Cutting Edge Fertility Technologies and Clinical Research Outcomes to be Presented by Shady Grove Fertility Physicians and Scientists at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Meeting in Boston October 12-17th
The outlook for patients suffering from infertility continues to brighten year over year, thanks to the thousands of professionals who dedicate their lives to improving outcomes for fertility treatment. The range of their expertise and influence goes beyond the obvious from doctors, nurses, and researchers to business experts, pharmaceutical companies, advocacy organizations and of course, patients themselves. Even Silicon Valley technology companies have jumped on board in an effort to make fertility care more successful, affordable and accessible for more people across the United States.
This week, more than 10,000 of these individuals, representing all facets of reproductive medicine are gathered to learn and share the very latest research and technology; information and ideas at the 69th Annual Meeting for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Boston.
Shady Grove Fertility continues to play a leading role in ongoing clinical research and leadership in practice policy at the national level. Below is a summary of the contributions being recognized at the ASRM Annual Meeting this week.
Abstracts, Posters and Oral Presentations
Thirteen clinical studies conducted by Shady Grove Fertility physicians and scientists, and some in conjunction with the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology at Walter Reed and the National Institutes of Health, were accepted for presentation at the 2013 ASRM Annual Meeting. A few highlights:
SGF Studies Demonstrate Improved Outcomes Using Vitrification to Freeze Embryos Yielding Higher Thaw Rate, Increased Pregnancy and Delivery Rates and Reduced High Order Multiples.
A majority of SGF research was focused on reviewing outcomes from blastocyct vitrification cycles. The process of vitrification, or flash freezing, of blastocycst embryos remains on the forefront of clinical practice due to its thaw survival rate and improved pregnancy outcomes compared to older embryo cryopreservation techniques. New findings about positive increases in thaw rates and pregnancy outcomes helps practitioners and patients alike make informed decisions to transfer fewer embryos, and often just one, which result in lower multiple births and healthier pregnancy and birth for mother and baby.
Relationship between Endometrial Lining Thickness and Pregnancy Rates
This year, researchers explored the thickness of the endometrial lining in relation to IVF outcomes in three studies. The first was a retrospective analysis of 4,086 treatment cycles focusing on the relationship between peak endometrial lining thickness and live birth rates in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology. The second study looked at the same segment of patients to determine the role race/ethnicity may play in endometrial thickness and decreased success rates. Finally, the last study explored the relationship between endometrial thickness and treatment outcomes in patients with endometriosis.
Emergency ICSI Results in Favorable Clinical Pregnancy Rates
This study showed that when eggs do not fertilize with conventional insemination (placing sperm directly on top of the egg), emergency or rescue ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) can be used to fertilize the oocyte. During ICSI, embryologists select one healthy sperm to inject into the egg. Adding ICSI when fertilization has not occurred has resulted in favorable pregnancy rates for patients.
Donor Sperm IUI – One vs Double IUI
Success rates using donor sperm with one intrauterine insemination (IUI) are comparable to success rates with two inseminations, which is standard practice. While not groundbreaking new technology, these important findings will make future donor inseminations cycles more cost-effective for patients without compromising success rates.
SGF Physicians Contribute to the 2013 ASRM Annual Meeting
Michael J. Levy, MD, Founder, Shady Grove Fertility, presented Rethinking a Positive Outcome: Applying Innovative and Advanced Technological Strategies to an audience of over 350 people at an EMD Serono Symposia event.
Eric A. Widra, MD, Medical Director, Shady Grove Fertility is a member of the Executive Counsel and Practice Committee Chair for the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.
Eric D. Levens, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Shady Grove Fertility, is a member of the Executive Counsel and Membership Committee Chair for the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies.
Kevin S. Richter, PhD, Research Director, Shady Grove Fertility, is dedicated year round to research studies that find ways to improve outcomes for patients.
Many physicians and clinical team members made these research studies possible, including, Gilbert Mottla, MD, Robert Stillman, MD, Joseph Osheroff, MD, Jeffrey McKeeby, MD, Michael Tucker, PhD, Jim Graham, Valerie Cholewczynski, Taer Han, Josh Lim, Kristine Milne, and Sharon Shipley.
To learn more about ongoing research being conducted at Shady Grove Fertility visit https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/research.
If you would like to discuss your fertility options or to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.
