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Most aspects of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) have changed dramatically since introduction, but embryo transfer (ET) technique remains largely unaltered. We aimed to determine whether four-dimensional ultrasound guided embryo transfers (4D UGET) could improve pregnancy rates when compared with clinical touch technique (CTT). This was a single centre open labelled randomised controlled trial in a tertiary fertility centre in the UK. 320 women were randomised on the day of single ET. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), secondary outcomes included live birth rate (LBR), biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), miscarriage, pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) and ectopic pregnancy. 4D-UGET resulted in significantly higher CPR [50% vs 36% p = 0.02, OR 1.78 (1.12–2.84)] and LBR [41% vs 28%, p = 0.02, OR 1.77 (1.09–2.87)] when compared to CTT technique. Miscarriage (p = 0.49), PUL (p = 0.14) and ectopic pregnancy (p = 0.96) were similar between the two groups. LBR, from this trial, are significantly higher than the current UK average (41% vs 24%). 4D UGET allows for superior imaging of the uterine cavity, whilst tailoring the embryo deposition point specifically to the patient. Further RCTs are required to determine if these results can be replicated in other units and whether 4D UGET is superior to 2D UGET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryopreservation, or the freezing of embryos or sperm, has become a routine part of many research projects involving laboratory mice. In this article, we combine historical and sociological methods to produce a cryopolitical analysis of this less explored aspect of animal research. We provide a longitudinal account of mouse embryo and semen storage and uses in the UK and show that cryopreservation enabled researchers to overcome particular challenges—fears of strain loss, societal disapproval, and genetic drift—in ways which enabled the continued existence of strains and contributed to the scaling up of mouse research since World War II. We use the theoretical lens of cryopolitics to explore three different, yet overlapping, cryopolitical strategies that we identify. All share the ability to ensure the continued maintenance of genetically defined strains without the need for continually breeding colonies of mice. We argue that, in contrast to more common imaginaries of species conservation, the cryopolitical rationale can best be understood as purposefully not letting the strain die without requiring animals to live. The ability to freeze mice, then, had the potential to unsettle who the objects of care are in mouse research, from individual animals to the concept of the strain itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) more than 30 years ago, the cost of treatment remains high. Furthermore, over the years, more sophisticated technologies and expensive medications have been introduced, making IVF increasingly inaccessible despite the increasing need. Globally, the option to undergo IVF is only available to a privileged few. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring strategies to reduce the cost of IVF treatment, which would allow the service to be provided in low-resource settings. In this review, we explore the various ways in which the cost of this treatment can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Announces the decision by the United Kingdom Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to allow a clinic in London to use frozen eggs in fertility treatments. Comments from spokesman James Yeandel on approval of fertility treatments and disapproval of in-vitro fertilization; Guidelines published which outline the management of infertility in the UK.

Reports on the destruction of the first frozen human embryos to reach the 5-year watershed under the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act. Media attention given to the event which took place in the United Kingdom in August 1996; Lack of communication between biological parents of the embryos and clinics; Comments by Ruth Deech, chairman of the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority.

Reports that 4000 frozen embryos will be destroyed on July 31, 1996 because they have reached their storage limit of five years under regulations by the Human Fertilization & Embryology Authority in Great Britain. Human embryo preservation; Failure to contact concerned couples for their stored embryos; Comments from government officials.

Reports on the ability to store frozen embryos for a longer period of time under the guidelines set by the Great Britain Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority. Extension of the statutory period for embryos from May 1, 1996; Requirements for patients with existing embryos in storage.