The Effect of DHEA on Markers of Ovarian Reserve in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve
InfertilityThis prospective study evaluates the effect of DHEA supplementation on markers of ovarian reserve in women with diminished ovarian reserve.
Improved Fertility After Exercise in Overweight/Obese Women
ObesityInfertility1 moreOverweight/obesity is associated with sub-fertility. The investigators will assess if regular exercise training prior to assisted fertilization will improve pregnancy rate in overweight/obese women referred to assisted fertilization. It is expected that training will be successful in increasing pregnancy rate
Vitrification Versus Slow Cooling of Human Cleavage Stage Embryos
InfertilityHuman embryos can be preserved for later transfers by freezing. Traditionally the slow cooling method has been used. About 70% of the embryos remain fully intact after thawing. However, the remaining 30% of the embryos become (partially) damaged, and this freezing damage reduces their chance to implant. Recently an ultra rapid freezing method, called vitrification has been developed. During vitrification no damaging ice crystals are formed and the embryo freezes in a glass like state. It appears that the freezing damage is reduced when embryos are vitrified. Observational studies in humans indicate that embryos are successfully preserved by vitrification, as indicated by promising pregnancy rates following thawing. However, the effectiveness of vitrification in relation to slow cooling with respect to pregnancy rates has so far not been evaluated by a randomised, controlled trial. The aim of this study is to investigate whether vitrification significantly improves embryo survival and ongoing pregnancy rates when compared to embryos frozen by slow cooling.
Genetic Epidemiology of Ovarian Aging
InfertilityThe purpose of this study is to identify clinical and genetic markers of ovarian aging. In this process, we will evaluate environmental factors that may affect fertility and the age at which fertility declines, and may influence the age at which women enter menopause. Wide variability exists between women both in the age at which menopause occurs and the rate of decline in oocyte number and reproductive capability. As the loss of ovarian function has profound impact on women's hormonal milieu and their subsequent risk for the development of disease, improving our understanding of the factors that determine the timing and rate of reproductive aging is critical to improving quality of life for all women. In addition, improving our understanding of reproductive aging has profound economic, and social, implications given the complex choices women face regarding the timing of childbearing and the growing burden of infertility. While the inter-individual variability in age at menopause has a large genetic component and possible environmental influences, to date no studies have addressed the relationship between oocyte number as reflected by antral follicle count (AFC) and genetic inheritance. We hypothesize that ovarian aging, as reflected by antral follicle count, is largely determined by common genetic polymorphisms that impact the initial oocyte endowment and/or the rate of oocyte loss over time thus lowering antral follicle count for any given age. We further hypothesize that antral follicle count will be an improved marker of ovarian aging. Thus, we propose a study of the genetic and environmental factors that influence age-specific variability in antral follicle count.
Microsurgical Varicocelectomy Versus No Surgery in Men With a Palpable Varicocele and an Abnormal...
PregnancyInfertilityThe primary research hypothesis is that microsurgical varicocelectomy will result in an increase in live birth in infertile couples where the male partner has a palpable varicocele and an abnormal semen analysis in comparison to male partners who do not have microsurgical varicocelectomy. The secondary hypotheses include: To assess whether up to 4 cycles of intrauterine insemination confers any additional increase in live birth rates compared to timed intercourse; To examine spousal pregnancy rate as the secondary outcome; and To study the effect of varicocelectomy in men with infertility, an abnormal semen analysis, and a palpable varicocele on Testicular semen analysis parameters; Serological measures of FSH, LH, total and free testosterone and Measures of quality of life and sexual function in both partners.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Acupuncture for Infertility
InfertilityThe aim of this investigation is to determine the value of combining acupuncture with infertility patients undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The investigators will measure the outcomes of endometrial lining, uterine blood flow, hormones, stress levels, and pregnancy and live birth rates.
Study to Evaluate if the Addition of r-hLH (Luveris®) to FSH From Day 8 of Ovarian Stimulation is...
Reproductive TechniquesAssistedThe present study was designed to investigate, in hyporesponder subjects, that required in a previous assisted reproductive technologies (ART) cycle follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) >3500 International Unit (IU), the possibility to decrease through recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) supplementation, the FSH amount per oocytes retrieved and in the mean time to improve the overall cycle outcome.
Automated Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSIA)
InfertilityFemaleThe purpose of this research study is to evaluate Overture's automated Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSIA) System. ICSIA is an investigational medical device that automates injection of sperm into eggs. This study will evaluate survival and fertilization rates of oocytes handled via ICSIA and compare to survival and fertilization rates of oocytes which are manually injected with sperm.
Construction of CITIC Xiangya Assisted Reproduction Data Repository
Assisted Reproductive TechnologyInfertilityHuman Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has become a very effective and nearly irreplaceable clinical treatment for infertility, helping millions of women achieve fertility. However, ART may still have potential health risks to mothers and offspring. To better research and monitor the efficacy and safety of ART, the investigators established CXARDR based on the real medical data in Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, which is the world's largest ART single treatment center. CXARDR covers the ART full-cycle treatment records since the hospital perfected its electronic medical record system in 2016, as well as biological samples from the CITIC-Xiangya Genetic Resource Bank. From the preoperative investigation of ART to the 1-year follow-up of ART offspring, CXARDR provides the details of the whole process of treatment and the follow-up outcomes of ART patients, making up for the gap in the data of reproductive and obstetric institutions. The huge biological samples with clinical information also provide more possibilities for in-depth basic researches in the field of reproduction and genetics. During the past five years (January 2016 to November 2020), the CXARDR has accumulated data concerning more than 223,000 ART treatment cycles from 120,000 infertile couples. The CXARDR also links more than 180,000 blood samples, 65,000 follicular fluid samples, 80,000 semen samples, and 31,000 granulosa cell samples from 75,000 couples. The data volume is substantial with over 800 variables being documented, and most variables are designed as structured fields. The whole process of data access, data extraction, data processing and data analysis was conducted through a dedicated server inside the CITIC-Xiangya Data Center. All investigators cannot access sensitive information, are required to sign data confidentiality agreement, and need to be approved by the CITIC-Xiangya Ethics Committee.
Follicular Flushing in Patients With Suboptimal Responses
InfertilityThe aim of the present study is to determine the effect of follicular flushing on the ongoing pregnancy rate in patients who developed four or fewer follicles of 14mm following standard ovarian stimulation for IVF.