Heartening news for anyone over forty who is trying to get pregnant with news that the pregnancy rate for women of that age has reached a record high.
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the overall fertility rate has risen by around 3%, but the sharpest rise was amongst women over forty where the rate has gone up by 6%. In fact, in the past fifteen years the number of over forties getting pregnant has more than doubled, although the reasons for this are not clear.
In an age when it is easy to become obsessed with our biological clocks, the news must come as some welcome relief. More details are on the Office for National Statistics website
Friday, 29 February 2008
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Finding a counsellor
Many people who experience infertility and treatment start out by thinking they won't need any counselling. Some don't ever change their minds about that, preferring to talk to friends and family, but a counsellor can offer an impartial ear and may also be able to help you work through some strategies to deal with the hard times.
I'm researching a new book about IVF at the moment, and one of things medical staff believe can really help patients is getting the right kind of counselling early on, rather than letting things build up until you get to a stage where you feel you just can't cope any more.
It is definitely worth seeking out a counsellor who understands infertility. When I had IVF, I did go to one counselling session, but it wasn't at all helpful and put me off completely. I think it was mainly because I hadn't gone to see a specialist counsellor who would understand the issues involved.
Infertility counsellors have been trained in this, and many of them have worked in the field in another capacity before going into counselling. Qualified infertility counsellors will be affiliated to the British Infertility Counselling Association, and you can get more information from their website at www.bica.net .
I'm researching a new book about IVF at the moment, and one of things medical staff believe can really help patients is getting the right kind of counselling early on, rather than letting things build up until you get to a stage where you feel you just can't cope any more.
It is definitely worth seeking out a counsellor who understands infertility. When I had IVF, I did go to one counselling session, but it wasn't at all helpful and put me off completely. I think it was mainly because I hadn't gone to see a specialist counsellor who would understand the issues involved.
Infertility counsellors have been trained in this, and many of them have worked in the field in another capacity before going into counselling. Qualified infertility counsellors will be affiliated to the British Infertility Counselling Association, and you can get more information from their website at www.bica.net .
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Trials for new IVF technique
A Nottinghamshire fertility clinic is taking part in trials of a new device that allows embryos to be incubated in the womb rather than in the IVF laboratory.
When couples go through IVF, fertilised eggs are normally monitored in the laboratory, where they are kept in dishes in an incubator. The most promising embryos are then put back into the womb.
In the trials of this new device, half of the fertilised eggs will be put into a special narrow straw that can be put back into the womb immediately. The straw has tiny holes, not big enough for the embryos to get out, but that will allow them to benefit from developing in their natural environment. The straw is then removed, and the best embryos can be replaced as they would be in a normal cycle.
There's more about the device here , and you can contact the fertility clinic, CARE, here
When couples go through IVF, fertilised eggs are normally monitored in the laboratory, where they are kept in dishes in an incubator. The most promising embryos are then put back into the womb.
In the trials of this new device, half of the fertilised eggs will be put into a special narrow straw that can be put back into the womb immediately. The straw has tiny holes, not big enough for the embryos to get out, but that will allow them to benefit from developing in their natural environment. The straw is then removed, and the best embryos can be replaced as they would be in a normal cycle.
There's more about the device here , and you can contact the fertility clinic, CARE, here
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Fertility risk from anti-bacterials?
I've just been reading an article from an organisation called the National Skincare Institute in the States claiming that anti-bacterial soaps and skin products may cause fertility problems.
