Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
06:40
Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 24, 2025
[Present-day reproductive medicine and future possibilities]
Christian De Geyter1, Maria De Geyter
1Abteilung für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Frauenspital, Universität Basel, Basel.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|December 2, 2009
Summary
Assisted reproductive medicine has advanced significantly, but multiple pregnancies remain a concern. Selecting single embryos and extending embryo culture can improve success rates and reduce complications, though legislation poses challenges.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Embryology
- Genetics
Context:
- Assisted reproductive medicine (ARM) is widely accepted, evolving from early oral contraception.
- Improvements in embryology and ovarian hyperstimulation have increased ARM efficacy.
- High rates of multiple deliveries are a recognized complication of ARM.
Purpose:
- To discuss the advancements in assisted reproductive medicine.
- To highlight the challenges and potential solutions for reducing multiple pregnancies in ARM.
- To explore the role of embryology in improving ARM outcomes.
Summary:
- Selecting single embryos with high developmental potential can virtually eliminate multiple gestations.
- Extending embryo culture to the blastocyst stage significantly increases pregnancy rates.
- Advanced 3D culture techniques may allow in-vitro maturation of ovarian follicles, reducing the need for ovarian stimulation.
Impact:
- Potential to significantly reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancies, a major complication of ARM.
- Suggests that further improvements in ARM are achievable through advancements in embryology.
- Highlights the need for legislative reform to enable optimal patient care and outcomes in ARM.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Reproductive Cloning
Reproductive cloning is the process of producing a genetically identical copy—a clone—of an entire organism. While clones can be produced by splitting an early embryo—similar to what happens naturally with identical twins—cloning of adult animals is usually done by a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...
01:27Reproductive Cloning
Reproductive cloning is the process of producing a genetically identical copy—a clone—of an entire organism. While clones can be produced by splitting an early embryo—similar to what happens naturally with identical twins—cloning of adult animals is usually done by a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic cell—any cell that is not a sex...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
01:08Cloning of Dolly the Sheep
The first successfully cloned mammal was Dolly, a sheep, born on 5th July 1996 at Roslin Institute, Scotland. The cloned sheep was named after the American singer Dolly Parton. Dolly lived for seven years and died of respiratory complications, which is speculated to be due to the actual age of her DNA. Because the DNA in cloned cells belongs to an older individual, the cloned individual’s life expectancy may be affected. Indeed, analysis of Dolly’s DNA revealed shorter telomeres than other...
01:59CRISPR
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short...
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...