UPFs and fertility

There has been an explosion in the consumption of ultra-processed food or UPFs in recent years and it’s estimated that over 50% of the food bought in the UK now consists of UPF. Compare this with 14.2% and 13.4% for our French and Italian neighbours respectively.

In a large-scale review involving almost 10 million people around the world, UPF has been linked to 32 harmful effects to our health, including high risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and early mortality. While this particular review did not examine the impact of high consumption of ultra-processed foods on fertility, there is an increasing body of research into this field.

What are ultra-processed foods?

“Our consumption is so high because so much of our diet come under the banner of being a processed food in the first place,” explains dietitian Alex Ballard. “Often, we think that this just means crisps, sweets or ready meals and, while it is true that many ultra-processed foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, not all are ‘unhealthy’.

“So, things like fortified breakfast cereal, such as Weetabix or Shredded Wheat, wholegrain bread, low fat yogurts, hummus can be classified as processed foods yet still be part of a healthy diet.”

Indeed, there is no single, universally agreed definition for ultra-processed foods. The term itself originates from the NOVA classification system, which was created by scientists at the University of São Paulo in Brazil.

NOVA divides foods into four main categories according to how much industrial processing they undergo.

  • Unprocessed or minimally processed foods: These are natural foods like fruit, vegetables, milk, fish, pulses, eggs, nuts, and seeds that have had minimal or no alteration and no added ingredients.
  • Processed culinary ingredients: These include substances used in cooking rather than eaten alone, such as oil, sugar, and salt.
  • Processed foods: Made by blending ingredients from the first two groups, these are foods that could feasibly be prepared at home and examples include jams, pickles, canned fruits or vegetables, cheeses, and freshly baked breads.
  • Ultra-processed foods: These contain multiple industrial ingredients and additives rarely used domestically. They often feature preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and artificial colours or flavours, to give them a long shelf life.

What impact does ultra-processed food have on fertility?

Emerging evidence indicates that consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods may adversely affect fertility in both women and men although the lack of a universal definition of what a UPF is contributes to the confusion of what we should and shouldn’t be eating.

“Although we have studies that show high consumption of these foods can produce poorer health outcomes and affect things like fertility, one research study will be testing certain foods, and another research study will test completely different foods.

“When it comes to fertility, researchers have examined the impact on both men and women, and several mechanisms are believed to play a role.”

Increased inflammation and oxidative stress

Ultra-processed foods are typically high in sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, all of which can trigger inflammation and oxidative damage in the body. Such effects may interfere with reproductive function by disturbing hormone regulation. In men, oxidative stress can attack sperm membranes and fragment DNA, which is linked to lower sperm motility and higher miscarriage risk.

Hormonal disturbances

Diets rich in highly processed products can disrupt hormone balance by impacting the endocrine system. For instance, spikes in insulin levels from processed sugars may impair reproductive hormones, potentially disrupting ovulation in women and reducing sperm production in men.

Depriving the body of essential nutrients

These foods often provide minimal vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The resulting nutrient deficiencies can affect fertility by lowering the quality of eggs and sperm.

Weight gain and metabolic problem

Frequent consumption of ultra-processed items is linked to obesity and other metabolic issues. Conditions like obesity and metabolic dysfunction are known contributors to infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women or diminished sperm quality in men.

In a 2025 study, healthy young men were placed on two tightly controlled diets, one high in UPFs and one composed of unprocessed foods, while ensuring that calorie intake was the same. It found that men gained fat mass on the UPF diet despite eating the same calories. As LDL cholesterol levels rose, there was a notable decrease in follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH), a key driver of sperm production.

A fertility dietitian’s advice on UPFs

An NHS dietitian for ten years, Alex’s keen interest in female health and understanding of how diet can improve conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis led her to specialise in fertility nutrition.

“I believe we should approach UPFs in a nuanced way rather than demonising everything that falls under the banner of being processed. We should always ask ourselves, does this seem healthy? Is it nutrient dense? Does it have lots of vitamins and minerals? Is it high in fibre?