Many homes are full of anti-bacterial products nowadays, from soaps to handwashes and cleaners. The feature claims these contain a toxic pesticide, that can be absorbed through the skin and can cause all kinds of health problems, including infertility. There is little in the way of detail on the infertility front, and you may think it's just another of those endless things we are told not to use, or not to eat, or not to drink, when we are experiencing fertility problems. However, there have been questions raised about our use, or over-use, of anti-bacterials for some time, and you may like to read more on the subject here
Many homes are full of anti-bacterial products nowadays, from soaps to handwashes and cleaners. The feature claims these contain a toxic pesticide, that can be absorbed through the skin and can cause all kinds of health problems, including infertility. There is little in the way of detail on the infertility front, and you may think it's just another of those endless things we are told not to use, or not to eat, or not to drink, when we are experiencing fertility problems. However, there have been questions raised about our use, or over-use, of anti-bacterials for some time, and you may like to read more on the subject here
Monday, 25 February 2008
Viagra risks
Researchers have found that taking Viagra may damage male fertility, leading to warnings about using the drug.
The team at Queen's University in Belfast found that although Viagra makes sperm more active, it also damages their cap-like outer covering. If this is damaged early on, it makes it hard for the sperm to break into an egg and fertilise it.
Some fertility clinics have prescribed Viagra for both women and men, but this research, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, does suggest that it may do more harm than good for male fertility.
The team at Queen's University in Belfast found that although Viagra makes sperm more active, it also damages their cap-like outer covering. If this is damaged early on, it makes it hard for the sperm to break into an egg and fertilise it.
Some fertility clinics have prescribed Viagra for both women and men, but this research, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, does suggest that it may do more harm than good for male fertility.
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Give your thoughts on treatment abroad
Infertility Network UK is carrying out a survey to try to find out what people think about travelling overseas for treatment. More and more patients are now visiting clinics abroad, but there has been very little research in the field.
The survey isn't just for people who have already had treatment abroad, or for those who are actively considering it, but is open to everyone as Infertility Network UK are just as interested in finding out why some people wouldn't see it as a viable option.
The survey will only take a few minutes to complete - and there is a chance to give a more detailed response if you'd like. The findings will be used to produce information to help other patients who may be thinking of travelling abroad, and to raise awareness of the issue in the media.
If you could spare a few minutes, you can find the survey on the Infertility Network UK website here
The survey isn't just for people who have already had treatment abroad, or for those who are actively considering it, but is open to everyone as Infertility Network UK are just as interested in finding out why some people wouldn't see it as a viable option.
The survey will only take a few minutes to complete - and there is a chance to give a more detailed response if you'd like. The findings will be used to produce information to help other patients who may be thinking of travelling abroad, and to raise awareness of the issue in the media.
If you could spare a few minutes, you can find the survey on the Infertility Network UK website here
Single embryo success
Doctors at a London hospital have proved that putting back just one embryo during IVF doesn't have to reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
The team at Guys and St Thomas' managed to increase their pregnancy rate from 27% to 32%, whilst cutting their multiple birth rate in half. They did this by using more developed embryos, or blastocysts, and their newly published research shows that putting just one back at a time really does work.
For too long, the risks involved in multiple pregnancies have been played down by many fertility doctors, who don't have to see the pain and anguish of miscarriage, of premature, sick babies or of children who will have health problems for the rest of their lives. Of course, not every multiple pregnancy is problematic, but the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has estimated that more than a hundred IVF babies die every year as a result of multiple embryo transfers, and this is not a risk patients should have to take.
The new research shows that fertility clinics can move to single embryo transfer without cutting the chances of success, and others should be encouraged to follow this lead so that fertility patients no longer have to take unnecessary risks with their own health, and that of their future children.
You can read a report on the study, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in The Independent
The team at Guys and St Thomas' managed to increase their pregnancy rate from 27% to 32%, whilst cutting their multiple birth rate in half. They did this by using more developed embryos, or blastocysts, and their newly published research shows that putting just one back at a time really does work.
For too long, the risks involved in multiple pregnancies have been played down by many fertility doctors, who don't have to see the pain and anguish of miscarriage, of premature, sick babies or of children who will have health problems for the rest of their lives. Of course, not every multiple pregnancy is problematic, but the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has estimated that more than a hundred IVF babies die every year as a result of multiple embryo transfers, and this is not a risk patients should have to take.
