Reproductive biology
Discover in depth the biological processes related to fertilization, embryo implantation and all aspects affecting human reproductive biology.
Exhaustive sperm donor selection and exclusion criteria
Nowadays, many couples have to turn to gamete donation in order to make their dream of becoming parents come true. In cases such as these, the couple tends to have common and understandable doubts about […]
AIDS. Assisted reproduction is the best option
The risk of contracting HIV during unprotected sexual intercourse is estimated to be between 0.5 and 1%. For serodiscordant couples (one partner is a carrier), trying for a child naturally can entail an elevated risk […]
Embryonic development: the embryo on day 1 (D1)
When an oocyte is in an optimum state of maturation, ovulation takes place. This is known as day 0 of development (D0) and fertilisation by a competent spermatozoon must take place during this period. When the oocyte […]
Infertility in men and cryptorchidism
Cryptorchidism, from the Greek words kriptos (hidden) and orquis (testicle), is the failure of one or both testes to descend to the scrotum. It is estimated that between 2 and 5% of newborn boys have […]
The impact of Turner syndrome on women
Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition caused by partial or total loss of one of the X chromosomes. All human beings have 23 pairs of chromosomes and this is what is known as the karyotype. […]
Is there hope for me following fertilisation failure after ICSI?
In vitro fertilisation treatment (IVF) techniques consist of fertilising oocytes with spermatozoa in a laboratory. They are held under conditions that are similar to their natural environment and, a few days later, the best embryo is selected and […]
The impact of cannabis on semen
Today’s post aims to explain the conclusions drawn from research performed by the Biology Department at Instituto Bernabeu in Alicante in collaboration with the Biotechnology Department at the University of Alicante. The work in question […]
Seminal lavage: what is it and what is it used for?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) are viruses that are transmitted through blood and body fluids as well as through vertical transmission (from the mother to the foetus). As a result, couples […]
Seminal lavage in males with HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus and, during its most advanced stage of infection, it leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Whilst there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral treatments do exist that stop the symptoms […]
Oocyte quality is one of the most important of the factors that have an impact on fertility in women. Optimum oocyte quality generally gives rise to embryos with an increased ability to implant in the uterus.