afterword... The Fertility Show

This weekend's Fertility Show was very busy - more than 3,600 visitors over the weekend - and it was lovely to meet some of you and to find many old friends too.  The seminar programme this year was fantastic with really interesting topics addressed by some of the world's leading experts in their fields and most of the talks appeared to be packed out.

There were quite a few clinics from the UK exhibiting at the Show, mainly from London and the South East, but they were rather outnumbered by their counterparts from overseas who have clearly realised that more and more people are considering travelling for fertility treatment.  There were fertility specialists from Spain, Russia, Latvia, Georgia, Italy, Barbados, the Czech Republic, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Sweden and across the USA from Florida to Chicago. I spoke to a number of people who were considering treatment overseas and they'd found it really helpful to have so many different clinics from around the world all gathered under one roof.  It can be very hard to distinguish between one and another when you're only judging them on their websites and email communications, and the opportunity to meet staff face to face and get a feel for the clinics and what they can offer is quite unique.

For me, it was really good to see so many patient support organisations there too - Infertility Network UK, the Donor Conception Network, International Asherman's Association, Klinefelter's Syndrome Association, Fleur and the lovely team from Verity PCOS who must be congratulated on their purple theme which even went as far as a rather wonderful pair of handmade purple earings...

As it is National Adoption Week, it was heartening to see that a number of fostering and adoption agencies were represented too as this is an alternative route to parenthood that some may want to consider.

Everyone I spoke to who'd visited the Show had found it to be a beneficial experience.  I know some people do feel it is a rather commercial affair for a medical problem, but fertility treatment is a massive commercial industry. Personally, I think the opportunities a weekend at The Fertility Show can offer outweigh any such concerns.  If you're not into fertility astrology or crystal therapy, you don't need to spend time at the stands offering them. It's a matter of picking and choosing the things that you want to know more about and making the most of the opportunities the weekend can afford.

Obesity and your eggs

For some time, women who are very overweight have been told that they have a reduced chance of success with IVF - and in some areas have been denied access to funded treatment because of this - but now for the first time researchers may have found out why.  It appears that women who are very overweight are more likely to have abnormalities in their eggs and that this reduces the chances of fertilisation.

Researchers in the US examined almost 300 eggs that hadn't fertilised during IVF cycles, and found that the eggs belonging to women who were severely obese were much more likely to have abnormally arranged chromosomes.  It is important to stress that these weren't women who were just a little plump - the eggs were only shown to have a problem in women who had a BMI (body mass index) of at least 35.  Interestingly, the research team say that by losing weight woman could improve their chances of getting pregnant - so the damage is not irreversible. 

Losing weight can be difficult when you're going through fertility treatment and feeling generally rather down and depressed, but this new research suggests that for anyone who is seriously overweight, making an effort may prove to make all the difference.  Don't forget that you can always visit your GP for help and advice about weight loss - and that joining a group can sometimes give you the added impetus you need.  For anyone with PCOS who is finding it hard to lose weight, I'd suggest getting in touch with Verity - the PCOS network - not because they have some miracle weight loss magic, but because the support of others in a similar situation can make all the difference. 

PCOS - not too late to book for the conference

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, you will be interested in a one day conference due to take place later this month in Reading. Organised by Verity, the PCOS support network, on March 27, the conference covers a wide range of topics including complementary therapy, health issues and dealing with excess hair. See the Verity website for more details.

PCOS conference

If you are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome, you will be interested in a conference taking place in March in Reading. The conference is organised by Verity , the PCOS support network and will take place at the Hilton Hotel on March 27. There are a range of speakers covering topics such as health, nutrition and complementary therapy. You can book online at the Verity website.

Medical causes of excess body hair

Women who have excess body hair, known as hirsutism, don't always realise that this may indicate an underlying medical problem. Many women are upset and embarrassed if they start growing excess hair but the condition is surprisingly common, affecting up to 15% of the population, and women should feel confident about seeking medical advice. Hirsutism is often a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the vast majority of women who have excess body hair also suffer from PCOS.

A new study to be published in The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist looks at the causes of hirsutism and also investigates the treatments that may be used successfully. If a woman is overweight, then weight loss can sometimes make a real difference, as can hormone therapy, such as taking the oral contraceptive pill. Women may also be offered cosmetic or medical treatment for hirsutism. There's more on this at www.rcog.org.uk

PCOS and your emotions

There's an interesting all-day workshop for anyone who can get to Birmingham this Saturday, looking at the emotional aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS.

If you have PCOS, you will find it an interesting day and speakers include a psychologist, a hypnotherapist and a nurse. You can find out more about the workshop here, at www.verity-pcos.org,uk

PCOS book

I've just been reading a good book on polycystic ovary syndrome that would be really helpful to anyone who has PCOS, or who thinks they may be suffering with it. Coping with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome goes into real depth about what PCOS is and the signs to look for, but also takes time to talk about living with symptoms such as excessive body hair and weight problems. The book looks at exercise, diet and includes information about complementary therapies that may help, as well as considering the emotional impact of PCOS. Co-authored by a leading expert on the subject, Professor Adam Balen, Coping with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome provides a really thorough guide. Here's a link to the book.

Polycystic ovary syndrome support

If you have PCOS, you may be interested in attending a one-day conference organised by the polycystic ovary syndrome support network, Verity. The agenda for the day has now been set, and includes discussions on nutrition, acupuncture and complementary therapies as well as fertility.

The event will take place in Manchester on 25 October, and you can see the agenda and book online at www.verity-pcos.org.uk

For anyone with polycystic ovary syndrome

If your life is affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you may be interested to know that Verity, the support network for women with PCOS, is organising a conference on the subject in the Autumn.

Held in Manchester on Saturday 11 October, the conference will include sessions on how acupuncture can help and on acne and PCOS as well as a talk from one of the country's leading fertility experts, Professor Bill Ledger of Sheffield University.

You can find out more about the conference, and book yourself a place, by visiting the network's website at www.verity-pcos.org.uk

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common cause of female fertility problems. Many women have lots of small cysts just below the surface of the ovaries, which are actually follicles that haven't developed properly. Generally the cycsts aren't accompanied by any other problems, but if you have PCOS, you will usually have irregular, infrequent or absent periods. The syndrome is sometimes associated with weight problems too, and other signs that can accompany it are unwanted facial or body hair and skin problems such as oily skin or acne.

Could you have polycystic ovary syndrome?

Around twenty percent of women have polycystic ovaries, but most of us won't ever be aware of the fact and they won't affect our lives. Tiny cysts are found on the ovaries, which are actually undeveloped follicles. Polycystic ovaries won't necessarily affect your fertility, but sometimes when they are accompanied by other symptoms, they can indicate polycystic ovary syndrome, a common cause of female fertility problems.

There are a number of signs to look out for which could indicate that you may have polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. Women with PCOS usually have irregular, infrequent or absent periods. About a third of those with PCOS are overweight, although it is perfectly possible to have the syndrome and to be very slim. Women who have the eating disorder bulimia seem to have a higher risk of having PCOS, too.

Women with PCOS may have difficulty getting pregnant, or have had miscarriages. Some women have other signs, such as unwanted facial or body hair, and oily skin or acne. Women may also find that they lose hair from their scalp, or have thining hair. There are often hormonal imbalances which can be checked by a blood test. Women who have PCOS sometimes suffer from depression and mood changes.

You can find out more about polycystic ovary syndrome by contacting the support group Verity