at least not contrary to it, as such in the issue of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and related matters. Furthermore, technological advances are used by people to facilitate and help them live dignified lives. This research concludes that the use of technology, especially in the field of health, must pay attention to religious rules, morals, manners in general, and should not degenerate human dignity. The utilization of IVF technology is required only by people who are scientifically and religiously trusted. In its implementation and development, it needs to be closely monitored by the government, religious organizations, especially the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), academicians, and the general public. There are several problems arising from IVF, such as first, an IVF after a divorce, which in this case Islamic Scholars agreed to state the process as haram (forbidden). Second, freezing embryo, sperm, or ovum, in this case, some Islamic Scholars permit it under the condition that there is a real benefit that can be derived from it and it should be devoid from any misuse. Third, related to the act of destroying the remaining embryo, in this case, it must be tried so that there is no remaining embryo in the process. Even if there is, it can be stored or left to die naturally.

Reprint: Where has the quest for conception taken us? Lessons from anthropology and sociology.

Louise Brown, the world’s first test-tube baby, was born more than 40 years ago in England. For Louise Brown’s infertile mother, Lesley, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was the ‘hope technology’ which allowed her to overcome her tubal infertility after 9 years of heart-breaking involuntary childlessness. Since then, IVF has travelled to diverse global locations, where millions of individuals and couples have embarked on technologically assisted ‘quests for conception’. After 40 years of IVF, where has the quest for conception taken us? This article outlines seven major global trajectories — namely, that the quest for conception has become more: (i) technological, because of a profusion of IVF-based innovations; (ii) masculine, because of men’s eager uptake of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, their own ‘masculine hope technology’; (iii) stratified, due to persistent race- and class-based barriers in IVF access; (iv) transnational, as infertile and other involuntarily childless people search across borders to overcome restrictions in their home countries; (v) selective, as IVF-based reprogenetic technologies eliminate genetic disease while exacerbating sex selection; (vi) moral, as religious sensibilities both accommodate and curtail the possibilities and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART); and (vii) extended, as new cryopreservation technologies prolong the reproductive lifespan and extend reproduction to the transgender community. The article concludes with thoughts on where future quests for conception might take us, and why IVF and other reproductive technologies are ‘good to think with’ in both the anthropology and sociology of reproduction.

Novel predictive and therapeutic options for better pregnancy outcome in frozen embryo transfer cycles.

Since 1978, in the first decades of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the use of ovarian hyperstimulation allowed for the development and transfer of multiple embryos. As IVF technology improved, the number of multiple pregnancies increased, which led to gradual reduction in the number of embryos that were transferred. Embryo freezing (vitrification) was recommended to allow subsequent transfer if the fresh cycle was unsuccessful. However, experimentation has continued to improve pregnancy outcomes. We discuss here the significance of frozen embryo transfer cycle and the impact of uterine and peripheral immunity dominated by NK cells and regulatory T cells and human chorionic gonadotropin on pregnancy outcome in this innovative mode of IVF therapy.

Where has the quest for conception taken us? Lessons from anthropology and sociology.

Louise Brown, the world’s first test-tube baby, was born more than 40 years ago in England. For Louise Brown’s infertile mother, Lesley, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was the ‘hope technology’ which allowed her to overcome her tubal infertility after 9 years of heart-breaking involuntary childlessness. Since then, IVF has travelled to diverse global locations, where millions of individuals and couples have embarked on technologically assisted ‘quests for conception’. After 40 years of IVF, where has the quest for conception taken us? This article outlines seven major global trajectories — namely, that the quest for conception has become more: (i) technological, because of a profusion of IVF-based innovations; (ii) masculine, because of men’s eager uptake of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, their own ‘masculine hope technology’; (iii) stratified, due to persistent race- and class-based barriers in IVF access; (iv) transnational, as infertile and other involuntarily childless people search across borders to overcome restrictions in their home countries; (v) selective, as IVF-based reprogenetic technologies eliminate genetic disease while exacerbating sex selection; (vi) moral, as religious sensibilities both accommodate and curtail the possibilities and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART); and (vii) extended, as new cryopreservation technologies prolong the reproductive lifespan and extend reproduction to the transgender community. The article concludes with thoughts on where future quests for conception might take us, and why IVF and other reproductive technologies are ‘good to think with’ in both the anthropology and sociology of reproduction.

In Vitro Fertilization Technology and Child Health

Just under 3% of children in Germany, and approximately 6% of children in some other countries, such as Denmark, are now being conceived with the aid of in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. Alongside the increased risk of organ malformation, there is now evidence for functional abnormalities due to epigenetic modifications. This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a literature search on currently known associations of IVF therapy with malformations and functional abnormalities. The potential implications for the treatment of infertility are discussed. The risk of congenital malformations is approximately one-third higher in children conceived with the aid of IVF technology than in other children; specifically, there is an odds ratio (OR) of 1.29 (95% confidence interval, [1.03; 1.60]) for cardiac malformations, and there is a relative risk (RR) of 1.35 ([1.12; 1.64]) for musculo- skeletal malformations and 1.58 ([1.28; 1.94]) for genitourinary malformations. The risks of preterm birth and low birth weight are, respectively, 1.7 and 1.5 times higher in IVF singleton pregnancies than in non-IVF pregnancies. Cardiovascular changes are the main type of functional disturbance. Some of the risks associated with IVF have decreased in recent years. An association has been revealed between cardiovascular abnormalities and epigenetic modifications; the causes are thought to include not only maternal and paternal factors, but also the IVF techniques that are used. A modification of IVF therapies might lower the risks, but might also lower the success rate. For the well-being of the children to be conceived, IVF therapy should hat cannot be treated by any other means, as the precise causes of the risks of IVF to child health are unclear.

