Despite reports of successful outcomes and new guidelines, doubts continue to prevail over the acceptability of transferring mosaic embryos.

As registry data presented at ESHRE’s online annual meeting continue to show, ICSI remains by far the world’s favoured fertilisation method, even in non-male factor cases. Updated guidelines still cannot justify the trend.

A large registry study from Denmark suggests that low ovarian reserve – as reflected in a poor response to IVF stimulation – is associated with a higher risk of age-related chronic disease.

Further testing for peripheral antibodies and nasopharyngeal PCR has added value to diagnosing COVID-19 patients formerly screened as negative based on exposure and symptoms. Laurentiu Craciunas reports on the diagnostic lessons learned from a COVID-19 session.

A new cohort study from a national US database confirms that a lower risk of OHSS is associated with increasing use of GnRH antagonists and agonist trigger and a freeze-all approach to avoid immediate pregnancy.

In presenting ESHRE’s 2020 Annual Assembly of Members report, the Society’s Chair, Cristina Magli, noted in a live introduction that the composition of slides for the pre-recording had been completed on 30 June; some of the data presented, notably in ESHRE membership numbers, would since that recording have been updated. Throughout the presentation there was a quorum of around 190 members remotely present.

Evidence presented from surveys of UK and Italian patients found that delays and uncertainties in treatment have been – and remain – a source of anxiety and depression for many. Priorities are proposed for resumed treatment.

A new complex modelling study forecasts steep declines in total fertility rate by the end of this century, with most of 195 countries analysed unable to maintain their population levels.

A study of more than 2000 people trying to conceive naturally or by IVF and screened for carrier status of ten genes responsible for inheritable diseases identified 8.6% as carriers and 2.2% of passing on the disease.

Despite an abundance of case reports and much heterogeneity, a new systematic review of 80 publications and a total of 846 COVID-19 positive pregnant women plus 688 babies born to infected mothers suggests that vertical transmission is possible.