Clinical Research Directory

Cleavage-stage Versus Blastocyst-stage Embryo Transfer in IVF Patients With Few Embryos

Infertility affects more than 6 million women the United States and is a major life event that results in a wide range of socio-cultural, emotional, physical and financial problems. The most successful treatment for infertility, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertilizes a woman's eggs with her partner's sperm in a culture dish and transfers the resulting embryos into the uterus. Most of the time, prior to being transferred, embryos are grown in the dish for 5-7 days after which some of them reach an advanced stage (blastocyst stage). This has several advantages such as a lower chance of a multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets etc.) after transfer and fewer transfer procedures. However, it is possible that embryos would survive better if transferred into the uterus at the 8-cell stage after growing them for only 3 days. Thus, when patients only have a small number of embryos they and their physicians face the difficult choice when to transfer because there are currently no studies available to guide this decision. This randomized controlled trial is comparing pregnancy outcomes and patient satisfaction of poor prognosis patients with 5 or fewer embryos undergoing either transfer of an advanced (blastocyst) or an 8-cell embryo. This study will provide the data for the development of guidelines for IVF providers to make evidence-based decisions when to transfer embryos in poor prognosis IVF patients, reduce patients' anxiety regarding cycle cancellation and improve patient counseling, which will increase patients' ability to participate in the development of their treatment plan.

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Research in Infertility Assessing Cumulative Live Birth With Frozen Embryo Transfer.

The goal of this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial is toto evaluate the efficacy and safety of a human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) in the development of multiple follicles, pregnancy, and cumulative live birth as part of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycle in in women with a diagnosis of infertility.

Noninvasive Implantation Potential vs Morphology-Based Selection in IVF Single Blastocyst Transfer

Background: Morphology-based embryo selection cannot detect aneuploidy, which is common in advanced maternal age and recurrent pregnancy loss. NICS-AI combines non-invasive chromosome screening (NICS) of cell-free DNA from spent blastocyst culture medium with AI integration of developmental day and morphology to improve embryo ranking. Methods: This multicenter, single-blind, parallel randomized controlled trial will include 520 participants. Participants undergoing conventional IVF will be eligible if they meet either (i) female age 35-43 years or (ii) recurrent miscarriage (≥2 losses \<28 gestational weeks, including biochemical pregnancy with serum hCG \>25 IU/L). They must consent to blastocyst culture/vitrification and frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer (SBT), and have ≥2 Day-5/Day-6, 2PN-derived blastocysts with morphology grade ≥4BC/4CB at randomization. Key exclusions include any ICSI-based fertilization or PGT-related procedures, known genetic disease meeting PGT indications, donor oocytes, untreated uterine anomalies/hydrosalpinx, or contraindications to pregnancy/ART. Randomization/interventions: Participants will be randomized 1:1 to NICS-AI-guided selection or morphology-based selection. In the NICS-AI arm, culture-medium DNA is tested and an AI-derived composite implantation score ranks embryos; controls use morphology alone (tie-break by cryopreservation order). Outcomes/analysis: The primary endpoint is live birth after the first SBT (delivery with ≥1 live-born infant per transfer cycle, per randomized participant). Secondary endpoints include first clinical pregnancy, early miscarriage (\<12 weeks, excluding biochemical pregnancy), ongoing pregnancy to 12 weeks, and cumulative pregnancy/live birth outcomes within 1 year (≤3 SBTs from one retrieval). Safety includes fetal malformations and neonatal outcomes through 1 year postpartum.

Development of an AI Platform for the Analysis of Sperm and Prediction of Their Clinical Potential

Prospective, multicenter research study with a split-sample design on semen samples, without intervention, to develop an artificial intelligence platform for the analysis of sperm samples and prediction of their clinical potential, in 500 semen samples, in an in vitro study over 24 months.

Pilot Study of Discarded Blastocysts

The goal of this observational study is to determine multiomics patterns related to global embryo quality to help overcome the limitations of conventional embryo quality assessment. The main question it aims to answer is: • Do discarded blastocysts that reach the blastocyst stage (days 5-6) show characteristic multiomics profiles which correlate with chromosomal abnormalities, providing insights into embryo viability? For that, patients undergoing an IVF treatment will be asked to donate their clinically discarded 5/6-day embryos (those that do not meet clinical criteria to be used for reproductive purposes). Participation in the study will not interfere with the planned IVF treatment. Patient participation is limited to signature of the informed consent to donate embryos and no other study-specific procedures will be performed on participants.

