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.

Come and say hello...

If you’re going to The Fertility Show at London’s Olympia tomorrow, do come and say hello.  I’m speaking at 11.45 about choosing a clinic, and then chairing a Q and A session with two overseas clinics at 3.30, so do come and find me if you’re there.   If you haven’t booked in advance, you can still turn up and pay on the door.

Piatkus, who publish my books, have very kindly donated some copies of The Complete Guide to IVF to the Infertility Network UK stand where they can be exchanged for donations to the charity, and I will also have some copies of Precious Babies, my latest book about pregnancy, birth and parenting after infertlity.

The Fertility Show is always a really interesting two days, and this year is on track to be the best yet with a fascinating array of seminars and exhibitors from around the world.  If you want to know more about exactly what’s on and when, go to www.fertilityshow.co.uk

Fertility information - Northern Ireland

Sometimes it can seem as if anywhere outside London gets forgotten when it comes to fertility-related events, but for anyone living in Northern Ireland there's good news with a special Fertility Information Day set for October 20th.  

Run by the lovely Sharon Davidson from Infertility Network UK, the day will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick, Ballyclare.  A variety of presentations and workshops are planned including sessions on new developments in treatment, donor treatments, nutrition, complementary therapies, emotions and stress and dealing with work issues. A number of fertility clinics will be running exhibition stands on the day too.

The day costs just £10 - unless you are a professional working in the field in which case it is £25 - and that includes refreshments and a sandwich lunch.  For more information, click on this link.

GPs lack knowledge and empathy when it comes to fertility problems...

As you may remember reading on this blog a few months ago (yes, we're often ahead with the news...), research for the National Infertility Awareness Campaign has found that nearly half of all GPs lacked knowledge about infertility and treatment and many found that their family doctors were very unsympathetic.

It's a great shame as showing a little compassion can go a long way when it comes to fertility problems, and the NIAC research makes me realise how fortunate I was when I first went to see my GP about not getting pregnant as he immediately offered to do some tests and set us on our way.  He was very matter of fact about it all, which was actually really helpful as it made me realise that this was a common problem and that there were things we could do.

What's even more depressing about the NIAC survey is the fact that a third of women who should qualify for fertility investigations and treatment are turned away by their doctors and made to wait.  The results of the survey would suggest that it's always worth getting a second opinion if you feel your doctor isn't taking the problem seriously.  I know how hard it can be as not being able to conceive often erodes your self-confidence and you may not feel able to argue your case when faced with an unsympathetic GP - but it may make all the difference in the long run.

You can find more details about the NIAC research on the Infertility Network UK website

   

Meeting at the House of Commons

I've meant to tell you about the meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility for weeks, but am only now finally getting round to it - the picture shows Infertility Network UK Chief Executive Clare Lewis-Jones with the group's Chair, MP for Dartford Gareth Johnson.  Sadly, only one other MP came to join the meeting which was a great shame as it was an opportunity to show support and to help to raise awareness. It was fortunate that so many of those with an interest in fertility who had been invited by the National Infertility Awareness Campaign did turn up - making the meeting feel very well attended.

Clare Lewis-Jones presented the findings of some very interesting research carried out by the National Infertility Awareness Campaign which showed that more than half of all fertility patients had found their GP to be either unhelpful or lacking in knowledge about infertility and treatments when they visited. It must be very difficult for GPs who are expected to be up to date with every health problem and every potential treatment, but one of the problems for fertility patients is the lack of time that they have to give in an appointment when discussing a fertility problem is often difficult and upsetting.

Let's hope that more MPs make time to come along to the next meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility to show their support and to help increase understanding.

Professional advice for your fertility questions

When you're trying unsuccessfully to conceive, there are often so many questions and concerns that spring to your mind that you may not always feel able to bother your clinic or your consultant with all your niggling worries. Many women resort to asking one another questions about what it is and isn't OK to do when you're trying to conceive on the many online fertility forums, but one of the problems with this is that you'll often receive misleading or even plain inaccurate advice.

What many couples don't realise is that the charity Infertility Network UK offers all its members access to a professional advice line where you can contact a medical profesisonal with all your little worries and queries, safe in the knowledge that you won't be getting anything but the best advice from someone who not only gets their medical facts right, but also understands infertility and knows just how you are feeling and why you have so many questions.

