Research highlights limitations in fertility and embryo testing

New research highlights limitations in common fertility diagnostic tools. In Australia, requests for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) tests increased more than 13-fold between 2011 and 2021. A study led by Flinders University found that while AMH measures ovarian reserve, it cannot accurately predict a woman's likelihood of natural conception or the timing of her reproductive window. Researchers noted a significant rise in testing among women aged 30 to 34, warning of potential psychological impacts and false reassurances.

Separately, a randomized clinical trial published in Nature Communications found that a non-invasive embryo test (niPGT-A) did not significantly improve pregnancy rates for women aged 35 to 42 undergoing IVF. The study, conducted at 13 fertility centers in China, compared the biopsy-free method to standard visual grading. Results showed ongoing pregnancy rates of 38.7% for the non-invasive group versus 36.8% for the visual grading group, a difference deemed not statistically significant. The authors stated the results do not support the routine use of this specific test for this age demographic.