Young Women's Attitudes Towards Modern Reproductive Practices: A Survey Study Assessing What Young Women Want.

Objective: To assess young women's preferences and attitudes towards various options to create families at a time when women are increasingly postponing childbearing due to greater career focus and widespread availability of contraceptives. Study Design: Reported data were obtained from an electronic survey distributed over 6 months to approximately 7,000 females enrolled in American universities. Results: Most respondents ranked preferable childbearing modalities as follows: natural conception, assisted reproductive technologies, adoption, anonymous oocyte donation, and directed oocyte donation. The majority would consider using autologous oocyte cryopreservation for childbearing, but only a minority saw oocyte donation as a viable option. When queried about donating oocytes, 61% said they would donate to a sibling/friend, 51% to research, and 40% for clinical usage. Most would prefer to receive donation outcome information and would be comfortable being contacted by offspring. Most believed selecting recipient characteristics would increase their likelihood of donation, and 43% felt donors should receive additional compensation for desirable characteristics. Conclusion: Reproductive autonomy and fertility preservation are important to young educated females, a population sought-after for oocyte donation. Potential donors' desires for additional rights merit consideration as oocyte demand increases and frozen-oocyte banks emerge.

An Evaluation of Mobile Applications for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Providers.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and rate reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) mobile applications (apps) targeted toward REI providers. DESIGN: A list of REI apps was found in both the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores using the following seven MeSH terms: reproductive endocrinology, REI, infertility, fertility, In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, and embryology. Patient-centered apps were excluded. The remaining apps were then evaluated for accuracy using reliable references. SETTING: Mobile technology. PATIENTS/INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accurate apps were evaluated for comprehensiveness (the extent of the ability to aid in clinical decision-making) and rated with objective and subjective components using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. RESULTS: Using the seven REI-related MeSH terms, 985 apps and 1,194 apps were identified in the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores, respectively. Of these unique apps, only 20 remained after excluding patient-centered apps. Upon further review for applicability to REI specifically and content accuracy, only seven apps remained. These seven apps were then rated using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. CONCLUSION: Only 0.32% of 2,179 apps reviewed for this study were useful to REI providers. There is potential for further mobile resource development in the area of REI, given the limited number and varying comprehensiveness and quality of available apps.

Embryo selection versus natural selection: how do outcomes of comprehensive chromosome screening of blastocysts compare with the analysis of products of conception from early pregnancy loss (dilation and curettage) among an assisted reproductive technology population?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of numerical chromosomal abnormalities (NCAs) reported after preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) analysis compared with that reported after cytogenetic analysis of products of conception after spontaneous abortion. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Private academic in vitro fertilization center. PATIENT(S): Cytogenetic reports of patients who underwent an IVF cycle with PGS of at least one biopsied embryo were compared with cytogenetic analysis reported from patients who had dilation and curettage (D&C) for the treatment of a spontaneous abortion after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Frequencies for each numerical chromosomal abnormality from both groups were compared. RESULT(S): A total of 1,069 NCAs were reported after PGS (trisomy 54.3%, monosomy 45.7%, no polyploidies), resulting in a trisomy/monosomy ratio of 0.82. A total of 447 NCAs was reported after D&C (trisomy 83%, polyploidy 10.7%, monosomy 6.3%). The aneuploidies most frequently identified were similar in both groups and included 15, 16, 18, 21, and 22. Monosomies (n = 28, 6.3%) were rarely observed in the group that underwent D&C after ART. CONCLUSION(S): This review provides an analysis of the most commonly identified NCAs after PGS and in first-trimester D&C samples in an infertile population utilizing ART. Although monosomies comprised >50% of all cytogenetic anomalies identified after PGS, there were very few identified in the post-D&C samples. This suggests that although monosomies occur frequently in the IVF population, they commonly do not implant. Despite this difference, this study demonstrated that the specific NCAs observed after PGS analysis and D&C were comparable.

