Groundbreaking Research Presented by Lee Women’s Hospital at the 41st ESHRE Annual Meeting

Advancing Oocyte Viability Testing and Endometrial Receptivity Assessment for Improved IVF Outcomes

In July 2025, Professor Maw-Sheng Lee, Superintendent of Lee Women’s Hospital, led our team to Paris, France, to attend the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)—one of the most prestigious conferences in the field of reproductive medicine worldwide. This annual gathering brings together leading scholars and clinical experts from around the globe to exchange the latest scientific findings and clinical innovations, collectively pushing the boundaries of reproductive medicine.
This year, our reproductive medicine research team presented two original studies focusing on two critical stages of the IVF process:

• Pre-fertilization: How can we select oocytes with the highest developmental potential?
• Pre-implantation: How can we determine the optimal window for embryo implantation?

Both studies drew significant attention from the academic community. With our continued advancement of cutting-edge IVF technologies, Lee Women’s Hospital is committed to transforming clinical decision-making from experience-based to data-driven—enabling more personalized and accurate fertility care.

Study Highlights:

1. Successful Application of a Novel Oocyte Viability Test Utilizing Viscoelastic Properties

This study introduces a novel assessment method that evaluates the viscoelastic properties of oocytes prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Oocytes were classified into A, B, and C groups based on their viscoelastic responses. Researchers analyzed their fertilization rates, high-quality embryo formation on Day 3, and blastocyst development rates on Days 5 and 6. Results showed that oocytes with superior viscoelasticity (Group A) had significantly higher chances of developing into viable embryos and blastocysts. This technique may become a valuable tool for pre-ICSI oocyte quality assessment, with promising potential to predict embryonic developmental outcomes and enhance clinical decision-making in reproductive medicine.

2. Association of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Expression with Endometrial Receptivity and Pregnancy Outcomes

ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) has emerged as a key diagnostic tool in recent years to identify the optimal timing for embryo implantation. This study explored the role of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)—a critical marker in ERA biopsy samples. ERα reflects the state of the endometrial environment, indicating whether it is overly stimulated or still in an active phase. Findings revealed that ERα expression varied across different stages of endometrial receptivity and was correlated with pregnancy outcomes. This research sheds new light on the clinical relevance of ERα, offering a potential new marker to support implantation timing and guide treatment adjustments in women experiencing recurrent implantation failure.

At Lee Women’s Hospital, our team remains committed to clinical excellence while actively engaging in research. We firmly believe that scientific research is not only the foundation of clinical practice but also the driving force behind improving treatment outcomes. We will continue to apply research insights to the clinical setting—offering more precise, trustworthy, and effective fertility care for every family pursuing the dream of parenthood.

More information about these research findings or clinical applications, please contact us or join our latest events.