“If you’re answering yes, then then they’re going to be good things to include. Even the foods that do not have a lot of nutritional value can still have a place. Typicallly, they taste good and absolutely we can have food just for enjoyment’s sake. However, if we are having them in large quantities on a regular basis over a long period of time, then they are likely to have a detrimental impact on our health.

“I think it’s also important to highlight that sometimes we hear the word additives, and we think that’s a negative, whereas it can mean nutrient fortification, including added calcium vitamin D, or iodine, and that’s a positive. Or it could be quite a natural ingredient that is making the food safer to consume, increasing the shelf life, or making it more affordable so it’s accessible for more people.”

Alex’s tips on navigating UPFs:

  • Try to be organised with food planning and prep so you don’t reach for convenience foods which are likely to be ultra processed.
  • Take a packed lunch into work or take snacks out with you when you’re on the go.
  • Try to cook meals from scratch if you can as you’re likely to use ingredients in their naturally occurring form.
  • You don’t have to abstain completely but look at your consumption and try to reduce it down and switch over to natural foods as much as possible.
  • Look at the ingredients list on foods you’re considering consuming. As a very general rule, if there is only a small handful of ingredients, most of which you recognise or have a place in the domestic kitchen, then the food is likely to have gone through a minimal amount of processing. Whereas a long list of ingredients that you don’t recognise is a red flag.

For more advice on fertility nutrition, please visit our support hub or arrange a consultation with Alex Ballard.

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What is the best age to freeze your eggs?

Egg freezing has exploded in popularity, as more and more women want to improve their chances of starting a family at the time that’s right for them, without feeling tied down by the biological clock.

In fact, according to statistics from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the number of women choosing to freeze their eggs has risen by 460% in the past 25 years.

What is egg freezing?

If you haven’t joined the ranks of women freezing their eggs yet, you may be wondering what the process involves. Essentially, egg freezing is a procedure to harvest mature eggs and then freeze them so they can be fertilised in future.

Usually, we only produce one mature egg a month, so to make the process quicker, hormones are injected to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. This egg production usually takes between 10 and 14 days, and then the eggs are harvested in a short procedure, and then frozen and stored until you are ready to use them.

The harvesting procedure itself is carried out under light sedation and most women report it to be quick and painless.

Is there an optimal age for egg freezing?

Theoretically, eggs can be harvested and frozen at any time before menopause, but is there an optimal time to do it?

The answer depends on several factors and will be different for everyone. Generally speaking, the factors to be considered are:

  • Egg quality – as a rule, the younger you are, the better the quality of your eggs. So ideally, if this was the only consideration, the younger the better. By the age of 35, the quality of your eggs begins to decline quite rapidly
  • Finances – egg freezing is not a cheap option, costing something in the region of £7,000. If you are in your early 20s, you may not be as financially stable as someone in their 30s, so cost may be a consideration
  • Usefulness – how likely is it that you will need to use these eggs? At 21, you have a high chance of natural conception, and your frozen eggs may never be used.

Are there any other considerations?

There are lots of things to think about when it comes to freezing your eggs. Whatever your age, the financial aspect is worth considering. However, many women feel that the reassurance of having their eggs safely stored away for future use gives them peace of mind, as it allows them to focus on their career without worrying about settling down before it’s too late.

There is also an emotional angle to consider – hormone injections notwithstanding, egg freezing can be a daunting process. You might feel a mixture of relief and empowerment at taking control of your own fertility, with anxiety about the procedures or even guilt at putting your career before your unborn child.

Here at Aria, we are experienced in helping women consider all these aspects and we pride ourselves on talking you through the process totally impartially, so you don’t feel any pressure to make a decision that may not be right for you.

If this is something you would like to discuss, please contact us to make an appointment today.

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Spotlight on: Fertility Dietitian Alex Ballard

This month, we’re speaking to fertility dietitian Alex Ballard (@alextalksdiet), who specialises in preconception nutrition and offers support to Aria Fertility patients.

What are your qualifications and experience as a dietitian?

