The Summary of the May 2025 ESHRE Journal Club discussion: The May 2025 ESHRE Journal Club discussion focused on the study by Sandhu et al. (2024) which assessed the role of an online decision aid to support the elective egg freezing decision-making process, exploring key dimensions such as the decision-making moment, biomarkers, risks management, and realistic communication in clinical counselling.

Abstract Background Male factor infertility affect up to 50% of couples unable to conceive spontaneously. Several non-hormonal pharmacological treatments have been proposed to boost spermatogenesis and increase chances of conception in men with infertility. Still, no clear evidence exists on the most effective treatment strategy. Objective We aimed to compare the effectiveness of non-hormonal pharmacological treatment options for men with infertility using a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL until October 2023 for randomised/quasi-randomised trials that evaluated any non-hormonal pharmacological treatment options for men with idiopathic semen abnormalities or those with hypogonadism. We performed pairwise and network meta-analyses using a random effect model. We assessed risk of bias, heterogeneity, and network inconsistency. We calculated the mean rank and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for each intervention the maximum likelihood to achieve each of reported outcomes. We reported primarily on sperm concentration and other important semen and biochemical outcomes using standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence-intervals(CI). Results We included 14 randomised trials evaluating four treatments (Clomiphene citrate, Tamoxifen, Aromatase inhibitors, anti-oxidants) and their combinations in 1342 men. The overall quality of included trials was low. Sperm concentration improved with clomiphene compared to anti-oxidants (SMD 2.15, 95%CI 0.78–3.52), aromatase inhibitor (SMD 2.93, 95%CI 1.23–4.62), tamoxifen (SMD − 1.96, 95%CI -3.57; -0.36) but not compared to placebo (SMD − 1.53, 95%CI -3.52- 0.47). Clomiphene had the highest likelihood to achieve the maximum change in sperm concentration (SUCRA 97.4). All treatments showed similar effect for sperm motility, semen volume, and normal sperm morphology. FSH levels showed significant improvement with clomiphene vs.anti-oxidant (SMD 1.48, 95%CI 0.44–2.51) but not compared to placebo. The evidence networks for LH and testosterone suffered from significant inconsistency (p = 0.01) with similar trend of improvement with clomiphene compared to other treatments but not compared to placebo. Conclusion There is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of Clomiphene, tamoxifen, and aromatase inhibitors to optimise semen parameters in men with infertility. Future randomised trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of clomiphene in improving fertility outcomes in men. PROSPERO CRD42023430179.

Graphical AbstractThe September 2024 ESHRE Journal Club discussion focused on a study by Gill et al. (2024) on the available evidence to define RIF, the embryonic factors that can lead to the implantation failure of euploid blastocyst, the (im)possibility of the endometrium playing a role in RIF, and the implications for patients of transferring all euploid blastocysts from a stimulation cycle. PGT-A, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy; RIF, recurrent implantation failure.Open in new tabDownload slide

Context For survivors of childhood blood cancer, fertility preservation through ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) and reimplantation is not recommended because of the risk of reintroducing malignant cells. Since a robust in vitro ovarian tissue culture system does not exist for humans, new approaches are needed. Aims To investigate new approaches to in vitro follicle growth, our aim was to determine whether mouse serum (MS) could support follicle development better in mouse ovaries in vitro compared to fetal bovine serum (FBS). Methods Neonatal ovaries were cultured for 14days in either MS or FBS. Follicle development and health were assessed by histological and molecular analyses. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and laminin were analysed using immunohistochemistry. Key results MS supported the development of primordial follicles to preantral follicles, whereas those in FBS did not develop beyond primary. Ovaries cultured in MS had fewer atretic follicles than those in FBS. There were more AMH-positive follicles in MS-cultured than in FBS-cultured ovaries, more primary follicles that were AMH-positive and, AMH-positive primary follicles contained more AMH-positive granulosa cells than those cultured in FBS. Finally, ovaries cultured in either MS or FBS contained laminin; however, the follicle basal lamina (FBL) in MS ovaries were more defined. Conclusions MS better supported follicle development, health, and function than did BS, indicating that MS contains additional factors important for follicle development in mice. Implications These findings demonstrated that as-yet-unknown factors exist that are important for in vitro follicle development, and we need to define them, and explore the role of these molecules in human studies.

