ESHRE 2025 - A Few Thoughts from Paris

Reflections from ESHRE 2025: Fertility, Innovation & Evidence-Based Hope

Spending a few days immersed in the latest fertility research at ESHRE 2025 has been, as always, incredibly insightful. There’s something uniquely energising about hearing directly from the scientists and clinicians who are leading the field - and this year’s conference delivered exactly that.

As a fertility nutritionist, much of the content reinforced what we already know - that diet, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and targeted supplementation play a key role in supporting both male and female fertility. What’s encouraging, though, is just how widely this message is now being embraced across mainstream medical settings and IVF clinics. It’s no longer a fringe conversation - it's becoming the foundation of good fertility care.

This year, there was a strong focus on male fertility, with experts highlighting the significant role that diet, lifestyle, and environmental toxins play in sperm health. The long-standing myth that fertility is a "female issue" was well and truly challenged - with calls for more routine investigation into male factor infertility and a recognition that fertility is a 50/50 equation.

On the female side, we heard updates on PCOS and endometriosis, including some exciting directions in research and emerging diagnostics. The sessions also delved into newer topics like GLP-1 agonists (weight loss injections) and their potential to support fertility - but with a strong caution that they must be stopped at least two months before trying to conceive, and contraception should be used while taking them due to their unsuitability during pregnancy itself. This is especially important with the rise in online prescriptions, where this guidance may be missed.

Another hot topic was the role of AI in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) - from embryo grading to lab automation, it’s clear artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of IVF processes. Nutrient-specific research also featured heavily, including sessions on NAD+ supplementation - a promising area, though experts were careful to stress the need for more robust data before widespread use, particularly when it comes to supplementation.

One of the most refreshing parts of the conference was the Q&A sessions following each lecture. It was brilliant to see experts respectfully challenge study limitations, interrogate methodologies, and open up richer discussions - something that’s so valuable in a field that moves quickly and can sometimes feel commercially driven.

And finally, beyond the science, it was a joy to connect with others in the fertility space - from new clinics and testing providers to supplement brands launching evidence-based innovations and fellow fertility advocates like Alice Rose of The Fertility Life Raft, Ian Stones from Testhim and fertility acupuncturist Hannah Pearn and of course the Fertility Nutrition Centre practioners. These conversations matter too. They’re where collaboration meets progress.

There’s plenty to follow up on - and more reading to do, as always - but I’m heading back feeling inspired, energised, and ready to bring these insights back to clinic.

Day 1 - Starting Strong 

We started strong with a session on NAD+ supplementation - a compound involved in cellular energy and aging, and something I’ve been keeping an eye on in relation to egg and sperm health. The research is still emerging, but it’s always encouraging to see new interventions being explored, especially when so many feel they’ve “tried everything.”

From there, we moved into one of the most long-overdue conversations in the fertility space: male factor infertility.

For years, male fertility has been left in the shadows - often overlooked, under-tested, and simplified. But the data is now louder than ever: male fertility does decline with age, and sperm health is just as critical as egg health when trying to conceive. 🙌

It was especially validating to hear Jonathan Ramsey advocate for DNA fragmentation testing, which I regularly recommend in clinic, particularly in cases of unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or poor embryo development. It's a tool that can offer real insight - and it’s time we stopped treating sperm as a “yes or no” factor.

Other standout insights from Day 1:

❌ New evidence around Impryl’s ineffectiveness - a reminder to always dig deeper than marketing claims and explore practitioner grade supplements recommended by a Registered Nutritionist or Dietician. 

🩸 Promising developments in blood-based diagnostics for endometriosis - a huge potential step forward for earlier detection and less invasive pathways.

🌱 Ongoing interest in the gut and vaginal microbiome in fertility - though I couldn't help but question some of the outdated PCR methods still being used for testing (we can do better!).

The day ended on a celebratory note with the Fertility Care Awards, spotlighting the incredible work being done across the fertility field. It was a reminder of just how many passionate, thoughtful practitioners are out there pushing for better care - and it left me feeling inspired and grateful to be part of this evolving space.

Day 2 - Miscarriage, Microplastics & The Conversations We’ve Needed for Years

After the intensity of Day 1, we eased into Day 2 with a slower pace (and a much-needed breakfast bowl 🌿), before diving back into some incredibly important discussions.

We began with a session on miscarriage, and I was truly glad to see nutrition and lifestyle being acknowledged as foundational supports for improving outcomes - rather than afterthoughts. Fertility is rarely just about one test result or one diagnosis. It’s about the whole picture - physiology, environment, emotions, and everything in between.

The emotional toll of loss was also discussed - and this felt big. Mental health still doesn’t get the airtime it deserves in conventional fertility treatment, and yet, for so many people, it’s one of the hardest parts of the journey. Seeing it acknowledged in a scientific forum felt like a step in the right direction 💛

Other powerful moments from Day 2:

😳 Microplastics were found in 68% of testicular tissue samples. Let that sink in. If we’re not talking about environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors in fertility care, we’re missing a huge piece of the puzzle.

🙏 Reassuring findings showed that a miscarriage after a frozen embryo transfer (FET) does not increase the risk of subsequent losses - a huge relief for so many going through IVF.

📚 A brilliant talk on fertility education in teenagers - something that feels essential if we’re going to move toward true reproductive health equity and informed decision-making from an early age.

❤️ And more on male fertility, including the very real link between infertility and cardiovascular health - think high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease. Fertility is often the first place these issues surface, and early testing could be a gateway to better long-term health outcomes.

The day wrapped up with some fresh air, good food, a scenic walk along the Seine, and of course, a little photo moment 📸 - because Paris.

Day 3 - Endometriosis, Emotions & The Microbiome 

We wrapped up ESHRE with a final day focused on endometriosis and the vaginal microbiome - two areas that are often under-discussed, but hugely relevant in clinic.

One lecture explored the link between endometriosis and cognitive function, highlighting an increased risk of depression among those with the condition. It’s something I see regularly - the emotional and neurological impact of chronic inflammation and pain is real, and deserves just as much attention as the physical symptoms.

We also looked at outcomes for those with endometriosis undergoing IVF vs surgery. The data was clear: IVF tends to result in better live birth outcomes, especially in cases where surgery is extensive or repeated. As always, there’s no one-size-fits-all, but this was a helpful evidence-based reminder that more intervention isn’t always better.

To finish, we dived into the vaginal microbiome - a topic I always explore in practice. A key takeaway was that low levels of Lactobacillus, especially Lactobacillus crispatus, are linked to increased levels of pathogenic bacteria, including BV-associated strains. L. crispatus stood out as the most protective strain, helping to maintain a healthy vaginal environment and support fertility outcomes.

Another day of learning, and I headed home inspired, with plenty of insights to bring back to clinic 💛

Final Thoughts 

Attending ESHRE is always such a valuable opportunity to step back from the day-to-day and reconnect with the research, the experts, and the evolving direction of fertility care.

While some of the findings weren’t new to those of us already working in this space, it was reassuring - and exciting - to see topics like nutrition, lifestyle, environment, the vaginal microbiome and male fertility being taken seriously in mainstream conversations. The more these areas are integrated into clinical care, the more supported clients will be.

I’m heading back with fresh insights, useful reminders, and a growing list of papers to dive into - but most of all, I feel inspired to keep supporting clients with evidence-based, holistic care that reflects the full picture of fertility.

Here’s to progress, collaboration, and always staying curious 💛