I qualified as a dietitian in 2015 following a four-year degree involving various clinical placements. These included specialties such as paediatrics, intensive care, oncology and surgery.

Since then, I have worked in the NHS for ten years, seeing patients from all walks of life needing nutritional support. A lot of my current NHS work focuses on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, menopause and elderly care within GP surgeries.

Five years ago, I started my private practice as a specialist fertility dietitian following extensive research and additional training. I have advised hundreds of clients on diet and fertility, fertility treatment and foetal development.

I am a member of the British Dietetic Association and am HCPC registered.

What is the most rewarding part of your role as a fertility dietitian?

That is easy!

Firstly, clients’ feedback that they felt listened to, not judged, and were motivated to make changes following our session.

Secondly, getting updates from past clients to say they are pregnant. I love hearing back from clients to know how their journey is going.

What do you consider to be a healthy diet?

The reason it is so valuable to see a dietitian is that a ‘healthy diet’ can look incredibly different from person to person.

It is fantastic that diet is such a powerful tool for helping with fertility and managing health conditions (such as PCOS, diabetes, coeliac disease and endometriosis), but it’s essential that advice is personalised to an individual.

In general, balance is key! All foods can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, focusing on adding a variety of different colours and maximising naturally occurring foods is a helpful foundation for most people.

What inspired you to get into fertility nutrition?

I have always had a keen interest in female health and understanding how diet can improve symptoms for conditions such as PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea and endometriosis. This likely started following some of my own hormonal issues.

I started reading the research available on how diet can impact fertility and was astonished that nutrition wasn’t being talked about more in this space. I really wanted to use my knowledge to help individuals on their fertility journey and give them back some control.

What can clients expect when they work with you?

A friendly face and a non-judgemental conversation. My private consultations are relaxed and involve working together to formulate realistic nutritional goals.

My consultations are online, and an initial appointment ranges from 60 to 75 minutes. I can see individuals or couples.

We will start by getting to know each other and you explaining your goals. Then we will gather information about your current dietary intake and lifestyle. Following this, we will discuss relevant information about how nutrition can help you and together agree on what you want to work on first.

Review appointments are also available so that we can chat about how things have gone, discuss any challenges and add in some more changes when the time is right.

What are the most common challenges that your fertility clients face?

Often, my fertility clients may have multiple nutritional needs alongside trying to conceive and, for example, have a health condition that is impacted by diet (such as PCOS, high blood pressure, IBS), an allergy or intolerance to particular foods or food preferences (such as following a vegan diet).

Typically, in these cases, there can be so much information – often conflicting – that they are left confused and unsure of what to do.

A dietitian can help unpick this and make sure the agreed goals are appropriate for all of your needs.

Do you have one piece of advice for couples or individuals trying to conceive?

There can be too much of a good thing. Always have a sensible hat on when you hear advice about food.

It is fantastic that particular nutrients can be so helpful for fertility. However, it is always good to have a wide variety of ingredients instead of overloading on the same specific foods.

Yes, red/pink fruits and vegetables are helpful for lycopene. No, you do not have to drink glasses of beetroot juice each day.

Yes, a preconception supplement can be helpful for some people. No, you do not need to take three different ones or spend a fortune.

Yes, eating more nuts and seeds can be fantastic for fertility. No, restricting yourself to just seed cycling is not necessary.

Contact fertility dietitian Alex Ballard for more advice. We work closely with a wide range of practitioners to provide support throughout your fertility journey – click here to visit our Support Hub.

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Genetic screening in IVF explained

A new study has been published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, exploring the benefits of genetic testing for IVF-created embryos in women over 35.

Conducted by a research team from King’s College London, King’s College Hospital and King’s Fertility, this was the first study of its kind to look specifically at women aged 35 plus, and found that genetic screening of embryos could help women aged 35-42 successfully conceive in a shorter timeframe.

Although the sample size was too small to be considered statistically significant, the positive difference in cumulative live birth rate in those women who underwent genetic screening was large enough (72% compared to 52% in the control group) that the researchers believe the study merits a larger, multi-centre trial.

