Top 5 recent updates in fertility research

National Infertility Awareness Week | Image Credit: © iNeelrong - stock.adobe.com.

As we recognize National Infertility Awareness Week (April 20-26, 2025), it’s an important time to reflect on the innovations, research, and evolving care strategies that are shaping the future of fertility treatment. From clinical breakthroughs to regulatory milestones, the first few months of 2025 have brought encouraging news for patients, providers, and advocates alike, particularly in the areas of in vitro fertilization (IVF), embryo transfer, and reproductive mental health.

In this roundup, Contemporary OB/GYN highlights some of the most notable fertility-related developments so far this year, including advancements in embryo transfer techniques, the use of stem cell-derived technologies, AI-powered automation in IVF labs, and supportive psychological care for women undergoing treatment. These stories reflect the ongoing commitment to making fertility care safer, more effective, and more accessible for individuals and couples striving to build their families.

Click on each title below for more information on each news item.

1. FDA grants clearance for phase 3 trial of Fertilo, an iPSC-based fertility treatment

On February 14, 2025, Lisa Wagner, PhD, an embryologist with Cooper Surgical, spoke with Contemporary OB/GYN about how the job of embryologists has become more demanding due to advances in IVF. In the past, embryos were cared for just 1 day, but now the process lasts up to a week and includes more complex tasks like genetic testing and freezing embryos. These improvements help patients, but have made the work more stressful.

Wagner noted that the growing workload can lead to burnout, as embryologists are pressured to be extremely accurate. Mistakes are rare but serious, adding to their stress. To help, some labs use electronic systems that double-check steps automatically, saving time and reducing human error. New lab protocols also aim to make work more manageable.

Wagner stressed the importance of self-care for embryologists, encouraging them to take breaks and stay mentally sharp. She also highlighted the vital role they play in IVF and urged them to keep learning and using new tools to balance quality care with a heavy workload.

2. Fresh embryo transfer boosts IVF success for low-prognosis women

On February 4, 2025, Contemporary OB/GYN reported on a study published in The BMJ, which found that using fresh embryos during IVF may lead to higher chances of success for women who have a lower likelihood of getting pregnant.

The study focused on women with a low prognosis—meaning they had fewer eggs or lower hormone levels that typically suggest lower IVF success. These women were randomly assigned to receive either a fresh or frozen embryo during IVF.

Results showed that 40% of women who received fresh embryos had a live birth, compared to 32% in the frozen embryo group. Fresh embryo transfers also had slightly higher rates of clinical pregnancy and lower pregnancy loss. Other outcomes, like complications or birth weights, were similar.

The researchers concluded that fresh embryo transfer may be a better option for women with low chances of IVF success and encouraged more studies on how to improve results for this group.

3. FDA grants clearance for phase 3 trial of Fertilo, an iPSC-based fertility treatment

On January 30, 2025, the FDA approved a new drug trial for Fertilo, a fertility treatment developed by Gameto. This marks the first US-based phase 3 trial for a therapy using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), making it a big step forward in reproductive medicine.

Fertilo is designed to mature eggs outside the body using lab-grown ovarian support cells, which reduces the need for high-dose hormone injections. Traditional IVF takes 10–14 days of hormone treatments, but Fertilo only needs 2–3 days and cuts hormone use by 80%.

The upcoming phase 3 trial will test how well Fertilo helps mature eggs, produce embryos, and lead to successful pregnancies. The trial will take place at 15 sites across the United States, and participants will undergo a short hormone treatment and potentially two embryo transfers. Those who don’t get pregnant will be offered another attempt.

4. First baby born via fully automated ICSI system

On April 10, 2025, the first baby was born using a fully automated, AI-controlled intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) system, marking a major milestone in fertility treatment. The system automates all 23 steps of ICSI, including sperm selection and injection, with precision beyond human ability.

The procedure was performed on a 40-year-old woman using donor eggs after a failed IVF attempt. Of 5 eggs fertilized by the automated system, 4 fertilized normally. A high-quality embryo created through remote operation from New York was transferred and resulted in the birth of a healthy baby boy.

Although the process currently takes longer than manual ICSI, researchers believe time will improve with future refinements. The system combines AI, lasers, and robotics and could eventually make IVF more precise, efficient, and accessible worldwide.

5. Solutions-focused therapy improves mental health in IVF patients

On March 21, 2025, Contemporary OB/GYN reported on a study that found that a solution-focused approach (SFA) can help reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep and quality of life for women aged 35 and older undergoing IVF-embryo transfer. The study, published in PLOS One, compared women who received SFA sessions during treatment with those who received standard care.

SFA involved guided sessions at key stages of the IVF process where patients could discuss their feelings, set goals, and receive support. After the intervention, women in the SFA group reported lower levels of anxiety and depression, better sleep, and higher reproductive health quality scores compared to the control group. However, the actual pregnancy rates were similar between groups.

Overall, the study shows that SFA is a helpful tool for improving mental well-being and overall experience for older women going through fertility treatment.

For more articles and expert interviews on updates in fertility treatments and research, click here.