The new research shows that fertility clinics can move to single embryo transfer without cutting the chances of success, and others should be encouraged to follow this lead so that fertility patients no longer have to take unnecessary risks with their own health, and that of their future children.
You can read a report on the study, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in The Independent
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Would-be fathers advised to stop smoking and drinking
We've always been aware that women's lifestyles affect their fertility and the health of their children, but the effect of men's lifestyles hasn't been so well documented. Now it seems that men's health may play just as important a role as women's when it comes to reproduction and their children's health.
Men who smoke, drink and take recreational drugs may have increased fertility problems and may also increase the chances of miscarriage, still birth and child health problems. Apparently smoking, drinking and cocaine all cause chemical changes to semen, and environmental toxins like pesticides can also put men's fertility and their children's health at risk.
The issue was discussed at a seminar at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science chaired by Dr Cynthia Daniels of Rutgers University, an expert in the field.
You can read more about this story in here or here
Men who smoke, drink and take recreational drugs may have increased fertility problems and may also increase the chances of miscarriage, still birth and child health problems. Apparently smoking, drinking and cocaine all cause chemical changes to semen, and environmental toxins like pesticides can also put men's fertility and their children's health at risk.
The issue was discussed at a seminar at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science chaired by Dr Cynthia Daniels of Rutgers University, an expert in the field.
You can read more about this story in here or here
Friday, 15 February 2008
Rising infertility rates
You may have heard, or read, today that infertility is expected to rise in the future due to the fact that so many couples with fertility problems are having IVF babies, and that this may create another generation of fertility problems. It has led to comment along the familiar lines that those of us with fertility problems should not seek treatment, but instead accept it as our fate. This always seems the strangest argument to me, as followed to a logical conclusion, it surely implies that no one should seek treatment for any medical condition.
It is true that the editorial in the British Medical Journal does discuss whether those with genetic factors causing their infertility risk passing them on if they have children by IVF, but it would be wrong to assume that everyone having IVF has a genetic cause for their fertility problem.
In fact, most of the editorial is focused on the need for more research into the causes of infertility, and particularly the environmental causes - certainly something most of us would welcome. You can read the editorial for yourself here
It is true that the editorial in the British Medical Journal does discuss whether those with genetic factors causing their infertility risk passing them on if they have children by IVF, but it would be wrong to assume that everyone having IVF has a genetic cause for their fertility problem.
In fact, most of the editorial is focused on the need for more research into the causes of infertility, and particularly the environmental causes - certainly something most of us would welcome. You can read the editorial for yourself here
Ectopic pregnancy help and advice
Anyone who has personal experience of an ectopic pregnancy knows how devastating this can be, and how essential it is to get the right information and diagnosis in time.
An ectopic pregnany occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube. As it grows, it stretches the walls of the tube, and this can be very painful. If it is not diagnosed, it can rupture the tube causing severe pain and bleeding. A ruptured ectopic is potentially very dangerous.
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust offers information, support and advice, and is a valuable resource for medical staff as well as individuals who have had an ectopic and their friends and families.
The Trust has recently moved to a new base at King's College Hospital and will be celebrating a tenth anniversary this year.
You can find the trust's website at www.ectopic.org.uk
An ectopic pregnany occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube. As it grows, it stretches the walls of the tube, and this can be very painful. If it is not diagnosed, it can rupture the tube causing severe pain and bleeding. A ruptured ectopic is potentially very dangerous.
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust offers information, support and advice, and is a valuable resource for medical staff as well as individuals who have had an ectopic and their friends and families.
The Trust has recently moved to a new base at King's College Hospital and will be celebrating a tenth anniversary this year.
