Infertility and assisted reproduction treatments represent a challenge that goes beyond the medical dimension
Uncertainty, procedures, expectations and the difficulty in controlling the outcome can generate concern and anxiety throughout the process. Reproductive anxiety can be understood as the range of concerns and emotional responses related to fertility, diagnosis and the different stages of treatment. Scientific evidence has shown that anxiety, depression and a reduced quality of life are common in both women and men undergoing fertility treatment.[1] A comprehensive approach to assisted reproduction must therefore address both clinical outcomes and the psychological wellbeing of patients.
Discover the role of the environment in eggs, sperm and the mother’s womb.
When we think of biological inheritance, we tend to imagine a fixed set of traits that are determined at the moment of conception: eye colour, height or a predisposition to certain medical conditions. However, modern science has shown us that the book of life is not set in stone. There is a fascinating field of study that helps us understand how the environment can influence the way our genes function: epigenetics. For patients trying to conceive, whether naturally, through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) using their own eggs, or via egg donation treatment, understanding epigenetics provides a broader and more hopeful perspective on the interaction between genetics, the environment and a baby’s development. It shows us that certain habits, environmental factors and the uterine microenvironment may influence some aspects of a child’s biological development.
From genetic grief to a new way of becoming a mother or father
When an individual or a couple begins a fertility treatment process, it is usually undertaken with expectations, desires and images built around future parenthood, including the possibility of sharing a genetic link with the child they envisage. When, due to different circumstances, oocyte, sperm or embryo donation appears as the only alternative to be able to build a family, not only is it necessary to adapt to a medical decision, but also to go through a deep emotional process. In this context, complex and sometimes contradictory emotions may arise, related to the need to readjust expectations and reconstruct the meaning of motherhood and fatherhood as previously imagined.
Endocrine disruptors: what you need to know to protect your health
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding how certain chemicals in our environment can influence the body. These include endocrine disruptors, compounds that can interfere with the hormonal system. Despite scientific advances, much remains unknown about their impact on human health.
Artificial intelligence in the IVF laboratory
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant inroads into healthcare, and assisted reproduction is no exception. In recent years, numerous software platforms have emerged that analyse images and data from oocytes or embryos, and in this article, we will explain how they can contribute to decision-making in the in vitro fertilisation laboratory. An AI model serves as a ‘trained expert’ inside the computer: it learns by reviewing many real cases from the past (medical records, images, results, etc.) and extracts patterns to estimate probabilities in a new case. For example, using the patient’s age and a photo of an embryo, it can calculate the probability of achieving a pregnancy. It is not magic, nor does it predict the future: it provides estimates, not certainties.
Endometriosis and Fertility: Surgery, Before or After?
Hello, I am Dr Almudena Utrera, and as a gynaecologist specialising in fertility, one of the conditions I see most often in my practice and which raises the most questions is endometriosis. If you have been diagnosed, I know you probably have a whirlwind of questions and concerns: about pain, about your quality of life and, above all, about your chances of becoming a mother.
Male infertility: has there been an increase in cases over the last few years?
Nowadays, it is relatively common to have friends or family members with problems in achieving pregnancy, and even we can be affected at any given time.
FISH TECHNIQUE IN SPERM CELLS
Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) in sperm cells has been a complementary diagnostic tool in the study of male infertility over many years, but its clinical application has been under review in recent years.
ESHRE Congress 2025
During ESHRE 2025, several papers were presented analysing the impact of Fast Warming techniques on previously vitrified blastocysts. This protocol consists of a shorter and more intense thawing process compared to the standard one, resulting in significantly reduced exposure times to rehydration solutions and cryoprotectants.
Anabolic steroids
Today we are going to talk about a subject that has certainly gained a lot of attention in the sports and health world: anabolic steroids. If you have ever wondered what they are, why some people use them and what the associated risks are, this article is for you.