AI-Driven Model Impact on Patient Engagement in Medically Assisted Reproduction

Infertility is a globally significant medical condition, profoundly impacting individuals and couples both emotionally and physically. The multifaceted nature of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment demands active patient participation, with engagement playing a pivotal role in treatment success and satisfaction. However, suboptimal engagement can lead to challenges such as not initiating treatment, missed appointments, medication errors, dropping out and heightened stress levels, all of which may adversely affect clinical outcomes. Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have revolutionized healthcare, offering innovative solutions for personalized patient care. In IVF, AI-ML models hold the potential to enhance patient engagement by delivering tailored communication, reminders, and educational support, but also improved prognostication by providing personalized and accurate predictions of treatment outcomes. These capabilities enable patients to make more informed decisions and enhance their adherence to treatment protocols.This protocol outlines a prospective evaluation of an AI-ML model, specifically the Univfy PreIVF report, developed to improve patient engagement in IVF care. Recently, a retrospective, multicenter study reported improved IVF utilization rates among patients counselled using the Univfy PreIVF Report. The current study will prospectively assess the model's effectiveness in addressing individual patient needs and creating a supportive treatment environment. Specifically, this study will measure adherence to providers' recommendation of treatment protocols. By analyzing the impact of these interventions, this research aims to provide robust evidence for the integration of AI-ML technologies in reproductive medicine, paving the way for broader implementation and improved patient outcomes.

IVF Outcomes With Time-Lapse Culture: Comparison Between PPOS and GnRH Antagonist Protocols

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two ovarian stimulation protocols used in in vitro fertilization (IVF): the fixed Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) protocol and the GnRH Antagonist protocol. The study will evaluate IVF outcomes and embryo development patterns using time-lapse embryo monitoring technology. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Does the fixed - PPOS protocol achieve similar numbers of mature eggs, good-quality embryos, and clinical outcomes compared to the GnRH Antagonist protocol? * Are there differences in embryo development patterns (morphokinetics) between the two protocols when monitored by time-lapse imaging? * How does embryo quality (KIDScore) compare between the two protocols? Study Design: Researchers will randomly assign 148 women undergoing IVF to two groups: * PPOS group (n=74): Will receive FSH injections (oral Duphaston 20mg daily) starting from day 2-3 of the menstrual cycle * GnRH Antagonist group (n=74): Will receive FSH injections (Orgalutran 0.25mg injections) when follicles reach ≥14mm Participants will: * Undergo controlled ovarian stimulation with their assigned protocol for approximately 10-12 days * Have regular ultrasound monitoring and blood tests to track follicle development * Undergo egg retrieval procedure when follicles are mature * Have all embryos cultured in the EmbryoScope time-lapse incubator with continuous monitoring * Have embryos frozen on Day 5/6 for future transfer Study Location: Department of Assisted Reproduction and Andrology, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Study Duration: January 2026 - June 2028

Biological Aging Hallmarks-Guided Integrative TCM and Conventional Medicine in Post-Treatment Unexplained Female Infertility

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether telomere profiling and other biological aging hallmarks can help identify underlying mechanisms of persistent infertility in women with post-treatment unexplained infertility. The study also evaluates whether a personalized integrative treatment guided by these biomarkers can improve reproductive outcomes. The study includes women aged 25 to 42 years who continue to experience infertility despite appropriate management of identifiable reproductive conditions and repeated attempts with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Can telomere and biological aging hallmarks profiling identify a biological aging phenotype associated with infertility? * Can an integrative treatment guided by these profiles improve clinical pregnancy outcomes? Participants will: * Undergo a baseline reproductive evaluation and blood-based assessment of telomeres and aging hallmarks. * Receive an integrative approach combining Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), targeted nutritional support, and standard fertility care. * Proceed with natural conception attempts or standard assisted reproductive technologies following the preconception phase. * Participants will be followed to assess pregnancy outcomes and changes in biological aging hallmarks.