You can find the trust's website at www.ectopic.org.uk
Thursday, 14 February 2008
Talking and Telling workshops
The Donor Conception Network is organising a series of workshops for parents of children conceived using donor gametes, looking at what and how to tell children about their conception. The workshops are currently still at the planning stage, but will take place in locations across the UK. Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Chelmsford, Oxford, Salisbury and London are all likely to host workshops, and anyone who may be interested can find out more from the DC Network website .
Research into implantation rates after ICSI
A team from the University of Bonn in Germany have been researching implantation rates after ICSI, and believe they may have found a way of identifying the fertilised eggs that are most likely to implant successfully.
The German researchers have just published their findings, and suggest that by inspecting the outer layer of the egg in a particular way under the microscope, they may be able to identify the embryos that are most likely to implant and to result in a pregnancy. They have now developed software to analyse the data from the microscope and help select the best embryos.
The major stumbling block for scientist and medical teams when it comes to IVF is implantation. Eggs and sperm can produce wonderful-looking embryos, but once they are transferred to the womb, no one really knows why some implant and others don't. There's more about this new research on the University of Bonn website
The German researchers have just published their findings, and suggest that by inspecting the outer layer of the egg in a particular way under the microscope, they may be able to identify the embryos that are most likely to implant and to result in a pregnancy. They have now developed software to analyse the data from the microscope and help select the best embryos.
The major stumbling block for scientist and medical teams when it comes to IVF is implantation. Eggs and sperm can produce wonderful-looking embryos, but once they are transferred to the womb, no one really knows why some implant and others don't. There's more about this new research on the University of Bonn website
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
IVF success after 15 attempts
The case of the couple who have finally had a baby daughter after 15 attempts at IVF has hit the headlines in the last week, with generally sympathetic coverage about their pluck and courage. However, one short comment posted on The Times website illustrates the negative view many have of fertility treatment, asking what happened to evolution, and suggesting that some people are just not meant to have children.
Fertility treatment is something everyone seems to have strong opinions about, and many people refuse to recognise that infertility is a medical condition. It is true that not many of us would have the emotional strength to get through fifteen IVF cycles, or the financial resources to pay the sixty-four thousand pound bill. The couple in question had apparently remortgaged their home twice and worked hundreds of hours of overtime to pay for it, and in the end, it proved to be worth the effort. If someone had spent this much of their own hard-earned cash sorting out pretty much any other medical problem we'd be outraged that the NHS hadn't been able to help, not critical of the fact that they put so much of their own time and money into dealing with their problem.
You can see The Times article and comments here
Fertility treatment is something everyone seems to have strong opinions about, and many people refuse to recognise that infertility is a medical condition. It is true that not many of us would have the emotional strength to get through fifteen IVF cycles, or the financial resources to pay the sixty-four thousand pound bill. The couple in question had apparently remortgaged their home twice and worked hundreds of hours of overtime to pay for it, and in the end, it proved to be worth the effort. If someone had spent this much of their own hard-earned cash sorting out pretty much any other medical problem we'd be outraged that the NHS hadn't been able to help, not critical of the fact that they put so much of their own time and money into dealing with their problem.
You can see The Times article and comments here
Monday, 11 February 2008
Tomatoes and male fertility
I've just been reading about a new book that claims tomatoes are the latest superfood. Apparently they not only contain vitamins, but are also high in antioxidants, particularly one known as lycopene. It's the lycopene that gives tomatoes their bright red colour.
The book, The Red Bodyguard by Ron Levin, makes the case for tomatoes helping with all kinds of ailments thanks to the lycopene. It is claimed that they can help men with low sperm counts, and that when a test group were given supplements of lycopene there was a marked improvement in their fertility.
You can read more about the claims in this article in The Telegraph , and you may feel they're just another of the endless claims that if you eat more of this or less of that, it will improve your fertility. However, you're not going to do any harm by increasing your tomato intake, and it may help you ensure you hit your five fruit and veg a day target if nothing else.
The book, The Red Bodyguard by Ron Levin, makes the case for tomatoes helping with all kinds of ailments thanks to the lycopene. It is claimed that they can help men with low sperm counts, and that when a test group were given supplements of lycopene there was a marked improvement in their fertility.