This could be exciting news for the IVF community, but genetic screening is not suitable for everyone, so here at Aria we’ve put together a list of FAQs to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What is genetic screening?

Genetic screening is a process that allows embryologists to check embryos that have been created through IVF for genetic and/or chromosomal abnormalities.

There are three different types of embryo screening:

PGT-A (aneuploidy testing)

This is the most common form of embryo screening and is looking for a genetic disorder called Aneuploidy. This is a condition that results in cells with either too many or too few chromosomes, potentially leading to life-limiting conditions such as Edward Syndrome or Patau Syndrome, and increasing the risk of miscarriage. During PGT-A screening, any embryos with more or less than the standard 46 chromosomes are not considered for transfer to the uterus.

PGT-M (monogenic testing)

Monogenic means single gene, so this test is looking for disorders associated with a single gene. PGT-M looks for specific genes carried by one or both parents, that might indicate genetic disorders like sickle cell anaemia or cystic fibrosis. Only embryos that are free of this specific gene would be transferred.

PGT-SR (structural rearrangements)

PGT-SR is looking for structural issues in the chromosomes, like segments that have been inverted, duplicated or are missing. Ensuring only embryos without these structural issues are implanted in the womb reduces the risk of failed implantation, miscarriage, birth defects or developmental issues.

How is genetic screening carried out?

The process is similar for all types of embryo screening:

  1. First, the embryos are created through IVF
  2. When the embryos reach five to six days old, a few cells are taken from the outer layer of each embryo
  3. The embryo is then frozen for the four to six weeks it takes for genetic testing to take place
  4. The cells that have been removed from the embryos are taken for genetic analysis
  5. Embryos that have been identified as healthy, without any genetic abnormalities, are then transferred to the uterus
  6. The usual IVF process continues

Who is suitable for genetic screening in IVF?

This process is not suitable for everyone. If you are younger than 35 and have no known risk factors, this could be an unnecessary additional step in the process. However, genetic screening can potentially help you achieve a viable pregnancy faster if:

  • You are over 35 – the older you are, the higher the risk of chromosomal abnormalities
  • You have a history of repeated miscarriage – some genetic disorders can increase the risk of miscarriage
  • You or your partner has a family history of genetic disorders
  • You are experiencing unexplained infertility or have undergone several failed IVF cycles

If you would like to know more about genetic screening in IVF and find out whether it might be helpful for you, one of our team will be happy to talk you through the process. Please contact us to make an appointment.

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What causes recurrent miscarriage?

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Recurrent miscarriage can be devastating. Sadly, around one in six pregnancies are miscarried, and each miscarriage increases the risk of it happening again. While the exact cause of recurrent miscarriage varies from person to person, scientists may have recently discovered a missing ‘key piece of the miscarriage puzzle’.

While miscarriage research up to now has tended to focus on the embryo, researchers at the University of Warwick and the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust have been studying the womb linings of women experiencing recurrent miscarriage, and have discovered an abnormal process in this tissue which could explain why the problem keeps happening.

Diagnostic testing of this issue and appropriate treatment has now led to healthy births for a number of women previously struggling to carry a pregnancy through to term.

What qualifies as recurrent miscarriage?

“Globally, recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as two consecutive pregnancy losses. However, in the UK we limit the definition of recurrent pregnancy loss to three consecutive losses,” explains Consultant Gynaecologist and Aria fertility expert Ms Srividya Seshadri. Ms Seshadri is widely published on recurrent miscarriage and its causes.

“However, I believe that we need to start investigating after two pregnancy losses because it has a devastating effect on the emotions as well as a physical impact on the individual or couple going through this experience.”

While the recent discovery about abnormal womb lining is undoubtedly important, there are many other reasons for recurrent miscarriage, some of which may be easily resolved without medical intervention. Ms Seshadri defines these as ‘modifiable’ and ‘non-modifiable’ risk factors.

