Globally, we are starting families later than ever. Although most couples do get pregnant within the first 12 months of trying, it is estimated that one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving.

Though the latest data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reveals that the rate of successful IVF treatments continues to rise, it also noted that the chance of having a baby after one treatment cycle for women under 35 years of age is 31.3%.

Fertility clinics are increasingly focusing on the biopsychosocial dimension of fertility and, using a unique and cutting-edge approach, Aria’s Laboratories are conducting an innovative study to investigate how non-invasive data could be used to tailor and maximise IVF treatments.

Mr Stuart Lavery, Consultant Gynaecologist and a Founding Director of Aria Fertility, explains: “Aria Fertility was born through the vision of leading clinicians and embryologists who have combined their experience and vision to deliver truly market-leading fertility care, whilst combining the latest technological advances and pioneering research in the field of embryology.

“Using a unique and cutting-edge approach, Aria’s Laboratories are conducting an innovative study to investigate how non-invasive data could be used to tailor and maximise IVF treatments.”

The Safe Assessment of Embryos (SAFE) study aims to integrate information on individual’s sleep quality, lifestyle habits, laboratory and clinical data, together with non-invasive genetic information and the most advanced algorithms for embryo selection using artificial intelligence (AI).

Embryo selection explained

Once embryos are created in in vitro, embryo selection is a decisive stage in IVF treatment. The healthier the embryo selected, the higher the chance of a successful pregnancy result.

There are several methods embryologists use to select for the best embryo. One method used in routine practice involves looking at the appearance of the cells which make up the embryo (morphological assessment). Another method involves tracking the growth of the embryo in a special incubator that records images over time (morpho-kinetic assessment).

One emerging method to score embryos involves AI, which can be used to rank the embryos most likely to become a baby. Even though all methods are valid, there are currently discrepancies between IVF laboratories when it comes to their criteria, use and implementation.

Currently, genetic data from the embryo is obtained through a biopsy of the embryo, where some cells are removed and sent for analysis. Although being invasive, preimplantation genetic testing of aneuploidies (PGT-A, formerly known as PGS) is considered the gold standard technique to check embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes – key factor for successful pregnancy.

Chief Investigator and Laboratory Manager at Aria, Xavier Viñals Gonzalez explains why the SAFE study is unique. “The SAFE study proposes to use the culture medium, which is the nutrient fluid that embryos are placed in to grow, to gain genetic information in a non-invasive manner. Embryos gain their nutrients from the culture medium to grow, and they then secrete certain markers into the medium. Previous studies have connected these with embryo’s genetic makeup.

“In routine treatment, the culture medium is discarded after the embryos have been transferred or cryopreserved. Our laboratory will measure these markers in the medium to see whether they are predictive of a live birth.”

Sleep and fertility

Previous studies have shown that sleep quality and length to be associated with variations in fertility hormones, number of eggs collected during fertility treatment, egg maturation, and quality of semen.

Dr Sara McNeillis, Sleep Medicine and Anaesthesia Consultant, joins Aria’s study to investigate the vastly unexplored area of sleep disorders and infertility. With the aid of a smart watch, individuals sleep quality and patterns will be measured and further complemented with sleep questionnaires. Also, participants will be encouraged to record information on lifestyle habits while they are enrolled in the study.

Joining the fertility study

To be eligible to participate in this study, individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 44 and planning to have IVF with a single embryo transfer. Given its non-invasive nature, being part of the SAFE study will not impact individual’s treatment in any way. Results from this research could be the biggest game changer not only for how we analyse data to predict successful outcomes in IVF but also for patients to understand their options during their reproductive journey.

To find out more about our study and the work of the Aria embryologists, call us on +44 (0) 203 263 6025 to speak to one of the team.

Almost two years of living with COVID has resulted in ‘heartbreaking’ delays to fertility treatment, according to a survey of nearly 400 patients by the UK’s national fertility charity.

Last week was National Fertility Awareness Week, led by Fertility Network UK, to raise awareness of all aspects relating to fertility, from fair access to NHS-funded treatments, the emotional impact of male infertility, through to encouraging donor donation. The charity also reviewed the devastating impact the COVID pandemic has had on those waiting for fertility treatment.

Although clinics were officially given the green light to resume treating patients in May 2020, the backlog is still affecting many patients receiving fertility treatment through the NHS.

New research found that 58% of respondents had experienced delays being able to access treatment and a quarter had not been able to access counselling. Delays had affected both diagnostic testing, including semen analysis and blood tests, and surgical procedures with interruptions to treatment ranging from months to up to two years. Tests were often out of date and needed repeating.

Going it alone

Another upsetting aspect has been the impact on face-to-face services. In some instances, male partners were unable to attend fertility appointments and often patients had to receive devastating news over the phone.

The impact on mental health

Patients reported increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression as a result of delays. Counselling was also affected with many unable to access emotional support.

Gwenda Burns, chief executive of Fertility Network UK, said: “Our survey shows the devastating reality of delays to tests and treatment for fertility patients. It is clear the delays are ongoing and that many are concerned about how this will impact their chances of having a family. We are particularly concerned for those who haven’t been able to access counselling and would remind anyone affected by this that we are at hand to offer support.

“We are particularly concerned about the impact on fertility patients, where we know that age makes such a difference to outcomes. Time really is of the essence for fertility patients. Research from Aberdeen University earlier this year showed the impact that delays of six months or a year may have, and we know this is now a reality for many patients.”

