Part of the FIVclínic medical team participated in the 33rd edition of the Congress of the Spanish Fertility Society to share and acquire new knowledge in assisted reproduction. In addition, Dolors Manau, our head of assisted reproduction, was elected as a member of the new SEF board, as a result of her participation in the “Una SEF para tí” candidacy.

More than 1,000 assisted reproduction specialists from all over Spain attended, from May 4 to 6, the 33rd National Congress of the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF) and the 8th Reproductive Nursing Congress, at the Euskalduna Palace in Bilbao. During the congress, a total of 537 scientific papers were presented. Two debates were also held, in which specialists discussed the importance of reproductive surgery and the automation of processes in vitro fertilization laboratories.

On the first day of the congress, the SEF’s president, Luis Martínez Navarro, highlighted that 1 in 10 births in Spain occurs thanks to assisted reproduction techniques. And he added:

“In Spain, 180,000 assisted reproduction processes are carried out annually, 70% of which are carried out in private healthcare. We are the first country of the EU by number of treatments.”

The studies presented by FIVclínic

During the three days, technical advances in assisted reproduction were analyzed, and our team presented the results of their latest research. Specifically, Dr. Inés Agustí presented two oral communications and a poster, and Dr. Marina Solsona an oral communication.

Oral communications: on fertility preservation and ovarian stimulation

Reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing fertility-sparing treatment for gynecological cancer in a single tertiary care center. We conclude that as long as it is oncological indicated, fertility-sparing treatment is an acceptable option. It allows obtaining encouraging oncological and reproductive results.

Study of igf-1 as a mediating factor of the effect of transdermal testosterone in poor responder patients. We studied the role of IGF-1 (insulin-like grow factor-I) as a mediator of the sensitizing effect of transdermal testosterone (TT) in IVF cycles in poor responders in 93 patients. We conclude that it has an effect in patients with the most preserved ovarian reserve.

Posters: on fertility preservation and psychological effects of IVF

Evolution of fertility preservation techniques in a reference public hospital (2007 – 2020). We revealed an increase in the number of preservations performed, especially in cycles of oocyte vitrification, above cryopreservation of the ovarian cortex and chemopreservation, which decreased significantly. In addition to a significant increase in non-oncological indications.

Levels of anxiety and depression in an IVF cycle in the face of different stressors. We conclude that IVF involves a certain degree of anxiety/depression, which can be increased by various situations, with the most impact being the diagnosis of an oncological disease with gonadotoxic treatment. The effect of the pandemic seems to be more evident a year after it started compared to its start.