Standardization of Variable Conditions of Embryo Transfer Into the Uterine Cavity in the Procedure of Medically Assisted Procreation in Humans

The EFECT study is a clinical trial designed to determine whether improving the consistency of embryo transfer procedures can increase pregnancy success in patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer (cryoET). While laboratory techniques for fertilization, embryo culture, and selection have advanced significantly, the process of transferring embryos to the uterus remains variable and depends on small procedural differences, such as temperature changes, mechanical forces, timing, and individual operator techniques. These variations may affect embryo survival and implantation, ultimately influencing pregnancy outcomes. This study tests whether using specialized devices to standardize key aspects of embryo transfer-specifically temperature stability during transport and controlled, precise embryo aspiration and expulsion speed, optimal fluid volume, programmed injection time, elimination of pressure fluctuations and plunger backflow, prevention of embryo re-aspiration and detection of transfer catherer oclusion-can improve pregnancy rates. All embryos in the study are cultured using time-lapse monitoring and selected using artificial intelligence-supported grading, ensuring uniform quality for all participants. The study compares standard manual embryo transfer with transfer using one or both of the devices: Embryocase, which maintains a stable temperature during transport, and Embryopass, which standardizes the procedure and eliminates human factor. A total of 160 participants are randomly assigned to one of four groups: manual transfer without device support, manual transfer with Embryocase, transfer with Embryopass, or transfer with both devices. Participants and outcome assessors are blinded to group assignment, while the staff performing the transfer are aware due to the nature of the devices. All participants receive standard luteal phase support with progesterone following routine clinical practice. The study's main goal is to evaluate whether these procedural improvements lead to higher rates of biochemical pregnancy (positive pregnancy test) and clinical pregnancy (confirmed by ultrasound). Secondary outcomes include implantation rate, live birth rate, device safety, and ease of use as reported by staff. Pregnancy outcomes, including delivery, pregnancy loss, or ectopic pregnancy, are followed until the end of pregnancy. By investigating the impact of procedural standardization, this study aims to determine whether technological improvements during embryo transfer can increase the effectiveness of assisted reproductive treatments. If successful, the results could support the broader adoption of standardized, device-assisted embryo transfer protocols in fertility clinics, helping more patients achieve successful pregnancies.

The Role of Follicular Flushing at Oocyte Retrieval

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common method of medically assisted reproduction, involving fertilization of the egg by sperm in a lab. The process includes ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilization and culture, and embryo transfer. The success of IVF depends mainly on female age-as age increases, ovarian reserve and oocyte quality decrease-and the number of oocytes retrieved. This study investigates whether follicular flushing during oocyte retrieval can increase the number of mature oocytes retrieved. This randomized study will be conducted in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with recombinant Folicullar Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) antagonist or Progestin Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) to suppress premature Luteinizing hormone (LH) rise. Final oocyte maturation will be triggered with recombinant Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or GnRH agonist. Eligible participants will have at least one follicle ≥11 mm in each ovary. On the day of oocyte retrieval, one ovary will be randomized to undergo follicular flushing using a single-lumen needle and the other simple aspiration, using the same needle. All fertilized oocytes from both ovaries will be cultured, seperately, to the blastocyst stage. Study outcomes are the number of oocytes and mature oocytes retrieved, the oocyte retrieval rate, the mature oocyte retrieval rate, the maturation rate, the number of fertilized oocytes, the fertilisation rate, the number of blastocytes and the blastulation rate. Sample size of 75 patients (25 per response category: poor, normal, high) provides 82-98% power to detect clinically meaningful interaction effects (Cohen's f=0.19-0.34) between response category and technique (follicular flushing vs. simple aspiration) under conservative assumptions of 50-70% of pilot study effects, lower correlations (ρ=0.35), and increased variability (α=0.05, two-sided, 5% attrition buffer.

Growth Hormone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Role in Vitro Fertilization

The goal of this study is to evaluate the role of Somatropin and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on ovarian reserve parameters and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in poor ovarian responder. The main question it aims to answer is: Which intervention is more effective in increasing number and size of follicles? Participants will be followed 1 month before starting induction in growth hormone and 12 weeks for DHEA and through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle.