Modifiable risk factors

If you have suffered one or more miscarriages, and are uncertain whether it is appropriate to seek medical advice, the first thing to consider may be your lifestyle, as certain habits can impede your body’s ability to retain a pregnancy. Modifiable risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss include:

  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Recreational drug use
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30+

If any of these apply to you, then it may be advisable to make some healthy changes to your lifestyle and see if that helps before seeking medical intervention. Ms Seshadri has published a clinical review on prepregancy advice, also called preconception care, in the British Medical Journal.

Non-modifiable risk factors

Sadly, not all fertility issues can be solved by giving up smoking or shedding some pounds. Some non-modifiable risk factors include:

  • Thrombophilia – this is an inherited capacity for the blood to over or under clot
  • Chromosomal imbalance – this can come from either parent
  • Womb abnormalities – as well as the lining issue mentioned above, this could be fibroids, polyps or an unusually shaped uterus that makes it difficult for a foetus to grow
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Thyroid problems
  • Autoimmune disorders

How to treat recurrent miscarriage

Here at Aria, we firmly believe that both parents need to be tested in order to diagnose the reasons behind recurrent miscarriage, so we carry out sperm analysis and sperm DNA fragmentation, as well as ultrasound scans and ovarian reserve tests.

“The final modality of treatment – and I’m delighted to say that The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have suggested that this may be an option – is to proceed with IVF treatment,” comments Ms Seshadri.

“This may seem alarming – recommending IVF treatment for a couple that are trying to conceive naturally, but if one of the main reasons for recurrent pregnancy loss is chronic embryo aneuploidy or chromosomal abnormalities, depending on the mother’s or father’s age, then it would make sense to proceed with IVF treatment  and genetic screening of embryos in the laboratory, rather than the uterus rejecting these chromosomal abnormal embryos resulting in pregnancy loss.”

We provide a fully personalised, confidential service to get to the bottom of your fertility problems and tailor a treatment plan that is right for you and your family-to-be. Whether that is lifestyle adaptations and nutritional or hormonal supplements, or IVF treatment, our fertility experts will be there to hold your hand every step of the way.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact us.

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Managing the endometriosis patient through their fertility journey

In the UK, it is estimated that one in 10 women of reproductive age is affected by endometriosis, translating to roughly 1.5 million women. Trustee of The Endometriosis Foundation and executive committee member of the British Fertility Society, Ms Srividya Seshadri has recently co-authored an exploration of endometriosis management for IVF patients.

Published in the specialist journal The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, this seemed an opportune moment to give a more patient-focused rundown on the intricacies of fertility treatment for endometriosis patients.

Endometriosis and fertility

Endometriosis is a painful condition that is characterised by the growth of womb-like tissue outside of the uterus. Because this tissue cannot exit the body in the usual way – through menstrual bleeding – this leads to the formation of scar tissue, causing obstruction and pain in the pelvic region.

Although there is some association between endometriosis and fertility problems, the condition does not necessarily cause infertility, and some women with very severe endometriosis have been able to conceive naturally. However, studies have suggested that roughly 25% to 50% of infertile women have endometriosis, and about 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis are infertile.

The exact reason for this is not yet fully understood, but in some cases, it may be linked to the formation of scar tissue, causing distortion of the abdominal organs, or even creating a blockage in the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from being released. Other possible reasons are that the associated inflammation reduces egg quality or disrupts implantation.

Can IVF help with fertility issues related to endometriosis?

The short answer is, yes. By extracting eggs directly from the ovaries, IVF treatment can circumvent many endometriosis-related fertility problems, and success rates among IVF patients with endometriosis are reassuringly high. However, there may be some adjustments to the standard IVF protocol that are necessary for patients with endometriosis.

Pre-IVF evaluation of symptoms

Before undergoing fertility treatment, it is necessary to assess the severity of the endometriosis symptoms and the impact it is having on your reproductive organs and ovarian reserves. This may include MRI or ultrasound scans.

Surgery to remove endometrial lesions

Although there is evidence to show that surgical treatment of endometriosis can be beneficial for the success of IVF, there is a risk that the surgery itself can diminish ovarian reserves, so currently this is only recommended for patients with severe lesions that block access for egg retrieval.