AndrologyEarly View SOCIETY NEWS Leading at the vanguard of andrology: The Network for Young Researchers in Andrology joins forces with the European Academy of Andrology Alberto de la Iglesia, Corresponding Author Alberto de la Iglesia [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0003-3475-2086 Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Department of Cellular Plasticity and Reproduction, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, Institut Cochin, Paris, France Correspondence Alberto de la Iglesia, Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), 08021, Barcelona, Spain. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorDorte L. Egeberg, Dorte L. Egeberg Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain European Sperm Bank, Copenhagen, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel Marcu, Daniel Marcu Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain School of Biological Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UKSearch for more papers by this authorGuillaume Richer, Guillaume Richer orcid.org/0000-0003-2888-9078 Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Genetics, reproduction, and development (GRAD) research group, Biology of the Testis (BITE) laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorBrendan J. Houston, Brendan J. Houston orcid.org/0000-0002-1078-756X Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorOmar Ammar, Omar Ammar orcid.org/0000-0001-8048-9747 Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Ar-Razzi Hospital, Ramadi, Iraq Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Anbar, Ramadi, IraqSearch for more papers by this authorGülizar Saritas, Gülizar Saritas Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this authorEmily Delgouffe, Emily Delgouffe Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Genetics, reproduction, and development (GRAD) research group, Biology of the Testis (BITE) laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorDavor Jezek, Davor Jezek European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Münster, Germany Department for Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, Reproductive Tissue Bank, University Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb, CroatiaSearch for more papers by this authorCsilla Krausz, Csilla Krausz European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Münster, Germany Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorEwa Rajpert-De Meyts, Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts orcid.org/0000-0002-5946-7559 Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Münster, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorHermann M. Behre, Hermann M. Behre European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Münster, Germany Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, GermanySearch for more papers by this author Alberto de la Iglesia, Corresponding Author Alberto de la Iglesia [email protected] orcid.org/0000-0003-3475-2086 Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Department of Cellular Plasticity and Reproduction, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, CNRS, Institut Cochin, Paris, France Correspondence Alberto de la Iglesia, Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), 08021, Barcelona, Spain. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorDorte L. Egeberg, Dorte L. Egeberg Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain European Sperm Bank, Copenhagen, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel Marcu, Daniel Marcu Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain School of Biological Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UKSearch for more papers by this authorGuillaume Richer, Guillaume Richer orcid.org/0000-0003-2888-9078 Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Genetics, reproduction, and development (GRAD) research group, Biology of the Testis (BITE) laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorBrendan J. Houston, Brendan J. Houston orcid.org/0000-0002-1078-756X Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorOmar Ammar, Omar Ammar orcid.org/0000-0001-8048-9747 Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Ar-Razzi Hospital, Ramadi, Iraq Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Anbar, Ramadi, IraqSearch for more papers by this authorGülizar Saritas, Gülizar Saritas Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, DenmarkSearch for more papers by this authorEmily Delgouffe, Emily Delgouffe Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA), Barcelona, Spain Genetics, reproduction, and development (GRAD) research group, Biology of the Testis (BITE) laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorDavor Jezek, Davor Jezek European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Münster, Germany Department for Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, Reproductive Tissue Bank, University Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb, CroatiaSearch for more papers by this authorCsilla Krausz, Csilla Krausz European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Münster, Germany Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, ItalySearch for more papers by this authorEwa Rajpert-De Meyts, Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts orcid.org/0000-0002-5946-7559 Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Münster, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorHermann M. Behre, Hermann M. Behre European Academy of Andrology (EAA), Münster, Germany Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, GermanySearch for more papers by this author First published: 20 March 2024 https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.13633Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT The authors declare no conflict of interest. REFERENCES 1Gromoll J, Michel C, Kostova E, et al. 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Open in new tabDownload slideThe November ESHRE Journal Club discussion focused on a study byWu et al. (2023) that addressed the concept of chemoprotection of ovary during chemotherapy with taxane-platinum (TP) regime. The chemoprotection was induced with CHEK1/2 inhibitors using a model where a human ovary and tumour were xenotransplanted to a mouse receiving TP chemotherapy. The results showed that the tumour was reduced and the primordial follicles were preserved. Further research into this direction concerns experimental and clinical considerations. Tap63alpha, tumour protein p63 alpha; CHEK 1/2, checkpoint 1/2.