You can read more about the claims in this article in The Telegraph , and you may feel they're just another of the endless claims that if you eat more of this or less of that, it will improve your fertility. However, you're not going to do any harm by increasing your tomato intake, and it may help you ensure you hit your five fruit and veg a day target if nothing else.
Friday, 8 February 2008
Acupuncture linked to improved IVF success rates
Researchers have concluded that acupuncture carried out around the time the embryos are put back into the womb during an IVF cycle can improve the chances of a positive pregnancy test and a live birth.
The research team conducted a review of the existing studies looking at acupuncture and IVF, and drew the clear conclusion that acupuncture did appear to make a difference. Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to regulate the female reproductive system for centuries, and has become increasingly popular amongst those going through fertility treatment in recent years. The review looked at studies where acupuncture was used within a day of embryo transfer, either before or afterwards.
The full details of the review study can be seen here
The research team conducted a review of the existing studies looking at acupuncture and IVF, and drew the clear conclusion that acupuncture did appear to make a difference. Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to regulate the female reproductive system for centuries, and has become increasingly popular amongst those going through fertility treatment in recent years. The review looked at studies where acupuncture was used within a day of embryo transfer, either before or afterwards.
The full details of the review study can be seen here
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Considering donor insemination?
Women considering donor insemination may find it interesting to visit one of the evening seminars organised by the London Women's Clinic. Titled "Inseminar", the sessions are open to anyone, and provide a really useful insight into the practicalities of using donor sperm for patients. There are talks from the clinic's Medical Director, the Head of Nursing, the Sperm Bank Managers and the Legal Adviser.
I attended one of the seminars last night, and was impressed by the broad range of information on offer, from detailed explanations about pre-treatment testing to an in-depth discussion about the recruitment of sperm donors and the checks and safeguards built into the system. The London Women's Clinic was one of the first to offer treatment to single women and lesbian couples, and although there were some men present, the seminar may be of particular value for single women and lesbian couples, particularly the legal adviser's comprehensive overview of how the law works when donor sperm is used in these situations.
There's lots of valuable information on offer, whether you're considering having treatment at this particular clinic or not, and some advice from other women on the practicalities can be found in my book The Complete Guide to Female Fertility
More Inseminars are planned, and not just in London but also in Cardiff, and anyone interested in attending can find more information here
I attended one of the seminars last night, and was impressed by the broad range of information on offer, from detailed explanations about pre-treatment testing to an in-depth discussion about the recruitment of sperm donors and the checks and safeguards built into the system. The London Women's Clinic was one of the first to offer treatment to single women and lesbian couples, and although there were some men present, the seminar may be of particular value for single women and lesbian couples, particularly the legal adviser's comprehensive overview of how the law works when donor sperm is used in these situations.
There's lots of valuable information on offer, whether you're considering having treatment at this particular clinic or not, and some advice from other women on the practicalities can be found in my book The Complete Guide to Female Fertility
More Inseminars are planned, and not just in London but also in Cardiff, and anyone interested in attending can find more information here
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
UK to be home to Europe's largest IVF unit
Planning permission has just been granted for the largest IVF unit in Europe to be built in Liverpool. The Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine , based at Liverpool Women's Hospital, is already one of the largest units in the country, but the new centre will be able to carry out 2,000 treatment cycles every year.
The project is funded jointly by the hospital and the private company, North West Fertility Ltd, and will include a new embryology laboratory, sperm bank and egg freezing facility. This can only be good news for anyone needing fertility treatment in the North West.
If you want to know more, you can see the local newspaper report on the story here
The project is funded jointly by the hospital and the private company, North West Fertility Ltd, and will include a new embryology laboratory, sperm bank and egg freezing facility. This can only be good news for anyone needing fertility treatment in the North West.