Hormone therapy and GnRH agonists

Historically, patients with endometriosis have been prescribed a prolonged (3-6 month) period of treatment with GnRH agonists and hormone therapy to treat the symptoms of endometriosis before IVF. However, evidence for the benefits of this on the success of fertility treatment is minimal, and it is now only recommended for patients who have undergone surgical removal of lesions, to prevent the recurrence of endometriosis symptoms.

Whilst all technologically assisted fertility treatments are available to patients with endometriosis, IVF has the strongest evidence base to support its use.

Endometriosis and pregnancy

Patients are often concerned about the impact that endometriosis will have on pregnancy, if they can conceive. The good news is that generally, the pain associated with endometriosis improves during pregnancy – although there are some exceptions to this rule, and it is likely to return soon after giving birth.

There are also some increased risks associated with endometriosis in pregnancy – the risk of miscarriage rises from 1 in 5 to 1 in 4, and patients with endometriosis are more than twice as likely to experience an ectopic pregnancy as those without the condition – although the risk is still very minimal.

When you undergo fertility treatment with Aria, we will always offer the treatment with the best evidence base for you, and monitor your fertility journey every step of the way, so you can rest assured you’re in the best possible hands.

For more information, please get in touch with us.

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Latest data released from UK fertility regulator

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology authority (HFEA), the UK’s fertility treatment regulator, has released the latest statistics on fertility treatment in the UK, and it makes for interesting reading.

One IVF baby in every classroom?

One stand-out stat that has been much quoted in the national press is that one in every 32 births in the UK in 2023 was a result of IVF treatment – the equivalent of one child in every classroom. That’s an increase of 34% in ten years, according to HFEA data.

The total number of IVF cycles carried out in 2023 was 77,500, on 52,400 patients, with around 20,700 babies resulting – suggesting a success rate of 27%. IVF births now make up around 3.1% of all births in the UK, up from 1.3% in 2000.

More fertility treatments in general since 2019

It isn’t just IVF use that’s on the increase in the UK – the data shows a steady rise in almost all fertility treatments in the UK from 2019 to 2023. Around 98,900 treatments were performed in the UK in 2023, broken down as follows:

  • 78% IVF treatments
  • 9% embryo storage
  • 7% egg freezing
  • 6% donor insemination (DI) treatments

More single patients using fertility treatment

The demographic with the sharpest increase in IVF treatment in 2023 was single patients, with a whopping 83% rise since 2019. Next was female same-sex couples, whose IVF use increased by 45%, to 2,559 couples treated in 2023.

There was also an increase of 1% in the number of single patients using donor insemination (DI) treatments, while every other demographic surveyed saw a decrease in DI treatment.

Egg freezing on the rise

Another fertility treatment that saw a significant increase was egg freezing, up from 4,700 treatments in 2022 to 6,900 in 2023. The largest increase was seen among women in their thirties.

This data tallies with what we are seeing here at Aria Fertility, with more and more women choosing to establish their career before starting a family, but not wishing to risk leaving it too late.

Egg freezing offers a great opportunity to preserve eggs produced when you are at peak fertility for use later on, allowing women more control over when they start a family.

How does egg freezing work?

As we age, the quality and quantity of the eggs we produce begins to decrease. While historically most women were having babies in their late teens and early twenties, nowadays that schedule seems less realistic, as study, work and travel often take priority in the first flush of youth.

To avoid missing your most fertile years, however, you can choose to have eggs surgically harvested and frozen, to be used at a later date when you feel ready to commit to parenthood.

Egg freezing is a minor surgical operation that takes between 20 and 30 minutes, and is performed using intravenous sedation, so you won’t feel a thing.

There is of course no obligation to use the eggs you have frozen if you eventually decide that family life is not for you, but many women (6,900 in 2023!), find that freezing their eggs allows them peace of mind as they pursue their career.

For more information on any of the treatments mentioned here, or to book a consultation, please contact us.

