The present invention relates to assays (and kits) for predicting the chances of success of pregnancy using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) by determining the level of a modulator of 11&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11&bgr;-HSD) in a biological sample taken from a human female, for example in the environment of an oocyte, e.g. follicular fluid or granulosa cells. The amount of modulator (e.g. inhibitor) can be determined by reference to its effect on 11&bgr;-HSD activity and administration of a modulator (e.g. an 11&bgr;-HSD inhibitor) may increase the likelihood of pregnancy while 11&bgr;-HSD agonists may be potential contraceptive agents.
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