Review on Emerging Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for Improving Fertility Outcomes in Men and Women

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a prevalent global health issue, affecting a significant portion of the reproductive-aged population and driving a continuous demand for more effective interventions. While assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) are well-established, their success rates have plateaued, necessitating a critical exploration of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes for infertile couples. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize and evaluate the current evidence on emerging diagnostic tools and treatment strategies designed to enhance fertility outcomes in both men and women, providing a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of reproductive medicine. Main Discussion Points: The review thematically explores several key areas of innovation, including advanced molecular diagnostics for male factor infertility, such as sperm DNA fragmentation testing, and innovative sperm selection techniques for ICSI. It further examines the transformative role of artificial intelligence in embryo selection, the refined applications and ongoing controversies surrounding preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), and novel therapeutic targets like the endometrial microbiome and receptivity. A critical analysis highlights the limitations of the existing literature, noting issues such as small sample sizes, a lack of large randomized controlled trials, and heterogeneity in outcome measures that currently temper the widespread adoption of these technologies. Conclusion: The field of reproductive medicine is rapidly advancing towards a more personalized paradigm. However, the evidence supporting many emerging technologies remains variable and often inconclusive. A cautious, evidence-based approach to their clinical integration is recommended, coupled with a clear need for more rigorous, long-term studies to validate their efficacy and safety, ultimately ensuring they deliver meaningful improvements in live birth rates