IVF Development and Analysis of Neonatal Conditions

This paper rst discusses the developmental origin of IVF (In vitro fertilization) and analyzes the four generations of IVF technology in detail.Then, combined with its own work experience, it discusses the neonatalsituation of IVF, in order to improve reference for other medical staff.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome as a Growing Diagnostic Problem in Emergency Department Settings: A Case Report

BackgroundOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a common complication of an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure, which is usually clinically insignificant. However, without monitoring, it can progress into a life-threatening condition. With the increasing popularity of IVF technology, patients with OHSS may begin visiting emergency departments (EDs) more frequently. Case ReportWe report the case of a patient admitted to the ED presenting with severe abdominal pain, cough, and nausea. An ultrasound examination was inconclusive. Computer tomography revealed enlarged ovaries and fluid in the pleural cavities, around the liver and spleen, between the bowel loops, and in the pelvis. This prompted physicians to review the patient's fertility issues. Consequently, the diagnosis of OHSS was made. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?When the physician knows that the patient is undergoing IVF, the diagnosis of OHSS can be straightforward; without this information, it can be difficult. Having in mind the growing demand for infertility treatment, we present this case to increase awareness of possible clinical findings and complications of OHSS as a rare consequence of IVF. OHSS diagnosed via ultrasound can reduce the emotional, financial, and health burden of infertile couples and help them to fulfill their procreation plans without unnecessary delay.

Double-edged sword of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): A novel role of GnRH in the multiple beneficial functions of endometrial stem cells

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the synthesis and release of gonadotropins, which induce estrogen production and subsequent ovulation. Therefore, long-term GnRH exposure to regulate ovarian hyperstimulation is recognized as the gold standard for most in vitro fertilization (IVF) strategies. However, one of the most disappointing aspects of current IVF technology is relatively low rate (between 35 and 50%) of positive pregnancy outcomes, and the major reason for this high cancellation rate has not yet been revealed. Previous studies have demonstrated that resident stem cell deficiency limits the cyclic regenerative capacity of the endometrium and subsequently increases pregnancy failure rates. Therefore, we hypothesized that long-term GnRH exposure directly damages endometrial stem cells and consequently negatively affects pregnancy outcomes in GnRH-based IVF. In addition to their well-known roles in regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, GnRH and its receptors also localize in the extra-hypothalamic endometrium, suggesting a possible non-canonical role in endometrial stem cells. Consistent with our hypothesis, we show for the first time that GnRH suppresses the multiple beneficial functions of endometrial stem cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on the direct effects of GnRH on the regenerative potential of stem cells, and the findings will facilitate the development of more promising IVF strategies.

IVF Transfer of Fresh or Frozen Embryos in Women Without Polycystic Ovaries

(Abstracted from N Engl J Med 2018;378:137–147) After its introduction in 1978, in vitro fertilization (IVF) was traditionally performed by the transfer of fresh embryos. With improvements in IVF technology, the number of multiple pregnancies increased, leading to a gradual reduction in the number of embryos transferred. To allow subsequent transfer when the fresh cycle was unsuccessful, the technique of embryo freezing was developed. A recent large, randomized trial comparing frozen-embryo transfer with fresh-embryo transfer in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were undergoing IVF showed that the live-birth rate was significantly higher with frozen-embryo transfer. Whether frozen-embryo transfer also results in higher live-birth rates in women with infertility not associated with PCOS is unknown.

How Many Embryos Should Be Transplanted After IVF Having Previous Pre-Eclampsia: A Case Report

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorder which affect multiple organ functions, it is one of the main factors increasing the morbidity and mortality of the maternal and neonatal. Furthermore, with the increasing rate of infertility or sub-fertility, more and more couples are conceiving assisted reproductive therapies, especially in vitro fertilization (IVF), which brings high possibility of multiple pregnancy due to its unique process and the patients demands. As is well known that multiple pregnancy may face great challenges of complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy etc. If pre-eclampsia is not treated and monitored very well on time the mothers perhaps will have eclampsia, placental abruption or multiple organ dysfunction leading to death, likewise those fetus whose mother suffered from Pre-eclampsia also face the risks of fetus growth restriction, fetal stress or even stillbirth. We represent a patient in our clinic who had done twice in vitro fertilization-embryo transplantation(IVF-ET) with several high risks of pre-eclampsia and followed by recurrent Pre-eclampsia and Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, we fully recognize her risks in her second pregnancy and give a close antenatal surveillance, and she finally have two alive babies, but a large amount of money was spend for the two preterm babies in hospitalization in NICU and also the mother herself became exhausted and almost lost her hope. It reminds us that before conceiving IVF technology for patients, the indication must be clear, the adverse effect must be brought into consideration, cooperation must be obtained from both the reproductive clinicians and obstetrician to fully balance the benefit and adverse effect, attention must be paid to choose the best method during the assisted reproductive therapies and acquire the utmost benefit and avoid the side effect as possible.