One result of delays to NHS fertility provision has been more couples or individuals seeking treatment at private clinics.

Aria Fertility Clinic was developed during the height of the pandemic, receiving its license from HFEA in 2021. “We have managed to remain open throughout, providing consultations, investigations and the full range of treatment services, whilst always prioritising the safety of our patients,” Rob Smith, Clinic Director. Find out more about COVID and fertility treatment at Aria or call us on +44 (0) 203 263 6025 to speak to one of the team.

A new study has revealed that men may not have quite as long as they think to start a family. You may think that the biological clock is something only women need to worry about. However, the findings of this latest study show that there may also be a time limit on male fertility.

So, when can you expect male fertility to start to drop? Let’s look at what the study revealed…

Male fertility starts to drop in the mid-forties

Scientists from the Genea IVF clinic in Australia carried out the latest study, reviewing over 40,000 sperm tests. It was discovered that male fertility starts to drop in the mid-forties. By the age of 55, fertility deteriorates dramatically.

After studying the sperm samples, the two likely causes are reduced sperm mobility and DNA information damage. However, there are a lot of other potential causes too. Understanding the factors that can contribute to poorer male fertility can help you take preventative measures.

Why does male fertility reduce?

There is a vast range of factors that can cause male fertility to reduce. Some of the main things to factor in include:

• Medical issues
• Medical and environmental history
• Lifestyle choices
• Age

Certain medical issues such as illnesses, chromosomal defects, and anatomical issues, can all impact male fertility. Therefore, if you are experiencing fertility problems, it’s important to check that there isn’t an underlying medical issue.

Your medical and environmental history can also play a role. This includes any medications you might be taking or surgeries you may have undergone in the past. Environmental factors that could impact fertility include overexposure to radiation, industrial chemicals, or heavy metals.

It is also known that modern lifestyles have greatly impacted male fertility. Poor sperm mobility and lower sperm counts are becoming a worrying problem for modern men. This is said to be down to a poor western diet, excessive alcohol use, smoking, and illegal drug use.

Finally, age does play a role in fertility. While they may not experience the same level of age-related fertility issues as women, men still need to be aware of their own risks.

Undergoing a fertility assessment

Due to how prevalent male-related fertility issues are, it is important to test the fertility of both partners when couples are struggling to conceive. At Aria Fertility, we carry out extensive fertility assessments to identify any issues.

A range of tests will be carried out, and the results will be discussed with you to give you a clear picture of your fertility. The male fertility assessment involves looking into your BMI, carrying out a sperm analysis, and screening for infections. Depending upon the results, you may be recommended to undergo more extensive medical tests.

Fertility problems in men are becoming more prevalent in Western society. An Israeli study in 2017 that received a great deal of media attention found that sperm counts among men in the West have more than halved in the past 40 years and were currently falling by 1.4% on average per year.

Couples who are struggling to get pregnant can undergo an extensive fertility assessment to determine the cause and identify potential treatment options. Get in touch to find out more.

The government has made a major announcement this week on egg, sperm and embryo freezing limits following a public consultation earlier this year. Currently, the statutory storage restriction is 10 years, but in a landmark ruling, they plan to extend the storage limit to a maximum of 55 years, with 10-year renewals.

Dr Anna Carby, fertility expert and consultant gynaecologist at Aria Fertility, commented on the news: “We welcome the government’s plans to extend the storage limit for frozen eggs, sperm and embryos. The increase in the number of egg freezing cycles in the UK has risen exponentially over the past few years with improvements in freezing technology and the recent COVID outbreak has led to an additional surge in the numbers of cycles undertaken. Here at Aria, we are delighted that storage limits are set to increase up to 55 years for both eggs and sperm allowing patients the freedom to decide if, and how early, they may choose to freeze.”

Why are storage limits being extended?

The government has taken this step to give prospective parents a greater choice over when they can start a family. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the current limit was “severely restrictive” and the change will remove the pressure of the “ticking clock in the back of people’s minds”.

Under the current legislation, after the 10-year storage period, parents must decide whether to proceed with fertility treatment at that point or have the cells destroyed. There are some exceptions to this – patients that can prove they are premature infertility, for example, as a result of medical treatment such as chemotherapy, are able to preserve their gametes and embryos for 55 years and the new proposal would allow all fertility patients to be treated equally.

What is egg, sperm or embryo freezing?

During egg freezing, your ovaries are stimulated in the same way as IVF to maximise the number of eggs you reproduce. We monitor your progress and schedule the best time to collect the eggs. Egg collection is a straightforward, minor surgical procedure and we then flash-freeze the suitable eggs in a process known as vitrification.

Before we freeze your sperm, we carry out a fertility assessment including semen analysis. We then receive your instructions on how your sperm can be used in the future. Once the sperm is collected, it is then preserved in liquid nitrogen at very low temperatures to preserve its quality.

Embryo freezing can be performed either as a standalone procedure or after IVF or ICSI to preserve any excess embryos in case you need to undergo further fertility treatments. Your eggs are collected and fertilised like during IVF. They can be frozen when they’re just a single cell, at the two to eight-cell stage or later in their development.

Prevalent research suggests that eggs, sperm and embryos can be stored indefinitely without deteriorating.

The next step is for the plans to be brought before parliament so new legislation can be introduced. Now, all patients with frozen gametes or embryos have been given a two-year extension due to the disruption to fertility treatments caused by the COVID pandemic. For more advice on fertility preservation, get in touch with Aria Fertility to arrange a consultation.