Editorial

Editorial

Dimitris Loutradis

Editor in Chief

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Correspondence: Dimitris Loutradis, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10 Alkaiou, GR 115 28, Athens, Greece, e-mail: info@hsog.gr


Obstetrics, the specialty of medicine dealing the care of women giving birth, has shown remarkable advancements in recent years. Particularly, obstetrics has evolved from a primarily reactive field focused on managing complications during labor to a proactive discipline emphasizing on preventive care and individualized treatment plans. Furthermore, advances in prenatal screening, fetal monitoring and perinatal care have significantly improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has become an integral component of modern obstetrics, offering solutions for infertility and enabling individuals to achieve their dream of parenthood. Obstetricians work closely with reproductive endocrinologists and fertility specialists to provide comprehensive care throughout the IVF process, from initial consultations to prenatal care and delivery. One of the key benefits of IVF is its ability to tailor fertility treatments to individual needs. Moreover, through pre-implantation genetic testing, embryos can be screened for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders, allowing for the selection of healthy embryos for transfer. This personalized approach enhances the likelihood of successful pregnancies and reduces the risk of miscarriage or genetic issues. Continued research and technological advancements have propelled the field of reproductive medicine forward, leading to innovations such as egg freezing, embryo cryopreservation and mitochondrial replacement therapy. These developments expand options for family planning, preserve fertility for individuals undergoing medical treatments and address genetic abnormalities. However, despite its transformative potential, IVF may raise ethical questions surrounding embryo selection, multiple pregnancies and the commodification of reproductive services. In this special issue, Ravanos et al. found a time-related downward trendin the rapid progressive motile sperm, while sperm motility and annual percentage of oligospermic males remained unchanged during their 8-year study. The future of obstetrics and IVF promises further advancements in technology, enhanced precision in fertility treatments and improved outcomes for patients. Research efforts continue to focus on optimizing embryo selection algorithms, refining cryopreservation techniques and exploring alternative approaches to infertility treatment.