What makes them split? Identifying risk factors that lead to monozygotic twins after in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence, risk factors, and obstetric/perinatal outcomes associated with monozygotic twins (MZTs) after IVF. DESIGN: Nested case-control. SETTING: University-based center. PATIENT(S): The IVF cycles eventuating in pregnancy from 2000-2009. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The MZT incidence, chorionicity/zygosity, pregnancy/neonatal outcome. RESULT(S): Of 6,223 gestations, 131 MZTs were diagnosed (2.1% incidence; 2.0% in autologous and 2.7% in donor IVF cycles), 10 were dichorionic, and 121 were monochorionic. Controlling for all risk factors, young oocyte age, extended culture (noncleavage embryos transferred on/after day 4), and year of IVF treatment cycle were significantly associated with MZT. When assessing factors associated with specific MZT placentation, day 3 assisted hatching correlated more with dichorionic MZT, whereas extended culture and advanced day 5 embryonic stage correlated with monochorionic MZT. Comparing monozygotic to dizygotic multigestation outcomes, MZT fared worse; however, once controlling for triplet gestation, only gestational age at delivery remained significantly compromised in the monozygotic group. CONCLUSION(S): After IVF the incidence of MZT is high, with young oocyte age, year of treatment, and extended culture (or embryo stage at transfer) conferring greatest risk. Regarding MZT type, assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures may influence the timing of embryonic splitting (i.e., division in early embryonic development may be influenced by zona pellucida [ZP] manipulation whereas later splitting may occur during delayed implantation). Poor obstetric/perinatal outcome is significantly impacted by the presence of an "extra" fetus, as high-order multiple gestation concurrent with an MZT conveyed the worst prognosis.

WITHDRAWN: What makes them split? Identifying risk factors that lead to monozygotic twins after in vitro fertilization.

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Experiences in fertility preservation: lessons learned to ensure that fertility and reproductive autonomy remain options for cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Assess fertility preservation (FP) measures chosen by patients newly diagnosed with malignancy and their outcomes. METHODS: Reproductive-age patients referred for FP underwent counseling and elected cryopreservation vs. no treatment. Outcome measures included ovarian stimulation, FP choice, oocytes/zygotes retrieved/cryopreserved and pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2012, 136 patients were counseled with 124 electing treatment: 83 oocyte-only, 21 oocyte + zygote and 20 zygote-only cryopreservation. Age, partnership and financial status factored into FP choice. Treatment was completed in 12 ± 2 days with 14 ± 11 metaphase-II oocytes harvested and cryopreserved/cycle. Eight patients returned to attempt pregnancy; three succeeded. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that oocyte and/or zygote banking are feasible FP options for women with malignancy; given the choice, the majority elected oocyte cryopreservation, highlighting desire for reproductive autonomy. Continued growth and research, combined with interdisciplinary communication, will ensure that appropriate candidates are offered FP and the potential for future parenthood, an important quality-of-life marker for survivors.

Oocyte efficiency: does live birth rate differ when analyzing cryopreserved and fresh oocytes on a per-oocyte basis?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficiency of oocyte cryopreservation (OC) and IVF using the metric "live births per mature oocyte retrieved." DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: University-based fertility center. PATIENT(S): Forty women who underwent OC with thaw attempt between 2004 and 2010; 25 autologous and 15 donor-oocyte treatments were included. One thousand nine hundred eight women underwent their first, fresh conventional IVF treatment between 2004 and 2010; 1,392 used autologous oocytes, and 516 used donor oocytes. Autologous and donor-oocyte cycles were analyzed separately. All oocytes were obtained from women

Oocyte cryopreservation as a fertility preservation measure for cancer patients.

