American Society for Reproductive Medicine's 62nd Annual Meeting, Oct. 21-25, 2006
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine's 62nd annual meeting took place from Oct. 21-25 in New Orleans. It was "an incredible meeting from the perspective that we had a record number of abstracts and we set a 62-year record for attendees at the postgraduate courses," said immediate past president of the ASRM, Joseph Sanfilippo, M.D. "The esprit de corp was very positive."
Members unveiled new guidelines on the transfer of embryos to reduce the risk of multiple gestations among women undergoing assisted reproduction. The guidelines suggest transferring a limited number of embryos at specific developmental stages based on maternal age.
"The biggest issue facing reproductive medicine now is surrounding the whole area of what is the best way to keep our success rates up and make sure babies are healthy when the biggest health risk is multiple gestations," said ASRM president-elect G. David Adamson, M.D.
Other research presented at the meeting showed that infertile women often present with comorbidities such as diabetes and have higher risks of complications during pregnancy. Their children also face slightly elevated health risks. "It is important to realize that infertile people are not the normal population, so I don't think we should be surprised that their outcomes are not as good, but the vast majority of fertility treatment patients and their babies are just as healthy as everyone else's," Adamson said. "Safety and efficacy are the two biggest issues we face."
Another new study, which suggested that cell phone use affects male infertility, drew much media attention. The study is "interesting," but "will require further study," Adamson said.
The ASRM also delved into some controversial issues, such as whether compensation for egg donors is ever coercive, and members also came together to share new information of the pathophysiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis.
Daniel R. Mishell, Jr., M.D., of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, gave a key note lecture on the history of contraception in the United States. "Contraceptives have, in a sense, new indications," Sanfilippo said. "For example, a new intrauterine device that releases progesterone has efficacy for birth control and results in less menstrual flow and discomfort, and there are a whole host of new non-contraceptive advantages to birth control methods," Sanfilippo said.
ASRM: New Guidelines for Embryo Transfer
THURSDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- To reduce the risk of multiple gestations, a woman undergoing assisted reproduction should have specific numbers of embryos at certain developmental stages transferred depending on her age, according to new guidelines released at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in New Orleans. The guidelines will be published in a supplement to the November issue of Fertility and Sterility.
More Information
ASRM: Hormones a Sign of Sex Dysfunction in Menopause
THURSDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Postmenopausal women are twice as likely as premenopausal women to experience sexual dysfunction, and levels of hormones such as testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and dehydroepiandrosterone may predict if a woman is at risk, according to two studies presented Oct. 24 at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in New Orleans.
Abstract O-208
Abstract O-69
ASRM: Link Studied Between Diet and Semen Quality
THURSDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Isoflavones, antioxidants, fresh fruit and vegetables may all play a role in male reproductive health, according to two studies presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine held in New Orleans.
Abstract
Abstract
ASRM: Cinnamon Extract May Improve Insulin Resistance
THURSDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Insulin resistance, thought to be a contributory factor in infertility related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can be reduced with cinnamon extract, according to the results of a study presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in New Orleans.
Abstract
ASRM: Cell Phone Use Linked to Lower Sperm Count
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Men with normal sperm counts who use cell phones for more than four hours a day have significantly lower sperm counts than those who do not, according to a study presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in New Orleans.
Abstract
ASRM: Motherhood at Advanced Age Brings Risks and Skills
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 25 (HealthDay News) -- While older women are at greater risk of pregnancy-related complications than their younger counterparts, they have no more stress and are just as capable of being good parents, according to three new studies presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in New Orleans.
Abstract
Abstract
Abstract
ASRM: Compensation Among Egg Donors Varies
TUESDAY, Oct. 24 (HealthDay News) -- Financial compensation among egg donors and gestational surrogates is not coercive, for the most part, but some agencies pay certain donors more than ethical guidelines suggest, sometimes more than $10,000, according to two new studies presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in New Orleans.
More Information
Abstract
Abstract
