2022 ASRM Conference Success: Genes, Gametes & What The Future Holds
October 22 - 26, 2022, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Congress & Expo was held in Anaheim, California. The main themes throughout the event included Genes, Gametes, and “Genetics: What Will the Future Hold?”
Giving Tree Surrogacy & Egg Donation Attends the 78th Annual ASRM Congress
We just wrapped up three amazing days of deep connection with industry partners, learning from the top minds in our field, and socializing in real life!
Throughout the conference, there were a variety of different sessions that covered everything from new technologies to tips for improving fertility. There was also a large exhibit hall where attendees could learn more about different products and services related to fertility. Here are some of the highlights from our perspective.
New Technologies in Reproductive Medicine Were Discussed
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine.
One of the most exciting aspects of the ASRM conference is getting to see all of the new technologies that are being developed in the field of reproductive medicine. This year’s conference did not disappoint, with several innovative new products and services on display.
For example, there was a new technology that can help identify genetic abnormalities in embryos before they are implanted, which can potentially prevent a miscarriage from occurring. There was also a new app that helps patients track their ovulation cycles, which can be very helpful for couples who are trying to conceive.
There was also a large exhibit hall where attendees could learn more about different products and services related to fertility.
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Improving Fertility Through Diet and Lifestyle Changes
In addition to learning about new technologies, attendees also had the opportunity to learn about how making simple changes to their diet and lifestyle can improve their fertility.
For example, one study presented at the conference found that women who ate a Mediterranean diet had a significantly higher chance of getting pregnant than women who did not follow this type of diet.
Other studies presented at the conference showed that things like acupuncture and meditation can also help improve fertility. Fascinating!
The Importance of Mental Health in Fertility Treatment
One of the most important takeaways from the conference is that mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to fertility treatment. This was highlighted by many different presentations, one of which featured Dr. Michael Thomas, MD giving his inaugural speech as president of ASRM.
Dr. Thomas emphasized the importance of taking a holistic approach to fertility treatment and said that mental health should be given just as much attention as physical health.
Maybe you're wondering, "Are you sitting in lectures for three full days at the event?"
No, not unless you want to. If you are on the fence about attending the event next year or simply want to know what it is like…below are some basic elements of the three days we spent learning and growing. We walked around a lot and networked though some people focused on their specialty within niche groups, which is fine too!
Here's how we got the most out of the event for our needs.
Day 1 - Opening Ceremonies & General Sessions
The first day of the congress started with opening ceremonies that included speeches from Dr. Michael Thomas, MD - the incoming president of ASRM, and Dr. Mark Sauer, MD - the outgoing president of ASRM.
After the speeches, there was a general session titled "The Future is Now: Where is Reproductive Medicine Headed?" This session was moderated by Dr. Janice Radebaugh, MD, and featured four different speakers who are leaders in their respective fields within reproductive medicine.
- Speaker #1: Dr. Mitchell Rosen, MD spoke about gamete donation and how it has changed over the years.
- Speaker #2: Dr. Kutluk Oktay, MD spoke about advances in oncofertility.
- Speaker #3: Dr. Polly Campbell, Ph.D. spoke about preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and how it can be used to screen for genetic diseases before embryo transfer.
- Speaker #4: The final speaker Dr. Bradley Van Voorhis, MD spoke about in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes and its potential implications for fertility treatment.
Day 2 - Breakout Sessions & Exhibits
The second day of the congress consisted of a variety of different breakout sessions on various topics related to reproductive medicine as well as time to explore the exhibits in the appropriately named, Exhibit Hall.
Some of the breakout session topics included:
- Reproductive Endocrinology Fellowship Training
- New Frontiers in Fertility Preservation
- Ethical Issues in Fertility Care
- SART Statistics
In addition to attending breakout sessions, staff also had time to explore exhibitors’ booths in the exhibit hall and learn more about different products and services related to fertility.
Day 3 - Even More Breakout Sessions & Exhibits To Love
The third and final day of the congress featured more breakout sessions on a variety of topics related to reproductive medicine as well as time to explore the exhibit hall. Some of the breakout session topics included:
- Preimplantation Genetic Screening
- Minimizing Multiple Gestation
- Intrauterine Insemination
- Endometriosis
As with the previous day, staff also had time to explore exhibitors’ booths in the exhibit hall and learn more about different products and services related to fertility care such as laboratory equipment, cryopreservation services, genetic testing services, and more.
Will we go back? You bet!
Overall, it was a very successful congress with a lot of great information being shared among attendees! We are looking forward to next year’s congress where we will continue to learn more about advances in reproductive medicine and network with other professionals in this field.
Giving Tree Surrogacy & Egg Donation Agency CEO, Vivien Lui says, “This year’s ASRM was highly informative. We met with our industry partners and learned the newest policies, trends, and technologies that are shaping the third-party assisted reproductive world. We are fully equipped for another great year of success!”
Celebrations from the ASRM Instagram Account
Michael Thomas, MD, was inaugurated as President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) effective October 26, 2022. Dr. Thomas is the Department Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
His research interests include contraception, infertility, and the effects of stress on reproductive function.
Dr. Thomas has extensive experience in treating multi-faceted infertility issues and endocrine disorders ranging from infertility, abnormal puberty, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and menopause to disorders of the thyroid and adrenal gland.
He succeeds ASRM President Marcelle Cedars, MD, Professor, and Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco.
“The future of ASRM is in great hands with Dr. Michael Thomas. His care and passion for his profession and “The Society” is evident in the great work he is doing. I am thrilled to be passing the baton to such a competent and compassionate individual and am excited to see how far ASRM will go with him in leadership.” - Marcelle Cedars, MD, ASRM Immediate Past President
Read the full post and see pictures of the inauguration on theASRM Instagram Feed.
Final Thoughts
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine Congress is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in reproductive endocrinology. The Society accomplishes its mission through the pursuit of excellence in education and research in addition to advocacy on behalf of patients, physicians, and affiliated health care providers.
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*Giving Tree Surrogacy & Egg Donation Agency does not receive affiliate commissions from any of the organizations linked above. We value knowledge sharing and benchmarking for best practices and services.