ESHRE 2026: investigating what cannot be seen to better understand fertility

What can influence whether an oocyte fertilises or not? Can some of the products we use every day leave a trace in the environment where the oocyte develops?

These are some of the questions Tambre will bring to ESHRE 2026, the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, which will take place in London from 5 to 8 July 2026.

Tambre returns to this international congress with two selected studies, one of them as an oral presentation, a particularly relevant format within the scientific programme. Both studies share the same underlying idea: in assisted reproduction, many answers are not visible at first sight. Sometimes, it is necessary to look beyond the obvious in order to better understand each case and provide patients with more precise guidance.

Two studies looking beyond the obvious

One of the studies Tambre will present at ESHRE 2026 addresses an issue that is closely connected to everyday life: exposure to endocrine disruptors. These are chemical substances that can interfere with the hormonal system and may be present in daily-use products such as cosmetics, intimate hygiene products, cleaning products or food-related items.

Due to its scientific interest, the study has been selected as an oral presentation and will be presented by Dr Abraham Zavala, recently appointed Scientific Director of Tambre.

The study, entitled Avoidable lifestyle exposure to endocrine disruptors with potential impact on fertility: a pilot study, analyses urine and follicular fluid samples from women undergoing fertility treatment, as well as commonly used everyday products. Follicular fluid is of particular interest because it is the environment in which the oocyte develops.

The aim of this research is to provide clearer information, support prevention and offer practical tools to help patients take better care of their reproductive health through everyday habits.

The second selected study is entitled “Oocyte source modulates the impact of double-strand sperm DNA fragmentation on fertilization outcomes: a retrospective cohort study”. This study analyses how double-strand sperm DNA fragmentation may affect fertilisation depending on the oocyte source: the patient’s own oocytes or donor oocytes.

Fertilisation does not depend on one single factor. The sperm cell contributes its genetic material, but the oocyte also plays a fundamental role, especially through its capacity to repair part of the sperm DNA damage during the earliest stages of development.

This research may help to better interpret certain complex cases, set more realistic expectations and guide medical decisions with greater precision, particularly in cases involving male factor infertility, previous treatments or questions about how embryos are developing in the laboratory.

Research rooted in clinical practice

Tambre’s participation in ESHRE 2026 is based on the belief that research should be connected to the real questions patients bring to us.

Many people come to a fertility clinic after failed treatments, incomplete diagnoses, pregnancy loss, low ovarian reserve, male factor infertility or the need for a second opinion. In these cases, every detail may matter.

That is why investigating factors that are not always visible —such as sperm DNA fragmentation, the oocyte’s repair capacity or environmental exposure— helps us move towards a more personalised, rigorous and human approach to reproductive medicine.

This vision is also promoted by Fundación Tambre, whose aim is to turn research into useful knowledge that can help us better support those looking for answers.

A multidisciplinary team in London

Tambre’s presence at ESHRE 2026 will be led by its CEO, Inge Kormelink, whose vision has driven a period marked by growth, research and the clinic’s international development.

She will be joined by members of the Tambre Madrid and Tambre Alicante teams, including Dr Abraham Zavala, Medical Coordinator of Tambre Alicante and recently appointed Scientific Director of Tambre; Dr Najib Dagher; fertility psychologist Raquel Urteaga; Ana Ballester, Nursing Director at Tambre Alicante; and embryologists Victoria Almela, Carolina Andrés and Sara Díez.

The scientific and clinical team will be accompanied by the Alliances Development team, with Inci Ipek and Inmaculada Olid, together with Tambre’s scientific advisor, José Antonio Horcajadas.

Looking beyond to care better

Being at ESHRE 2026 allows Tambre to share science, learn from international teams and continue bringing new knowledge into daily clinical practice.

Because behind every study, there is a real question. A patient who needs to understand what is happening. A couple looking for answers. A story that deserves to be studied with precision and sensitivity.

At Tambre, we continue to research because we know that, in assisted reproduction, looking beyond the obvious can make a real difference.