The 15th Network of Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA) meeting, held at the Palace de Caux, Switzerland, served as a valuable platform to disseminate cutting-edge research and facilitate interactions among early-career researchers and trainees in andrology from around the world. Preceding the 22nd European Testis Workshop, the 2-day event brought together participants from a variety of countries to discuss a range of topics pertaining to men's reproductive health and biology. Specific focuses included piRNAs in mammalian reproduction, biomolecules enhancing sperm physiology, advances in in vitro spermatogenesis, reproductive strategies across species, and career development. A dedicated 'scientific speed-dating' social event also stood out, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaborations and strengthening ties within the scientific community. The high participation rate of the meeting highlighted its value in connecting the andrology community. Finally, the announcement of NYRA's merger with the European Academy of Andrology (EAA) marked a pivotal moment, enabling NYRA to support young researchers while collaborating with the EAA to advance andrology research. The 15th NYRA meeting played a crucial role in enhancing knowledge dissemination and andrology research, empowering young researchers, and addressing key challenges in male infertility.

The September ESHRE Journal Club discussion focused on a study by Pozzi et al. that addressed the current standards in diagnostic male reproductive health, and whether or not AMH testing should be included in the future; what the possible mechanisms behind the link of AMH and sperm retrieval may be; how DCA can help us to understand prediction tools and models in clinical practice; and to what extent a high AMH level should alter the course of treatment in iNOA patients. AMH, anti-Müllerian hormone; iNOA, idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia; DCA, decision curve analysis; mTESE, micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction.Open in new tabDownload slide

The February 2024 ESHRE Journal Club discussion focused on a study by Mostinckx et al. (2024), reporting their experience with IVM in expected hyper-responders, compared with traditional OS for ICSI; the discussion expanded to possible benefits and limits of IVM, obstacles to overcome for its application in clinical practice and future perspectives. AMH, anti-Müllerian hormone; COC, cumulus–oocyte complex; GV, germinal vesicle; OHSS, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; OS, ovarian stimulation; IVM, in vitro maturation; CAPA-IVM, capacitation IVM; MII, meiosis II; OSC-IVM, ovarian support cells-IVM.Open in new tabDownload slide

The December ESHRE Journal Club discussion focused on a study by , the cellular and molecular implications of oxidative stress on oocyte aging, the factors that impair oocyte quality besides age, and the potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes of advanced maternal age. AMA, advanced maternal age; GV, germinal vesicle oocyte; MI, metaphase I oocyte; ROS, reactive oxygen species; TCA, tricarboxylic acid cycle.

During July 2021 Zhengzhou flood 1246 oocytes and embryos from 155 patients were subjected to emergency vitrification.Vitrification protocols were amended to allow cryopreservation of all gametes & embryos and mitigate risk of compromised outcomes No significant differences in reproductive outcomes were found between emergency vitrified oocytes/embryos and controls from non-emergency vitrified oocytes/embryos.

The 16th Network of Young Researchers in Andrology meeting, hosted at the Sleepwell Hostel in Brussels, Belgium, was the first Network of Young Researchers in Andrology meeting as the young arm of the European Academy of Andrology. Over three days, this vibrant event provided a valuable platform for early-career researchers in andrology to present and discuss their research. With 41 attendees from 12 different countries, the meeting featured a diverse scientific program including keynote lectures from six world-leading experts, covering a broad range of topics in andrology. The 16th Network of Young Researchers in Andrology meeting showcased advancements in fertility preservation, single-cell applications, in vitro testis modeling, and epigenetics. Networking opportunities were a key highlight, featuring a scientific speed-dating session and a networking dinner designed to foster meaningful connections and collaborations among participants. The meeting concluded with a workshop on the science of sleep, offering attendees practical strategies to enhance their rest and well-being. Overall, the 16th Network of Young Researchers in Andrology meeting significantly advanced the audience's knowledge, strengthened the network of young researchers, and underlined Network of Young Researchers in Andrology's commitment to supporting and collaborating with emerging scientists in the andrology community.