In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment that helps many couples who struggle to have a baby. During IVF, doctors collect eggs from a woman’s ovaries, fertilize them with sperm in a lab, and then place the embryo back into the womb. But one of the trickiest parts of IVF is deciding when to give a special hormone injection called the “trigger shot.” This shot helps the eggs mature so they’re ready to be collected and fertilized. If the timing is off—too early or too late—it can affect the chances of success.
Right now, doctors use ultrasound scans to measure the size of the largest follicles (small sacs in the ovaries that hold eggs). They usually give the trigger shot when a few of these follicles reach a certain size, typically around 17-18mm. But this method isn’t perfect because it doesn’t consider the sizes of all the follicles, just the biggest ones.
A new study, led by researchers from Imperial College London, the University of Glasgow, and the University of St Andrews, used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data from over 19,000 IVF patients. They found that giving the trigger shot when more follicles are in the “sweet spot” of 13-18mm leads to better results. This means more mature eggs are collected, and there’s a higher chance of a successful pregnancy.
The researchers believe AI could help personalize IVF treatment for each patient, making it more effective. They plan to create an AI tool to help doctors make better decisions during IVF. This tool could analyze data from each patient and suggest the best time to give the trigger shot, improving the chances of success.
Dr. Ali Abbara, one of the study’s authors, said:
“IVF provides help and hope for many patients who are unable to conceive, but it’s an invasive, expensive, and time-consuming treatment. It can be heartbreaking when it fails, so it’s important to ensure that this treatment is as effective as possible. AI can offer a new way to deliver IVF treatment and could lead to better outcomes for patients.”
The study also found that waiting too long to give the trigger shot can lead to problems. If too many follicles grow larger than 18mm, it can cause a hormone imbalance that makes it harder for an embryo to implant in the womb. This shows how important timing is in IVF.
Dr. Thomas Heinis, another researcher involved in the study, added:
“Explainable AI can be a valuable resource in healthcare. Where the stakes are so high for making the best possible decision, this technique can support doctors’ decision-making and lead to better outcomes for patients.”
Infertility affects about 1 in 6 couples worldwide. While IVF has helped many people have babies, its success rates vary. For women under 35, the chance of a live birth is about 32%, but for women over 44, it drops to just 4%. AI could help improve these numbers by making IVF more precise and personalized.
The researchers hope to secure funding to test their AI tool in clinical trials soon. If successful, it could revolutionize IVF treatment, giving more couples the chance to have a baby.