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Scientists led by an Indian-origin professor have successfully used a new and potentially safer method to stimulate ovulation in women undergoing fertility treatment.
Twelve babies have been born after their mothers were given an injection of the natural hormone kisspeptin to make their eggs mature.
Currently doctors use the hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for in vitro fertilisation (IVF), but there is a risk that this can over-stimulate the ovaries and threaten the mother’s life.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) affects around a third of IVF patients in a mild form, causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Less than 10 percent of patients experience moderate or severe OHSS which can cause kidney failure.
“OHSS is a major medical problem. It can be fatal in severe cases and it occurs in women undergoing IVF treatment who are otherwise very healthy. We really need more effective natural triggers for egg maturation during IVF treatment, and the results of this trial are very promising,” Dhillo explained.
Kisspeptin is broken down more quickly inside the body, meaning the risk of over-stimulation is lower.
According to Alison Harper, one of the mothers who participated in the study, “I went through several cycles of IVF previously but the one in the trial was the least uncomfortable — it was less painful and I felt less swollen.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