Ketorolac Use and Fresh Embryo Transfer Outcomes

Ketorolac is a medication often used to relieve pain after surgery. In the past, infertility doctors have been cautious about using ketorolac after egg retrieval for patients planning a fresh embryo transfer (usually done 5 days later). The concern was that ketorolac might increase the risk of bleeding or reduce the chances of the embryo implanting in the uterus. This concern comes from how ketorolac works-it blocks certain chemicals in the body (like prostaglandins and thromboxane) that help with blood clotting and play a role in early pregnancy. However, a large review of past studies found no real evidence that ketorolac increases bleeding risk. In fact, ketorolac is now routinely used for pain relief in IVF cycles where embryos are frozen and not transferred right away. More recent studies from Boston and Chapel Hill have shown that ketorolac provides better pain control and does not appear to harm IVF outcomes, even when embryos are transferred fresh (within the same cycle). Despite these encouraging findings, many IVF clinics still avoid using ketorolac during fresh cycles because of the theoretical concerns. That's why we need stronger, higher-quality research. This study aims to fill that gap by conducting a double-blind randomized controlled trial to find out whether giving ketorolac through an IV after egg retrieval affects important IVF outcomes-especially the chance of implantation and live birth-in patients undergoing fresh embryo transfers. Patients who choose to join the study will randomly be placed into one of two groups. One group will get ketorolac (a pain medicine) after an IVF egg retrieval. The other group will not get ketorolac after egg retrieval. Everything else in their IVF care will stay the same as it normally would. Primary outcome will be implantation rate following fresh embryo transfers in patients receiving ketorolac (30mg IV) vs no ketorolac for post-retrieval analgesia. Secondary outcomes will include pain scale, narcotics required, time to discharge, need for evaluation w/in 24 hours for pain/bleeding, clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates, and live birth rates following fresh embryo transfers in patients receiving ketorolac vs no ketorolac for post-retrieval analgesia.

Machine Learning and Pregnancy Success Prediction in Fertility Treatments

Infertility, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a disorder of the male or female reproductive system characterized by the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. In modern fertility treatment, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), have become a standard approach for addressing complex fertility issues and sterility. In Italy, infertility affects approximately 16.5% of couples. Despite advancements in ART, comparing the failure rates of pregnancies achieved through ART with those of spontaneous pregnancies in Italy reveals significant differences, particularly in terms of success rates, miscarriage rates, and embryo implantation outcomes. In this context, AI-based models have shown promising potential in predicting IVF success by analyzing complex datasets that include patient demographics, hormonal levels, and embryo morphology. Research indicates that AI can enhance embryo selection, predict the optimal timing for embryo transfer, and advance personalized medicine approaches in reproductive health. This study aims to use of Machine Learning to identify patterns and factors associated with successful pregnancy outcomes by analyzing large-scale, anonymized ART data. The resulting predictive model could enable clinicians to better personalize treatment protocols for each patient, optimizing medication dosages, timing, and embryo selection. It could also improve pregnancy success rates while reducing the emotional and financial burden on patients, thus advancing the standard of care in ART.

An Advanced Decision Support Tool for Personalized Medicine for IVF Using Modeling and Optimization for Provera

A clinical trial will determine the effectiveness of using the Opt-IVF decision support tool for each patient's personalized and optimal drug dosage profile in the United States.

Functional Development and Clinical Validation of a Diagnostic Tool Based on Artificial Intelligence for the Assessment of Sperm Quality and the Selection of the Optimal In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Treatment

Infertility is a growing global health problem affecting millions of couples worldwide, with male infertility accounting for approximately half of all cases. In the physiological environment, sperm go through an exhaustive selection process in the female reproductive tract before reaching the oocyte. During this journey, progressive mobility and morphology are key parameters for achieving fertilisation. Therefore, before starting an assisted reproduction treatment, it is essential to analyse and process the semen sample to assess the fertile potential, select the most optimal sperm and determine the most appropriate treatment. Conventional methods of semen processing, such as density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and Swim-up washing of motile sperm, have significant limitations. These include interobserver and interlaboratory subjectivity, as well as damage to sperm DNA caused by centrifugation. Alternatively, microfluidics, which simulates natural selection, allows higher counts of morphologically normal, progressive motile sperm to be obtained. On the other hand, the CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis) system has improved the standardisation and quality of semen analysis. Furthermore, the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into semen quality analysis represents a promising opportunity, as it improves efficiency, accuracy and standardisation, and has the potential to increase success rates in assisted reproduction treatments. This project aims to develop an innovative AI-based diagnostic tool to address male infertility. The tool will integrate microfluidic technology and the CASA system to analyse semen quality, calculate fertilisation potential and recommend personalised treatments with an estimate of success. Trained with large volumes of biological and clinical data, it will provide a comprehensive and patient-specific diagnosis by identifying complex relationships between multiple variables. Finally, a comparative study will be conducted to evaluate laboratory indicators and clinical outcomes of cycles using this tool versus those using conventional methods.