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Oocyte SOS: can we save the egg?

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At Aria, we believe that research isn’t just data — it’s hope in the shape of numbers. It’s a quiet revolution happening behind microscopes and within conversations between scientists asking What if?

As we celebrate Research Appreciation Day, this year we reflect on the journey of discovery that has brought us closer to understanding the very building blocks of life. But we are also looking forward. From the heart of our lab to the global stage at ESHRE 2025 in Paris, our team continues to challenge dogmas, embrace innovation, and push the boundaries of fertility science.

A conversation with Dr Xavier Vinals Gonzalez, Laboratory Manager at Aria Fertility:

Q: Xavier, you’ve just returned from ESHRE 2025 in Paris. What stood out to you most?

This year’s ESHRE was a glimpse of what’s to come in ART. The conversations weren’t just about data — they were about redefining the future of fertility care. We talked about AI in the lab, ethical dilemmas, reproductive autonomy, and how to reduce time to pregnancy without compromising safety. We explore those first steps we have taken as a community and challenges in the new area we have entered.

ESHRE PRESENTATION IN FULL Right-open-mini Right-open-mini

Q: Aria has been working on a unique research project with UCL presented at the conference. Can you tell us more?

Absolutely. Our latest study, ‘Oocyte SOS: Can NMN Save the Egg?’, looks into how NAD+ metabolism affects egg quality. Together with Dr Seshadri, we looked at NMN, a well-known anti-ageing supplement, and its potential to restore mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress in eggs. What’s exciting is that we didn’t stop at animal models—we analysed human data to see how these mechanisms translate.

Q: Why is this important for fertility patients?

Egg quality is one of the starting points in fertility journeys. It’s the foundation of successful fertilisation and embryo development. What we’ve found is that even within the same cycle, egg quality can vary dramatically. By understanding and potentially improving this variability—especially in older patients—we’re opening doors to better outcomes.

Q: What makes this research unique to Aria?

This is the first study of its kind to combine a systematic review of NMN in animal models with human transcriptomic analysis. It’s a collaboration between Aria and the Institute for Women’s Health at UCL, and it reflects our commitment to translational research.

Q: What’s next for the Aria lab?

We’re continuing to explore AI integration, non-invasive embryo assessment, and IVM (in vitro maturation) strategies. But more than that, we’re building a lab culture that values curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. Research isn’t just about answers — it’s about asking better questions. What truly sets Aria apart is how we ensure robustness and ethical integrity in everything we do.

Q: How do you balance innovation with patient safety and autonomy?

Innovation in fertility science is moving fast. We approach every new technology or research direction with a simple question: Does this serve the patient’s best interest, and can it be delivered safely, ethically, and transparently? We have established a dedicated Institutional Review Board (IRB) — a diverse and independent panel composed of scientists, professors, laypeople, genetic counsellors, and individuals from religious backgrounds.

This ensures that every research project is not only scientifically sound but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. We also prioritise informed consent and patient autonomy. That means giving patients clear, honest information about what a new technique involves, what we know, what we don’t know yet, and what it might mean for their journey.

To find out more about the Aria lab and our commitment to fertility science, please contact us.

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Understanding shared motherhood

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Shared motherhood – also known as reciprocal IVF – is a treatment that allows female same-sex couples to both take an active role in the experience of conceiving and carrying a child. Many women arrive at our clinic uncertain about how the process works, so here we answer some of your Shared Motherhood FAQs to help you gain a deeper understanding of the procedure.

Who can benefit from shared motherhood?

Shared motherhood is predominantly a treatment for female same-sex couples who want to have a child that feels as close as possible to being the biological offspring of both mothers.
How can a child have two biological mothers?

The idea of shared motherhood is that the eggs are harvested from one partner, with the fertilised embryos implanted in the other, so that in effect one mother conceives the child, while the other carries it to term and gives birth to it.

How does the process differ from standard IVF?

Just like in IVF for heterosexual couples, both partners are fully involved in the process. The difference with shared motherhood is that the sperm will always come from a donor, and the egg will be harvested from the non-carrying partner

What steps does the shared motherhood procedure follow?