Advances in cancer treatment have allowed women to live longer, fuller lives. However, gonadotoxic therapies used to effect cancer 'cures' often significantly impair a woman's reproductive potential. Thus, in accordance with improved survival rates,there is an increase in demand for fertility preservation. Initially, fertility preservation was limited to embryo cryopreservation;therefore, the number of patients enrolling was relatively low. Recently, substantial improvements have increased available options, specifically oocyte cryopreservation, thereby expanding and altering the make-up of the patient population under going treatment for fertility preservation. Patient diversity requires the treating physician(s) to be cognizant of issues specific to cancer type and stage. Furthermore, patients often have comorbidities which must be attended to and addressed. Although not all patients will be candidates for, or will elect to pursue, fertility preservation, all should receive counselling regarding their options. This practice will ensure that the reproductive rights of those patients facing impending sterility are maintained. Here, fertility preservation protocols, practices and special considerations, categorized by most frequently encountered cancer types, are reviewed to guide reproductive endocrinologists in the management of fertility preservation in such patients. The formation of a multidisciplinary patient-structured team will ensure a successful, yet safe, fertility-preservation outcome .

Fertility considerations in the management of gynecologic malignancies.

GOALS: Gynecologic cancers represent a significant proportion of malignancies affecting women. Historically, cancer treatment focused primarily on eradicating disease, irrespective of the impact on fertility. The implementation of early detection protocols and advanced treatment regimens has resulted in improved prognosis for gynecologic cancer patients. With this improvement, more attention is now paid to quality-of-life issues. Fertility preservation (FP) has become an integral component in the selection and execution of gynecological cancer management. In this report we address gynecologic malignancies as they relate to future fertility potential. METHODS: We review reproductive principles such as ovarian reserve, uterine function, cervical competence, and early obstetrical management, as well as available FP methods. In addition, we discuss the potential damage that cancer and cancer treatments can impart on the female reproductive system. We offer general recommendations regarding baseline screening tests useful in assessing the feasibility of FP. Lastly, cancer-specific FP methods are presented. RESULTS: Oocyte quantity and quality naturally decline with advancing age. In most patients, the slope of decline steepens significantly after the age of 35. Reliable ovarian reserve measures exist and should be utilized to assess and triage potential candidates for FP. Advancements in FP, particularly in oocyte cryopreservation (OC), have improved the success rates associated with the techniques available to cancer patients. Currently, where successfully available, OC appears to be the preferred method for single women diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy as it affords reproductive autonomy, whereas embryo cryopreservation using a donor gamete remains an alternative. CONCLUSIONS: In gynecologic oncology, effective treatments to achieve cancer survival can compromise the ability to subsequently conceive and/or carry a child. Therefore, as the field of oncofertility continues to expand, a discussion regarding FP should be initiated when tailoring a cancer treatment protocol.

Oocyte cryopreservation: a feasible fertility preservation option for reproductive age cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: To compare oocyte cryopreservation cycles performed in cancer patients to those of infertile women. METHODS: Cancer patients referred for fertility preservation underwent counseling in compliance with the ASRM; those electing oocyte cryopreservation were included. Ovarian stimulation was achieved with injectable gonadotropins and freezing was performed using slow-cooling and vitrification methods. RESULTS: Fifty cancer patients (mean age 31 y) underwent oocyte cryopreservation; adequate ovarian stimulation was achieved in 10 ± 0.3 days. The outcome from these cycles included a mean peak estradiol of 2,376 pg/ml and an average of 19 oocytes retrieved (15 mature oocytes were cryopreserved/cycle). All patients tolerated ovarian hyperstimulation. There were no significant differences noted between cryopreservation cycles performed in cancer patients and in women without malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Oocyte cryopreservation appears to be a feasible fertility preservation method for reproductive-age women diagnosed with cancer. This modality is not only effective but also, providing a multidiscipline effort, can be completed in timely fashion.

