Hey friends! This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) annual meeting in beautiful Barcelona. While most attendees were from Europe, it was a melting pot of fertility specialists, scientists, and embryologists from all over the globe, all coming together to share the latest research and advancements in our field. Here are some of the standout moments I took away from the event:
Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfers
One fascinating study focused on the outcomes of fresh versus frozen embryo transfers (FET). The results were eye-opening: only 14% of fresh IVF pregnancies resulted in twins compared to a larger group of frozen embryo singletons. When comparing the average birth weights and rates of low birth weight, it showed fresh IVF babies had a higher incidence of low birth weight (7.6% compared to 4.6% for FET). Even more interesting was the finding that there were no significant neurological issues or cancers noted in children born from frozen embryos. This aligns with previous Swedish studies that indicated better outcomes for FET babies, perhaps because those opting for FET are more likely to be in a better health category.
Success of Freezing Unfertilized Eggs
A particularly intriguing presentation came from Dr. Sam Thompson, who discussed the success of freezing unfertilized eggs. Over three years, they froze 3138 eggs and reported an amazing survival rate of 98.9% after thawing. They also achieved a clinical pregnancy rate of 27.8%, with no congenital malformations noted at birth. This is great news for women considering egg freezing as a viable option for preserving fertility.
Controversial Perspectives on Twin Pregnancies
However, not all discussions were smooth sailing. Dr. Nora Greenfield sparked controversy with her perspective on twin pregnancies resulting from fertility treatments. She argued that having twins might actually be a preferable outcome, as many couples desire more than one child. This point, while debated, was met with resistance from the European ART community, which has been focused on minimizing the risks associated with multiple births.
Introduction of Corifollitropin
Another exciting topic was the introduction of Corifollitropin, a new long-acting version of Follistim that could potentially reduce the need for multiple injections during fertility treatment. This modification could simplify the process for many women undergoing stimulation cycles.
Additional Resources
For those of you interested in the nuances of twin pregnancies, you might want to check out this blog post about fetal movement during a twin pregnancy to see what to expect with baby kicks. And if you’re looking into at-home insemination, an excellent resource is this artificial insemination kit for your journey.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2008 ESHRE meeting provided a wealth of knowledge on embryo transfer outcomes, egg freezing successes, and evolving perspectives on twin pregnancies. With ongoing advancements in fertility treatments, there’s plenty of reason for optimism about the future of reproductive health.