Once you and your partner have had a thorough consultation at your chosen clinic, and have undergone the various tests and scans necessary, the consultant will advise on which partner is best suited for which role – for example if one partner has a higher ovarian reserve, they may be recommended as the “egg donor”, while the other partner would be the carrier.

Once a sperm donor has been selected (this can be from a sperm bank, or can be someone you know), the partner who is donating the eggs will begin medication to stimulate egg production, and will undergo regular check-ups and hormone injections to ensure everything goes to plan.

When the doctor is happy that the time is approaching to harvest the eggs, the carrying partner will begin a course of medication to help prepare the womb for pregnancy.

The eggs will be harvested once they have reached the appropriate point of maturity, and will then be fertilised with the chosen donor’s sperm and left to grow into embryos, before being implanted into the carrying partner’s womb.

What is the success rate of shared motherhood?

As with all fertility treatment, success rates can be dependent on the age of the eggs and of the women involved. However, as the sperm used always comes from a donor, this eliminates many of the sperm quality issues associated with standard IVF, meaning success rates can be higher. Some clinics report a success rate as high as 85% in women under the age of 35

Are there any legal implications of shared motherhood?

If you are not married or in a civil partnership, it is important to be aware that only the carrying partner will be considered a legal parent once the child is born. However, the clinic can guide you through the process of filling out paperwork before your treatment takes place, to ensure you are both considered legal parents, and remove any additional stress in those first few weeks of motherhood.

If you have any questions about shared motherhood that aren’t answered here, or would like to book a consultation with one of our fertility specialists, please contact us.

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Overcoming the stigma around male infertility

As it’s Men’s Health Week here in the UK, we wanted to take the opportunity to talk about male infertility.

“An estimated one in seven couples will have IVF treatment for male factor infertility,” our fertility expert Miss Amanda Tozer explains. On average, male fertility is the cause in 30% of infertility cases, although recent studies have shown that figure could now be as high as 50%, making it more important than ever that we break the stigma around male infertility.

While female fertility problems often have some symptoms, often to do with menstruation or pelvic pain, male infertility is usually entirely symptomless, so often a man has no idea there is an issue with his fertility until the time comes to try for a baby.

What causes male infertility?

Male infertility can present in three different ways, all of which can be diagnosed through semen testing:

  • Low sperm count – this is when the actual volume of semen produced is below what it should be to facilitate insemination of the egg
  • Low sperm motility – this is when the sperm are unable to move quickly and efficiently enough to get to the egg in time
  • Sperm morphology problems – this is where there is an issue with the size or shape of the sperm, impeding fertilisation.

There are many reasons why any of these problems could be present, often genetic. However, there are some lifestyle factors, such as smoking or vaping, alcohol and drug abuse, and poor diet, which can have a detrimental effect on male fertility.

What can be done to improve male fertility?

If you have undergone semen testing and a problem with your fertility has been diagnosed, it is important to look at your family history to see if you can identify a genetic influence.

You should also ensure that you are tested for any sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, that can cause infertility.

If you have ruled out any of these causal factors, a great first step before opting for medical intervention is to look at your lifestyle. If you smoke, vape, or drink heavily, try to stop, and see if this helps you to conceive naturally. There are also some nutritional supplements you can take to improve male fertility, such as:

  • Omega 3
  • Zinc
  • Selenium
  • Coenzyme Q10
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folic acid

What treatments are available for male infertility?

If you have tried to resolve your fertility issues through lifestyle changes and nothing is working, it might be time to consider medical intervention.

For couples where male infertility is the root cause of their difficulty in conceiving, a treatment called Introcytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is usually the best cause of action.

This is a similar procedure to a standard IVF treatment, except that instead of leaving the sperm and the egg together to fertilise naturally, in ICSI the healthiest sperm are selected and then a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to enable fertilisation.

After this initial procedure, the rest of the treatment follows the same path as a standard IVF procedure, and has the same success rate.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact us.

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