Endometrial Receptivity Prediction During in Vitro Fertilization Using Artificial Intelligence

The investigators plan to use artificial intelligence to analyse vaginal ultrasound images of the uterine lining (endometrium) taken during routine IVF treatment, which may predict implantation success during IVF treatment. Participation in the study is voluntary, involves no additional testing or intervention beyond routine procedures, and consent can be withdrawn verbally or in writing at any time without cause or adverse consequences. Over a three-year period, the trial is expected to enrol approximately 1,500 patients between the ages of 18 and 40 who are indicated for IVF treatment and who volunteer for treatment. Patients enrolled in the study will not be required to attend more clinic visits during treatment than they would otherwise have to. During the trial, certain patient-specific data (age, indication for treatment, body mass index), stimulation-specific data (duration of stimulation, type and dose of drug, endometrial thickness), ultrasound scans and outcome-specific data (treatment failure, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy) will be collected. The data will be stored in a secure database. The data collected during the study will only be accessible to the professionals involved in the study and no information, including personal data, will be disclosed to third parties.

Norethindrone Impact on Receptiva Outcomes

This retrospective study aims to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in patients with a positive BCL6 test (ReceptivaDx, who were treated with either norethindrone acetate or Depo Lupron prior to embryo transfer. The current standard of care involves treatment with Depo Lupron, a GnRH agonist associated with significant hypoestrogenic side effects that mimic menopausal symptoms. Additionally, Depo Lupron is costly, with a retail price exceeding $2,000 per dose. In contrast, norethindrone acetate is a well-tolerated oral progestin, available at a fraction of the cost (under $100 for a one-month course). While prior studies have demonstrated comparable efficacy between Depo Lupron and norethindrone for managing endometriosis-associated pain, their relative effectiveness in improving reproductive outcomes-particularly in BCL6-positive patients undergoing embryo transfer-remains underexplored. This study seeks to address that gap by comparing ongoing pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage rates between the two treatment groups. Hypothesis: IVF Patients testing positive for BCL6 and treated with norethindrone will not do worse than the current recommended treatment of 60 days Depo leuprolide as defined by two endpoint metrics, pregnancy rate and live birth rate.

Optimal Stimulation of Hypo-responders Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Stimulation is a key step of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Typically, injectable gonadotropins are used for stimulation, and their dose is individually determined to avoid hypo- as well as hyper-response. Despite the individualization some patients respond with a lower-than-expected number of oocytes. If the low response is unexpected based on the baseline parameters or if an unusually high dose of gonadotropins is needed to achieve a proper response we talk about "hypo-response". In such cases if the first treatment fails and a repeat attempt is planned typically even more gonadotropins, the combination of luteinizing hormone (LH) with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or the use of the more potent recombinant preparations are considered. The benefits of these approaches however have not been studied properly in hypo-responders. The studies have used various criteria to identify hypo-responders, have used various gonadotropin doses and have evaluated different outcome parameters. Live birth was only studied in one trial. It is also known that in a different cycle the same patient is likely to have a slightly different response to the same type and dose of drugs. Therefore, the question arises whether a hypo-responder in one treatment is expected to have hypo-response again if the treatment is similarly carried out in a different cycle. Do we need to change/ increase the gonadotropin dose if based on age and ovarian reserve otherwise we would expect a normal response? Furthermore, if we consider a change should we increase the dose of FSH or should we combine it with LH? Therefore the aim of this randomized controlled trial is compare an unchanged medication regimen to increased dose of FSH vs the combination of FSH and LH in hypo-responder patients identified based on POSEIDON (Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number) criteria (Gr 1 and 2: retrieval of 9 or fewer oocytes in patients with an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level ≥ 1.2 ng/ml or antral follicle count (AFC) ≥ 5 and age \<35 years \[Group (Gr) 1\] or ≥35 years \[Gr2\]). Hypo-responder patients will be randomized to: 1. Same gonadotropin dose as in previous treatment (recombinant(r) FSH) \['control group'\] 2. The same dose as in the previous cycle but in the form of FSH + LH combination (rFSH:rLH 2:1 ratio) \['additional LH group'\] 3. A dose increase of 75 international unit (IU) compared to the dose in the previous treatment. \['higher dose FSH group'\] The primary outcome parameter to study is live clinical pregnancy. In addition, baseline demographic, stimulation and further clinical outcomes (pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate) will be compared.

