Researchers combined the results of 86 randomized trials to evaluate ten of the most commonly used IVF add-ons and found that endometrial scratching improved the chance of having a baby, while most other add-ons showed little or no benefit or require more high-quality research.
The ASRM published their 2026 guidelines on managing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), reviewing which tests and treatments are supported by evidence, which may be considered in certain situations, and which are not routinely recommended.
A 2026 meta-analysis combined the results of 105 studies to examine the causes of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), finding that unexplained RPL and acquired thrombophilia were the most common.
The Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) has issued new guidelines on 28 IVF add-ons, outlining which may help in certain situations, which lack evidence, and which should be limited to research.
Researchers in a 2025 study found that women with RPL show distinct immune-related gene activity in their endometrium, identifying a possible molecular signature that could help diagnose or personalize treatment for RPL in the future.
Successful embryo implantation and pregnancy depends on careful control of the immune system. In this post, we’ll explore the general workings of the immune system and its role in pregnancy, examining how dysregulation of immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages can impact fertility. Additionally, we’ll look into autoimmunity and discuss how immunotherapies may be used to improve IVF outcomes.
Researchers in a 2024 study measured leukocyte (white blood cell) levels in women preparing for pregnancy, and found that miscarriage risk was lower with high total leukocytes. Specific immune cells examined include monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils.
Researchers in a 2021 review examined how sperm and eggs can sometimes be genetically incompatible, based on a group of proteins called human leukocyte antigens (HLA), which may lead to implantation failure or embryo arrest when they’re mismatched.
This post covers the variety of reasons embryos can fail to implant or miscarry, including as a result of advanced maternal age, chromosomal translocations, lifestyle, endometritis, the microbiota, immunological issues, endometrial receptivity, the clinic, and more. Note that this is not a complete list, and will be updated periodically.
NK or natural killer cells play an important (and controversial) role in IVF. Most evidence suggests that there is no link to NK cell levels and pregnancy outcomes, and that immunotherapies that target NK cells in IVF show no benefit. Although there may be a certain group of patients that benefit. We’ll also discuss how uterine NK cells can support pregnancy, with information on their KIR receptors and HLA-C on the embryo, and how this can lead to embryo “rejection.” Finally, we’ll look at the overall problems with NK cell testing.
