ASRM Conference Findings: Fertility Questions Answered

The field of reproductive medicine is constantly evolving, and one of the most exciting annual events for fertility specialists and hopeful parents is the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Conference. Each year, this conference showcases cutting-edge research and breakthroughs that have the potential to transform the world of fertility treatments. The latest ASRM conference was no exception. The findings presented have the potential to address some of the most pressing questions individuals have about their fertility journeys.

We have used the findings from the ASRM ’23 Conference to help answer some of the most common questions we get from our patients.

Q1: What causes IVF cycles to fail?

One of the perennial questions in the world of assisted reproduction is, “Why do IVF cycles fail?” At the ASRM conference, experts delved deep into this question, shedding light on various factors that contribute to IVF cycle failures. Whether it’s the quality of embryos, the woman’s age, or underlying health conditions, the conference findings offered crucial insights into understanding the root causes of IVF cycle failures.

Particularly findings presented by IVIRMA Global, shed light on two significant predictive factors for both biomedical and clinical pregnancy loss: blastocyst count and BMI (Body Mass Index). It was indicated that the count of blastocysts, which are advanced-stage embryos with well-developed structures, can be a significant predictive factor for IVF cycle failure. A higher count of good-quality blastocysts is associated with better implantation and pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, a lower count of viable blastocysts may contribute to IVF cycle failure.

To learn more about the significance of blastocyst transfer and how it impacts IVF success, you can refer to this informative blog post: Blastocyst Transfer.

BMI is a measurement of body weight in relation to height, and it provides insight into an individual’s overall health and nutritional status. Research has shown that BMI can be a predictive factor for both biomedical and clinical pregnancy loss. Many fertility treatment providers, including the NHS, recommend that patients maintain a specific BMI range before beginning IVF treatment. The optimal BMI range is typically between 19 and 30, with some providers advocating for a more limited range, from 19 to 25. Having a BMI outside this recommended range, whether too high or too low, can impact the chances of a successful IVF cycle.

To understand in-depth how BMI affects fertility and why maintaining the right BMI is essential, you can read this informative blog post: Why Your BMI Matters When Trying to Get Pregnant.

Q2: How can I tell if an IVF cycle will work?

Before embarking on an IVF journey, many wonder, “Will this cycle work for me?”. IVIRMA Global’ s research delved into the impact of previous failed IVF cycles on the likelihood of success in future cycles. This is a critical aspect to consider, as it can provide you with insights into your specific circumstances. Understanding how previous failures influence the prospects of success allows for better-informed decision-making. At IVI, we conduct a fertility assessment to ensure we assess all our patients thoroughly and take into consideration any history of prior treatments, with this information we’ll be able to put you on the right course of treatment.

Additionally, novel techniques like shear wave elastography were discussed, revealing their potential in predicting implantation outcomes with greater accuracy. This is promising news for individuals seeking better prognostic information.

Q3: Does IVF success decrease after multiple cycles?

For individuals considering multiple IVF cycles, there’s often a fear that success rates will decline with each attempt. ASRM’s latest conference put this myth to rest. In a large-scale study presented by IVIRMA Global at the conference, it was shown that clinical pregnancy and live birth rates do not significantly decrease even after a fourth and fifth consecutive euploid embryo transfer. This finding provides hope for individuals who need multiple attempts to achieve their family goals.

Q4: How to lower the risk of pregnancy loss?

The ASRM findings are not just about providing general insights but also about offering individualized care. Experts discussed how these findings can empower fertility specialists to tailor treatment plans to the unique needs of patients. Personalized care, based on factors like BMI and blastocyst count, can significantly lower the risk of pregnancy loss and enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy.

The latest ASRM conference has undoubtedly pushed the boundaries of knowledge in the field of reproductive medicine. The findings presented offer a ray of hope for those seeking answers to their most pressing fertility questions. Understanding the causes of IVF cycle failures, predicting IVF success, addressing pregnancy loss, and dispelling the myth of decreasing success rates after multiple IVF cycles are all vital steps toward making assisted reproduction more successful and accessible. These findings are not just scientific breakthroughs; they are beacons of hope for individuals on their journey to parenthood.