Nikki 
Fertility Articles
Why Have My Embryo Transfers Failed ?
For patients on IVF programmes and especially for patients who have been advised to seek Donor Eggs this is a very serious question and a cause of major concern.
Tobacco & Marijuana’s Effect on Fertility 2024
Smoking in females is associated with decreased fertility and increased risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy
Should Embryos undergo Genetic Testing before Transfer?
Patients often ask this question and like so many topics in medicine the answer is not straightforward. This type of test is not used to detect genetic diseases!
Effect of Male Age on Pregnancy Outcome
In December 2022 a number of review articles* have appeared on the topic of Older males and reproductive outcomes.
Does Embryo Biopsy and Testing Improve IVF Results?
The testing is usually performed on day 5 embryos/blastocysts and a biopsy is taken, avoiding the area that will develop into a foetus. The test is referred to as PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing – Aneuploidy)
Effect of Acupuncture on IVF related Anxiety1
A recently published review and meta-analysis of acupuncture added to IVF provided low certain evidence of some reduction in IVF anxiety. The authors suggested that more investigation is required.
Immunity and infertility
This complex issue in human beings has been the source of a number of empirical “treatments” offered by Fertility Specialists e.g. “Bondi Protocol”.
Antioxidants should NOT be used for male infertility.
An in depth review suggests that Oral Antioxidants should not be used for male infertility even in males with DNA fragmentation as the subject is far more complex than initially thought and these oral antioxidants may even make the fertility of sperm worse.
Differences In Live Birth Rates From Frozen Oocytes (Eggs)
A study published compares the Cumulative Live Birth Rates (CLBR) with oocytes from 3 different European clinics (not available in Australia).
Coping with Infertility and Covid19
A booster Covid-19 vaccine should be considered if you are 18 years, or older, and had your initial COVID-19 vaccine course (called the primary course) ≥ 6 months ago. Pfizer is the preferred brand for booster doses for all people, including in pregnancy, regardless of the brand used initially.