Follitropin Delta in Long GnRH-agonist Protocol

The REWAG study ("Real-world Evaluation of Women undergoing Agonist protocol with Follitropin delta") is a non-interventional observational study conducted across several fertility centers in Germany. The goal of this study is to evaluate how well a personalized dosing regimen of a hormone called Follitropin delta works in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using a long GnRH agonist protocol. Follitropin delta is a recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) that allows for individualized dosing based on a woman's weight and a blood marker called anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). This personalized approach may help to better balance the stimulation of the ovaries, aiming to reduce the risk of overstimulation (OHSS) while still achieving good treatment outcomes. The study will include approximately 350 women who are undergoing routine IVF/ICSI treatment. No experimental drugs or procedures are involved. All treatment decisions remain the responsibility of the attending physicians and follow standard clinical practice. Data will be collected only from routine visits and medical documentation, with no additional interventions required for participation. Researchers will analyze outcomes such as the number of eggs retrieved, pregnancy rates, treatment cancellations, and any side effects. The study will also look at whether certain patient characteristics can predict how well the treatment works or whether complications may arise. Participation is voluntary. All personal data will be pseudonymized and handled according to strict data protection regulations (GDPR). Results will help to improve understanding of how personalized hormone dosing performs in real-life settings and may support more tailored and effective fertility treatments in the future.

The Embryo-endometrium Multifaceted Interface: Endometrial Cavity Molecular Microbiobial and Transcriptomic Signatures in Predictinf Pregnancy Outcome in Infertile Patients Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Technology Procedures

In reproductive medicine, a fundamental challenge is to evaluate the endometrial health status during the embryo implantation window as a limiting step in predicting the success of treatments of assisted reproduction technology (ART). Some highthroughput tools, recently developed by private genomics companies, are available in the market even if they have not been independently validated and have different limitations. We propose a prospective cohort study with the aim of validating the reliability and increasing efficacy of these tools. Endometrial fluid samples will be collected non-invasively from women undergoing ART cycles and isolated genetic materials will be subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiota profiling and to RNAseq analysis of RNA content of extracellular vesicles previously recognized as a tissue proxy in predicting endometrial receptivity. Clinical pregnancy rate/first cycle will be the target outcome used to assess the resulting predictive models. Ultrasonographic features of the endometrium will also be collected and accounted for in the predictive model.

The Role of hCG in Thawed Embryo Transfer

This prospective randomized trial will assess the relevance, if any, of a corpus luteum induced by hCG in transfers of thawed embryos.

Study of Abnormally Fertilized Embryos

The goal of this observational study is to determine the diploidy rate of haploid and triploid embryos from in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can a molecular genetic fertilization check of abnormally fertilized embryos be used to expand opportunities for couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment? * Is the chromosomal loss or gain present in abnormally fertilized embryos predominantly maternal in origin? For this purpose, we will evaluate the morphokinetics and ploidy of about 300 embryos with different types of abnormal pronuclear patterns (1PN, 2.1PN, and 3PN) that reach the blastocyst stage. Whenever possible, embryos with a non-diploid chromosomal complement will also be assessed to determine the origin (maternal or paternal) of the chromosomal set that has been lost or gained. Study subjects will follow their previously scheduIed IVF/ICSI treatment and no additional visits/interventions will be required for participating.

The EPIC Study: Exploring Paternal Age and the Influence on Blastocyst Culture

This study aims to assess the effect of age of the male partner and the reproductive ability of sperm prepared via sperm selection devices (Zymot) compared to routine embryologist selected sperm after density gradient centrifugation (DGC) preparation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment (IVF) of their infertility.

Language Matters: Exploring the Impact of Language Concordance on Fertility Treatment Progression

Currently, patients presenting to the Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center meet with an English-speaking provider and communicate through an interpreter, as none of the physicians speak Spanish. However, this study PI is a native Spanish speaker and certified bilingual clinician. Thus, this study is looking to evaluate whether or not the use of an interpreter delays completion of testing and initiation of fertility treatment. The medically indicated testing, procedures, and course of treatment will not be altered as a result of participation in the study. Participants will be asked to complete a survey in their preferred language to gauge satisfaction and communication efficacy. This proposed study is significant as it seeks to address a critical gap in the understanding of how language concordance between healthcare providers and patients influences treatment outcomes in fertility care. With Spanish being the most commonly spoken non-English language in the U.S., evaluating the impact of Spanish language skills in medical care is both timely and essential. This research will shed light on whether Spanish-speaking patients experience better treatment progression and outcomes when cared for by language-concordant providers versus when interpreters are used in fertility care. This prospective study will be conducted at Washington University's Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center over a 12-month period. The investigators aim to enroll a total of 70 Spanish-speaking patients, based on previous patient trends at the Center 35 will be randomized to the intervention group (being evaluated and treated by a Spanish-speaking provider), and 35 will be randomized to standard of care (communicating with an English-speaking provider through an interpreter).