Mathematicians ’thread the needle’ to improve IVF success rates

Mathematicians are using their expertise to improve IVF success rates, according to a new study. A team of researchers have redesigned the needle used in IVF procedures, helping to increase the likelihood of having a baby through this treatment. The study, published in the Journal of Biomechanics, is a culmination of five years research into fertility. During IVF, eggs (known as oocytes) are taken from a person's ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. Once fertilised, the egg becomes an embryo - which is then inserted into the womb to grow. Gathering oocytes is invasive and expensive and, according to computer models, current techniques successfully collect only 60% of available oocytes. The more oocytes that can be harvested, the more chance of a successful pregnancy.