Oocyte cryopreservation outcomes including pre-cryopreservation and post-thaw meiotic spindle evaluation following slow cooling and vitrification of human oocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To report our oocyte cryopreservation (OC) outcomes including meiotic spindle (MS) evaluation of metaphase II (MII) oocytes destined for OC and thaw. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: University-based infertility center. PATIENT(S): Women attempting pregnancy using cryopreserved oocytes. INTERVENTION(S): OC, MS evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Survival, two pronuclear (2PN) fertilization, achieving embryo quality suitable for transfer or refreezing, blastocyst formation. RESULT(S): Thirty-two OC-thaw cycles resulted in 20 pregnancies, 18 either ongoing or delivered. In 26 cycles, MS evaluation was performed: 262/303 (86%) thawed/recovered oocytes survived, 218/262 (83%) achieved 2PN fertilization, 133/218 (61%) became suitable for day-3 and 122/218 (56%) for day-5 transfer. In total, 58 embryos were transferred resulting in a 62% pregnancy and a 41% implantation rate. Of oocytes evaluated before cryopreservation, 247 (82%) were spindle-positive; 96% of these were also spindle-positive after thawing. Blastocyst formation and suitability for day-5 transfer was achieved more often if a post-thaw spindle was visualized. Of all slow-cooled and vitrified oocytes, a higher percentage of those slow-cooled achieved 2PN fertilization and usability. MS evaluation of oocytes cryopreserved by either method was associated with similar outcomes. CONCLUSION(S): OC outcomes are improving. An MS was almost always exhibited both before cryopreservation and after thawing, suggesting that, with appropriate technique, OC presents minimal harm to the MII oocyte. A meiotic spindle evaluation might help to further OC technology.

Surviving childhood and reproductive-age malignancy: effects on fertility and future parenthood.

Annually, more than 50,000 cancer diagnoses are made in the USA in patients under the age of 35 years. Despite this staggering statistic, medical advancements have substantially improved survival rates. Thus, for both male and female patients with cancer, quality-of-life issues, such as fertility preservation and parenthood, have become an essential component of treatment. Unfortunately, many of the treatments to eradicate malignant processes can also compromise reproductive function. In these cases, fertility preservation should be discussed and initiated with early treatment planning, to allow the best chance for future parenthood, when appropriate. The effects of cancer and cancer treatments on fertility and future parenthood, including health risks for patients, their gametes, and offspring are discussed.

Cryopreserved oocytes can serve as the treatment for secondary infertility: a novel model for egg donation.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of previously cryopreserved oocytes for the treatment of secondary infertility. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University-based IVF program. PATIENT(S): A 41-year-old woman with 18 months of secondary infertility and a previous history (age 38) of elective oocyte cryopreservation. INTERVENTION(S): Previously cryopreserved oocytes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy, and outcome. RESULT(S): The patient achieved pregnancy and delivery following thaw of oocytes electively cryopreserved 39 months before use. Before thawing the oocyte, the patient attempted pregnancy naturally for 12 months, followed by two unsuccessful clomiphene citrate ovulation induction cycles with intrauterine insemination and one fresh IVF cycle resulting in a chromosomally abnormal twin gestation that aborted. CONCLUSION(S): Although oocyte cryopreservation is still labeled an experimental procedure, this case demonstrates that oocyte cryopreservation used for electively deferred reproduction can subsequently serve in the treatment for secondary infertility when the patient becomes her own oocyte donor.

Fate of cryopreserved donor embryos.

OBJECTIVE: To review a center's experience with cryopreserved embryos generated from donor eggs and to analyze their long-term disposition. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of donor egg cycles with cryopreserved embryos. SETTING: University-based IVF program. PATIENT(S): Eight hundred twenty-nine women undergoing oocyte donation. INTERVENTION(S): N/A. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Factors affecting the decision regarding disposition of donor frozen embryo transfer (dFET) and the association between fresh and dFET cycles. RESULT(S): From January 2000 to December 2004, donor egg recipients underwent 829 fresh embryo transfer cycles that resulted in a 54% live birth rate. Of the 444 recipients who delivered, 177 (40%) also cryopreserved embryos at transfer; however, only 37 (21%) returned for a dFET by August 2009 and only 18 women had children from fresh and frozen transfers. In contrast, 128 of the 385 recipients who failed the fresh transfer (33%) cryopreserved embryos and 111 (87%) returned for a dFET. Of these, 44 had children from the dFET. Frozen cycle success rates between these recipient groups did not depend on fresh cycle outcome or prior parity. CONCLUSION(S): Donor oocyte recipients often initiate treatment with a desire to cryopreserve embryos for future use and family expansion. However, our data demonstrates that most recipients with a child from the fresh transfer do not return to use their cryopreserved embryos. Although fresh transfer success correlated with embryo disposition, it did not correlate with the outcome of thawed embryo transfer.