Clinical review of 24\u201335\xa0year olds conceived with and without in vitro fertilization: study protocol

BackgroundChildren conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) currently comprise 4% of Australian births. The manipulation of biological parameters related to fertilization and implantation are integral to successful ART but potentially pose a risk to the longer-term health of the offspring. There is consensus that many common adult health problems (particularly cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory conditions) have their origins in early life, possibly before birth, and that risk trajectories track through childhood until clinical disease manifests in adulthood. Early life epigenetic variation may play a role in this process. However little is known about the long-term health of individuals conceived by ART. In a previous study, based on telephone-interviews, we found that young adults conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) had significantly more maternal reported atopic respiratory, endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic conditions than non-IVF conceived matched controls. Here we outline the protocol for a follow-up biomedical assessment of this cohort and a questionnaire to obtain information on potential confounders.MethodsWe are conducting a clinical review of an existing, well characterised cohort comprising 547 IVF-conceived adults and 549 matched controls. We are measuring cardiovascular intermediate phenotypes, metabolic parameters and respiratory function, complemented by epigenome-wide DNA methylation analysis. A pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of our proposed protocol and its acceptability to participants. Participants attend a 2–3 h clinical assessment and complete a study-specific online questionnaire. Measurements include: 1) cardiovascular phenotypes: carotid artery intima-media thickness and distensibility, retinal vascular calibre, resting blood pressure, pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis; 2) respiratory function: spirometry, plethysmography, multiple breath washout; 3) auxology: height, weight, waist circumference, bio-impedance. Blood is collected for 4) biomarkers of cardiometabolic profile including inflammatory markers and 5) epigenetic analysis.DiscussionRecruitment for this clinical review is challenging as many of the participants have moved to regional, interstate or international locations. Additionally, many female participants are pregnant or breastfeeding, and are therefore ineligible. Nevertheless, comprehensive strategies have been developed to optimize recruitment. Given the increasing use of IVF and related technologies, the potential long-term consequences for risk of common adult diseases is an important clinical and public health issue.

The birds, the bees, and technology: four active research areas are boosting birth rates.

In 1978, "test tube baby" Louise Joy Brown became the first person born through the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Since then, the number of babies delivered with help from IVF or other assisted reproductive technology (ART) totaled about 2.5 million worldwide as of 2007, with another 2.5 million born through 2013, according to the International Committee for the Monitoring of Assisted Reproductive Technology. Andrew La Barbera, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), provided IEEE Pulse with an overview of this quickly growing and evolving field, including reproductive technologies that may soon be available in the clinic.

The ambiguity of patient-centred practices: the case of a Dutch fertility clinic

When in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was introduced in the 1970s, doctors were criticized for not properly informing prospective users about its possible risks and limited success rates as well as for medicalizing fertility problems. Nowadays, many fertility clinics are seeking to improve their accountability to stakeholders through patient-centred practices. Based on an ethnographic study of a Dutch fertility clinic, outspoken in its aims to provide patient-centred medicine and to empower clients, this paper addresses how patient-centred medicine affects couples’ decision-making to use IVF and related reproductive technologies. The author contends that while patient-centred practices facilitate informed decision-making and support couples emotionally, they may also have unintended disciplining and normalizing effects. The information and support provided, the trust couples have in clinic staff, the ongoing visualization of conception mediated by medical technology – all can be seen as practices that strengthen lay people's ‘medical gaze’ in how they come to view their bodies, fertility problems and possible solutions. These unintended effects are labelled ‘the ambiguity of patient-centeredness’ as they (may) interfere with processes of autonomous decision-making.

A comprehensive method for the conservation of mouse strains combining natural breeding, sperm cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technology

The maintenance and preservation of strains of mice used in biomedical research presents a unique challenge to individual investigators and research institutions. The goal of this study was to assess a comprehensive system for mouse strain conservation through a combination of natural mating, sperm cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technology. Our strategy was based on the collection and cryopreservation of fresh epididymal sperm from male mice by semi-vasectomy; these mice were then naturally mated for breeding purposes. If no satisfactory results were obtained from natural breeding, then the cryopreserved sperm were used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI); resultant embryos were then transferred into pseudopregnant-recipient female mice. Our results show that some semi-vasectomized mouse strains can be conserved by natural breeding, and that sterile males can be compensated for through the use of IVF and ICSI technology. As such, we believe this system is suitable for the purpose of strain conservation, allowing the continuation of natural breeding with the safeguard of assisted reproduction available.