Theories on the Future of Healthcare: Advancements in Fertility Technologies
By Dr. Uliana Dorofeyeva, Director of Clinical Operations at Ovogene
In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, 2023 witnessed remarkable strides in various domains, from enhancing fertility treatments and refining in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques to exploring the potential of gene editing technologies and innovating in reproductive health diagnostics.
While staying abreast of these breakthroughs is vital, our focus must extend beyond mere awareness. Delving deeper, we find that understanding the latest enhancements in laboratory safety standards, medical best practices, and ethical advancements in IVF is the key to unlocking the future of reproductive medicine in 2024. Together, these multifaceted elements will sculpt the path for groundbreaking developments and redefine the way we approach fertility and assisted reproductive technologies in the coming year.
1. AI in Reproductive Medicine
AI is introducing transformative changes to the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) industry, revolutionizing various aspects of the process and patient care. AI can analyze vast amounts of historical IVF data to identify patterns and optimize treatment protocols. This allows for more efficient and customized approaches, reducing the time and cost of fertility treatments.
Leading the charge in technological innovation, Ovogene stands as the world’s first AI-driven egg donor bank. Leveraging AI for oocyte selection, donor-matching processes, and an enhanced virtual assistant, Ovogene has positioned itself at the forefront of fertility technology. For Ovogene, AI assists in embryo selection by evaluating embryo characteristics and predicting the likelihood of successful implantation. This enhances the chances of selecting the healthiest embryos for implantation, improving overall success rates.
2. Techniques in IVF and Gestational Surrogacy
As we navigate the ever-expanding realm of reproductive medicine, innovations designed to cater to a diverse global audience shape a narrative of inclusivity and empowerment. Recent breakthroughs in in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques and gestational surrogacy are key players in ushering in a new era of possibilities, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community.
For the LGBTQ+ community, these cutting-edge techniques provide many family-building pathways. Whether it’s overcoming biological challenges or exploring alternative avenues to parenthood, the strides in IVF and gestational surrogacy open doors that were once perceived as closed.
In the coming year, we anticipate these techniques will redefine family-building norms and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate landscape of reproductive medicine.
3. Fertility Preservation
Improvements in fertility preservation techniques, such as egg freezing or improved methods for preserving reproductive tissues, may benefit women who wish to delay childbearing for various reasons, including career development or medical reasons. We are entering the age of reproductive technology that is phasing out “biological clocks.”
The societal shift towards fertility preservation is evident in the increasing adoption of egg freezing. The surge in egg-freezing cycles (from 7,193 in 2016 to an impressive 12,438 in 2020), as reported by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), reflects a growing awareness of proactive family planning. Social media platforms, with TikTok alone amassing nearly 130 million views on the “eggs freezing” subject, have become platforms for discussing and normalizing fertility preservation.
Corporate support for fertility treatments is also on the rise, with major companies like Netflix, Spotify, Apple, and Meta offering financial assistance for family-forming procedures. This trend is a testament to the societal importance placed on reproductive health and a strategic move by companies to support their employees in family-building endeavors.
4. Mitochondrial Donation
In 2023, IFG officially welcomed a groundbreaking innovation: Mitochondrial Donation, a technique that holds immense promise for enhancing the success of fertility treatments and ensuring healthier outcomes for families in 2024.
Mitochondrial Donation, also known as mitochondrial transfer, is a cutting-edge procedure designed to address mitochondrial disorders and improve the overall success rates of IVF. Mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, play a vital role in embryo development. This technique involves replacing faulty mitochondria in the mother’s egg with healthy ones from a donor egg, thus mitigating the risk of mitochondrial diseases being passed on to the child.
As we embrace 2024, this innovation addresses specific genetic concerns and contributes to the broader mission of advancing assisted reproductive technologies for the benefit of families worldwide.
5. International Collaboration
Reproductive medicine is a global field, and many issues are not confined to specific regions. International collaboration allows for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and best practices, contributing to developing global ethical standards. For example, professional organizations, such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), often develop and update ethical standards worldwide.
Regulatory bodies must also stay agile and adaptive to technological advancements. The regulatory framework should be flexible enough to accommodate innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to patient safety and ethical considerations.
At the core of this is informed consent. Ensuring that patients are well-informed about new technologies’ risks, benefits, and potential outcomes is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice.
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About the author
Dr. Uliana Dorofeyeva is an IVF specialist director of clinical operations at Ovogene, the world’s first AI-driven egg donor bank, employs AI for oocyte selection, donor-matching processes, and enhancing the virtual assistant. She is a distinguished authority in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), focusing on avant-garde fertility treatments. With a wealth of expertise, she excels in diverse facets of reproductive medicine, including advanced ovarian stimulation, tailored solutions for low responders, meticulous evaluation and management of oocyte donor cycles, expert handling of embryo transfers, reproductive endocrinology, surrogacy, and groundbreaking mitochondrial donation techniques.