Monozygotic twinning: an eight-year experience at a large IVF center.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize incidence, chorionicity, amnionicity, and pregnancy outcome for monozygotic twin pregnancy (MZT) after IVF. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: University-based fertility center. PATIENT(S): Autologous and oocyte donation IVF cycles eventuating in 4,976 clinical gestations from 2000 to 2007. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): MZT incidence, chorionicity, zygosity, pregnancy outcome. RESULT(S): Ninety-eight MZTs were diagnosed after first-trimester ultrasound evaluation (2% incidence). The incidence in cycles transfering autologous oocytes was 1.7% but was 3.3% with donor oocytes; however, women <35 years old using their own oocytes displayed a similar rate (3.1%) to women using donor oocytes. Eighty MZTs occurred after fresh day-5 transfer; only 14 followed fresh day-3 transfer (2.6% vs. 1.2%). The MZT incidence in day-3 transfers without hatching was not different from those with hatching (1.3% vs. 1.1%). In addition, MZT incidence did not differ significantly whether or not ICSI was performed (2.4% vs. 2.0%). Four MZTs occurred after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (0.8% incidence). Ninety-five percent of all placental arrangements were confirmed as monochorionic-diamniotic on obstetric ultrasounds. CONCLUSION(S): These findings confirm a higher incidence of MZT after IVF. Monochorionic-diamniotic implantations were increased, whereas monochorionic-monoamniotic were not. The MZT risk factors included young age and extended culture, but not zona penetration or cryopreservation.

Women with cancer undergoing ART for fertility preservation: a cohort study of their response to exogenous gonadotropins.

Cancer patients produce similar numbers of oocytes after ovarian hyperstimulation compared with age-matched infertile controls, suggesting that malignancy does not adversely affect ovarian response.

Value of 3D ultrasound in the management of suspected Asherman's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in the management of patients with suspected Asherman's syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: A case series of 54 infertile patients who presented to a tertiary care center between 1998 and 2004 with suspected Asherman's syndrome underwent both hysterosalpingography and 3D ultrasound prior to hysteroscopy. Sensitivity and the ability to attain fertility postoperatively were calculated. RESULTS: Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) were demonstrated on 3D ultrasound and HSG in all cases and confirmed by hysteroscopy. However, 3D ultrasound had a sensitivity of 100% and HSG a sensitivity of 66.7% for correctly grading the extent of IUAs. In 61.1% of cases in which HSG results were inconsistent with hysteroscopy, lower uterine segment outflow obstruction was present, and HSG misclassified findings as severe Asherman's with complete cavity obstruction. Postoperatively, 90% of patients conceived. CONCLUSION: 3D ultrasound provides a more accurate depiction of adhesions and extent of cavity damage than HSG in patients with suspected Asherman's syndrome, particularly when differentiating severe IUAs from lower uterine segment outflow obstruction. Therefore, grading systems utilizing HSG to classify severity of disease should be revised to include 3D ultrasound findings.

Heterotopic abdominal pregnancy following two-blastocyst embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a heterotopic primary abdominal pregnancy after two-blastocyst IVF-ET. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University-based IVF program. PATIENT(S): A woman with a heterotopic abdominal pregnancy after IVF-ET. INTERVENTION(S): Pituitary down-regulation with luteal antagon, ovulation induction with menotropins, IVF-ET, progesterone in oil for luteal support, dilation and curettage for missed abortion, laparoscopy, and resection of abdominal gestation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Human chorionic gonadotropin levels, pelvic ultrasound examinations, and laparoscopic and pathologic findings. RESULT(S): A heterotopic abdominal pregnancy occurred after a two-blastocyst IVF-ET. The concurrent intrauterine gestation resulted in a miscarriage. CONCLUSION(S): The number of embryos transferred has been identified as a powerful risk factor for heterotopic pregnancy; however, heterotopic pregnancy can occur following a two-embryo, blastocyst stage transfer.