It's not expensive to join Infertility Network UK, and I'd always advise taking out membership to anyone who is trying to conceive. Not only will you benefit yourself in terms of access to information and support, but you'll also be helping to back the campaigning work of the charity as it tries to raise awareness of infertility and of the inequities in the way treatment is currently funded.

Fertility funding in Northern Ireland

Members of the Assembly in Northern Ireland have passed a motion calling on the Health Minister to fund three cycles of IVF treatment. At present, anyone eligible for funded fertility treatment in Northern Ireland will only get one attempt at IVF paid for by the health service. In England NHS funding can vary, but in Scotland couples get three cycles and in Wales they get two. The guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommend that those who are eligible should be offered up to three full cycles of treatment.

It is great news that the Assembly is considering the issue, and that members are minded to call for more funding for fertility. The campaigning work carried out by Infertility Network UK in Ireland is sure to have helped bring this issue to the forefront.

Calling anyone in Belfast...

If you live in Belfast and are trying to conceive, you will be interested in a series of workshops organised by the wonderful Infertility Network UK team in Northern Ireland.

The five workshops cover a range of topics relating to fertility problems, starting with a workshop on nutrition on 26 January. Further workshops will cover dealing with your emotions, relationships, complementary therapy and solutions for stress.

Not only will the workshops prove to be informative, but they also provide a great opportunity to be with others who are in a similar situation and who understand exactly how you are feeling. For more information, see the Infertility Network UK blog.

Great first day at The Fertility Show

The first day of this year's Fertility Show was another huge success. I really enjoyed the day, catching up with so many old friends and making many new ones. Seeing all my old colleagues on the Infertility Network UK stand was a treat as always, and I spent some time with my new ones on the British Infertility Counselling Association stand. It was lovely to see the friendly teams from the Homerton, Guy's and Birmingham Women's Clinic, the fabulous women who run Verity, Zita West and her staff and Brigid Moss from Red magazine who has written a great new book about experiences of IVF.

I hope my talk was OK - this year I didn't speak too fast at least, which is one good thing! But I didn't leave enough time for questions - which was one bad thing!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow - come and see my question time with clinics from the US and Spain and find out all you need to know about treatment overseas!

The Fertility Show

This year's Fertility Show is now just a couple of months away, the seminar programme has been drawn up and tickets are on sale. For anyone trying to conceive, I think the Fertility Show offers a unique opportunity to hear some of the leading experts in the country give their views and to make contact with staff from clinics from the UK and abroad, getting an idea of whether they might be suitable for you with more insights than you might be able to glean from their websites.

I know the Fertility Show isn't everyone's cup of tea. Some people do feel that it is too overtly commercial, but the sad reality is that most fertility treatment now is overtly commercial and however much we don't like that, it's not going to change. You have to go to the shown forewarned that perhaps you may find some things there that you wouldn't choose for yourself, but that's not a reason not to go. I feel it really is an unmissable opportunity to inform yourself and there are many excellent organisations exhibiting and lots of really interesting talks. The show is organised by an excellent and very professional team, in conjunction with the charity Infertility Network UK who are running some great workshops for the first time this year. Come along and see for yourself!

Infertility Network UK

I finished work as a Regional Organiser for Infertility Network UK last month after almost two years as a member of staff, and many more of being involved with the charity as a trustee beforehand. If you're not familiar with I N UK, do take a look at the website - www.infertilitynetworkuk.com . There's so much information for anyone with an interest in fertility, from downloadable factsheets on different aspects of infertility and treatment to a funding section with a fascinating interactive map to show what the current situation for NHS-funded IVF is across the UK. There are details of events and support groups across the country as well as forums and chatrooms where you can talk to others. The charity also supports those who've been successful after treatment through ACeBabes and those who are living with involuntary childlessness through More to Life.

I have had a wonderful two years working for the charity, and it has been great to meet so many lovely people and to do a job which felt worthwhile every day. Do take a look at the website and see what Infertility Network UK can offer...

Brighton fertility support group

The Brighton fertility support group organised by Infertility Network UK will be meeting this Thursday, 24 March, at the Agora Clinic in Hove at 6pm. The meeting is open to everyone - you don't need to be having treatment at the clinic - and you don't need to book to come to the group, just turn up on Thursday evening. Hope to see you there!

IVF cuts - make your feelings known...

