Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 24, 2025
Current trends of reproductive immunology practices in in vitro fertilization (IVF) - a first world survey using
Joanne Kwak-Kim1, Ae Ra Han, Alice Gilman-Sachs
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA. joanne.kwakkim@rosalindfranklin.edu
Problem:
Reproductive immunology has evolved from basic research studies to clinical applications. In this study, we aim to investigate the actual application of reproductive immunology concepts and findings in clinical reproductive medicine such as recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL), repeated implantation failures (RIF), and failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
Method Of Study:
A web-based survey was performed on IVF-Worldwide.com. Collected data were analyzed by the computerized software.
Results:
A significant proportion of physicians recommend thrombophilia workups (86%), parental genetic study (79%), and immunologic evaluations (69%) to IVF candidates who have a history of RPL or chemical pregnancy losses. IVF physicians consider an immunologic workup when patients have two (30%) or three (21%) failed IVF cycles. Assays for anticardiolipin antibody, lupus anticoagulant, thyroid peroxidase antibody, and antinuclear antibody are the four most commonly ordered immunologic tests for RPL (88, 84, 50, 47% each) and RIF (68, 63, 38, 38% each). Cellular immune evaluations, such as NK assay, human leukocyte antigen study, Th1/Th2 study or immunophenotype assay, are less commonly ordered.
Conclusions:
Reproductive immunology principles have been applied to the clinical management of RPL, RIF, and failed IVF cycles, and a significant proportion of IVF physicians acknowledge the importance of immunologic alterations with reproductive outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Infertility in Males

