Currently rated as amber by the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority, the UK’s IVF regulator, the value of IVF add-on endometrial scratching has come under the spotlight in recent months. Endometrial scratching is rated amber by the HFEA because there is conflicting evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in terms of its effectiveness in improving […]
Infertility and its treatment can affect all aspects of people’s life and can cause frustration, anxiety, depression, guilt, and feelings of worthlessness. In a 2016 study into the impact of fertility treatment carried out by Fertility Network UK, respondents felt on average sad, frustrated, and worried nearly all the time and 42% experienced suicidal feelings […]
A new study has identified new genetic risk factors in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common endocrine disorders affecting women and it can lead to difficulty getting pregnant. Published in the journal Human Reproduction, genome-wide association studies were conducted by researchers at the Institute of Genomics of the University […]
New research has found that mosaic embryos, currently ruled out for IVF selection, could self-correct and lead to healthy pregnancies. During embryo selection, a test known as preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is used to screen aneuploid embryos which have an incorrect number of chromosomes. This is performed to reduce the risk of miscarriage. […]
Globally, we are starting families later than ever. Although most couples do get pregnant within the first 12 months of trying, it is estimated that one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving. Though the latest data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reveals that the rate of successful IVF treatments continues to […]
Although IVF has become the best known fertility treatment since its introduction in 1978, in vitro fertilisation is actually one of several assisted conception techniques. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI is performed as part of IVF and addresses sperm-related barriers to successful conception. One in 7 UK couples will have difficulties conceiving and it’s estimated […]
Almost two years of living with COVID has resulted in ‘heartbreaking’ delays to fertility treatment, according to a survey of nearly 400 patients by the UK’s national fertility charity. Last week was National Fertility Awareness Week, led by Fertility Network UK, to raise awareness of all aspects relating to fertility, from fair access to NHS-funded […]
Made in Chelsea star Ollie Locke has revealed his surrogacy heartache on the latest series of the reality TV programme. He had recently announced on Instagram that the first round of IVF that he and his husband Gareth underwent with a surrogate hadn’t worked. Ollie wrote. “We wanted to share an update with all our […]
A new study has revealed that men may not have quite as long as they think to start a family. You may think that the biological clock is something only women need to worry about. However, the findings of this latest study show that there may also be a time limit on male fertility. So, […]
Last month, we wrote about managing IVF in the workplace which struck a chord with many of you. One interesting development from the COVID pandemic is that it seems to have accelerated the trend for fertility treatment benefits as employers prioritise employee wellbeing. We take a look at the fertility treatment benefits starting to be […]