It was depressing to get back from my holiday and discover that one Primary Care Trust had decided to stop funding fertility treatment due to the recession.

It's an easy way to look as if you are being thrifty - but the ridiculous thing is that it actually saves a very small amount of money whilst causing a huge amount of heartache. I heard an estimate the other day that in total fertility funding was less than 0.1% of the NHS budget. I suspect far more could be saved by a more careful monitoring of exactly what can be covered by executive expenses - and that wouldn't cause any heartache to anyone.

Clare Lewis-Jones MBE, chair of the National Infertility Awareness Campaign and Chief Executive of Infertility Network UK has made her feelings clear, urging Warrington PCT to rethink the decision; “We are very angry indeed at the decision taken by Warrington PCT to suspend funding for IVF treatment. The PCT has suggested that infertility does not affect general physical health but we deal with patients every day who contact us and whose health has been adversely affected by this illness. NICE Guidance issued in 2004 recommended eligible couples should receive up to three full cycles of treatment. It is high time that PCTs realised the impact infertility has on patients."

I think sometimes Primary Care Trusts are too quick to listen to the small but vociferous minority who oppose fertility treatment and to take their views as being representative. People who are living without the children they'd love are often so adversely affected by their situation that they feel unable to make a fuss when PCTs make decisions like this. Maybe you could help them. Tell Warrington PCT Chair, Mr John Gartside, what you think about the decision.

Mr John Gartside
Warrington Primary Care Trust
Headquarters
930-932 Birchwood Boulevard
Millennium Park
Birchwood
Warrington WA3 7QN

The WoW show

It's not too late to book for the Wellbeing of Women show this Saturday in Central London. There are a wide range of speakers on all aspects of women's health and fertility, and it promises to be a fascinating day. I'll be there on the Infertility Network UK stand so come and say hello!

You can find out all the details and information about how to book here

Congratulations to Clare

Congratulations to Clare Lewis Jones, Chief Executive of Infertility Network UK, who has just been awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list. It's a great recognition of her years of work campaigning for those with fertility problems - you can read more about it here

Award for Infertility Network UK

The charity Infertility Network UK has been listed as one of the winners in a prestigious health award scheme.

The Impact Awards aim to reward charities who are doing excellent work to improve people's health, and this is well-deserved recognition for Infertility Network UK. The awards are funded by GlaxoSmithKline and managed in partnership with the King's Fund.

Last chance to give your views on treatment abroad

What do you think about the growing trend to go overseas for fertility treatment? Is it something you've thought about yourself? Or would you have grave concerns about the prospect? Have you already looked into it? Or perhaps even been abroad for treatment?

Whatever your thoughts on the subject, there's a last chance to air them by answering a survey on treatment abroad being carried out by Infertility Network UK for National Infertility Day in July. The survey is due to close in a couple of weeks, and the response so far has been fantastic - but if you've got strong views either way, don't leave it too late to make them known.

You can go straight to the survey here

Free calls for fertility help

It's now free to call Infertility Network UK to get help and advice on fertility issues. The charity has just announced a new freephone number that will enable anyone in the UK to call completely free of charge. The number is 0800 008 7464.

Infertility Network UK is the largest charity working for couples with fertility problems and can offer members help and advice on all aspects of fertility and treatment. You can see the charity's website at www.infertilitynetworkuk.com

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

IVF funding

When the government promised one full cycle of IVF on the NHS for all eligible couples by April 2005, it looked as if things might be about to change for all of those who were having difficulty conceiving. At last, the problem was being taken seriously. Perhaps the chances of getting at least some funded help would no longer depend on where you lived.

Two years on, that government promise remains unfulfilled. In some areas, there's no funding at all for patients who need IVF. In others, trusts have come up with stringent criteria to ensure that the majority of those who need treatment won't qualify. Is it really logical to refuse to fund treatment for women who are under 36, when we know that IVF is far more likely to be successful for younger women? And is it fair to refuse to fund anyone who has ever paid for treatment in the past? Or anyone whose partner may have adult children from a previous relationship?

The postcode lottery is more complicated than ever, and your chances of getting treatment depend on your age and your situation now, as well as where you live. Fortunately, there is an ongoing survey by the charity Infertility Network UK with the backing of the Department of Health to look at the way funding is working, or rather not working, which aims to help lay the foundations for better provision of treatment across the board. Maybe this is the first step towards keeping that government promise.