If you want to know more, you can see the local newspaper report on the story here
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Successful fertility treatment?
When fertility treatment works, it's a truly fantastic feeling, but it's also surprising how quickly that elation turns to a whole new set of fears and worries. You've spent so long getting to this point, and you expect to feel ecstatic but instead you may find yourself obsessed with miscarriage and pregnancy problems.
When I was pregnant after IVF, I couldn't stop reading pregnancy books, and convinced myself I had every possible problem from latent pre-eclampsia to an incompetent cervix. The most difficult part is knowing who to turn to. You're only too aware that your fertility friends don't want to listen to your concerns, but at the same time it often seems that everyone else thinks you're worrying unnecessarily at a time when you ought to be filled with joy.
Help is at hand, and has been for the last ten years. ACeBabes is a national charity supporting those who've had successful fertility treatment right through from the early days of pregnancy to parenting. There's advice and a chance to get in touch with others in a similar position, and you can even find yourself a "bump buddy", For more details, take a look at their website
When I was pregnant after IVF, I couldn't stop reading pregnancy books, and convinced myself I had every possible problem from latent pre-eclampsia to an incompetent cervix. The most difficult part is knowing who to turn to. You're only too aware that your fertility friends don't want to listen to your concerns, but at the same time it often seems that everyone else thinks you're worrying unnecessarily at a time when you ought to be filled with joy.
Help is at hand, and has been for the last ten years. ACeBabes is a national charity supporting those who've had successful fertility treatment right through from the early days of pregnancy to parenting. There's advice and a chance to get in touch with others in a similar position, and you can even find yourself a "bump buddy", For more details, take a look at their website
Monday, 4 February 2008
Miscarriage support
Losing a baby during pregnancy is devastating for anyone, but when you've been waiting a long time to get pregnant in the first place, or have been through fertility treatment first, it can seem completely overwhelming. Anyone who has experienced both infertility and pregnancy loss will be aware of the whole range of emotions that this can bring, and the feelings of isolation, hopelessness and failure.
It can seem as if you are all alone, but there is help and support if you need it. You may usually rely on your partner for emotional support, but at this time it is sometimes very difficult for them too, and you may deal with the experience in different ways. Friends may not seem to understand at all, and it is certainly worth considering seeking professional counselling even if you usually think it's not for you. Alternatively, you may want to see support from The Miscarriage Association who can offer practical advice, help and support as well as a range of leaflets that may help.
It can seem as if you are all alone, but there is help and support if you need it. You may usually rely on your partner for emotional support, but at this time it is sometimes very difficult for them too, and you may deal with the experience in different ways. Friends may not seem to understand at all, and it is certainly worth considering seeking professional counselling even if you usually think it's not for you. Alternatively, you may want to see support from The Miscarriage Association who can offer practical advice, help and support as well as a range of leaflets that may help.
Friday, 1 February 2008
Heart disease in IVF twins
Researchers in the United States have discovered that IVF twins have an increased risk of congenital heart disease, although single IVF babies have no greater risk than the rest of the population.
The team at Yale University say their research suggests that some previous reports of high rates of congenital heart disease in IVF babies may be a result of the high levels of multiple births after IVF rather than anything else.
The study looked at more than 2,000 patients and found the IVF twins had a three-fold increase in rates of congenital heart disease. The research comes as UK clinics are being urged to cut their multiple birth rates, and may be another statistic to take into consideration in the debate about single embryo transfer.
There's more information about the study on the Yale University website.
The team at Yale University say their research suggests that some previous reports of high rates of congenital heart disease in IVF babies may be a result of the high levels of multiple births after IVF rather than anything else.
The study looked at more than 2,000 patients and found the IVF twins had a three-fold increase in rates of congenital heart disease. The research comes as UK clinics are being urged to cut their multiple birth rates, and may be another statistic to take into consideration in the debate about single embryo transfer.
There's more information about the study on the Yale University website.
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