Farewell Bob Edwards, visionary IVF pioneer
The death of British IVF pioneer Bob Edwards marks a life that changed the lives of millions. Since 1978, the year Edwards presided over the first IVF baby, over six million babies have been born thanks to the techniques he developed. The role of his colleague, the laparoscopy expert Patrick Steptoe, should also not be underestimated.
Read More»Stress: does it affect IVF outcomes?
Stress and IVF. We’re always told the two don’t mix. Clinics say take it easy, before and after your treatment. Friends keep a respectful distance. But the truth is, stress and anxiety don’t seem to affect IVF outcomes that much. But read on.
Read More»Does PGD (PGT-M) boost IVF success rates?
PGD (now known as PGT-M) is a godsend for couples with known medical conditions that could be passed on to their offspring. And it’s getting better all the time. 1 in 100 babies inherit a serious parental disorder, but PGD/PGT-M is playing its part in tackling this. And in a new study of IVF embryonic DNA a way has been found to extract genetic material from a developing embryo without the need for a cell biopsy.
Read More»Stillbirth – the risks for pregnant women
Stillbirth is perhaps the most profoundly upsetting of all all fetal deaths. Research has found that IVF pregnancies don’t lead to significantly more stillbirths than natural pregnancies (but a 2019 study did question this). Can you do anything to reduce the chance of a stillbirth?
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IVF treatment in Europe? You’re in safe hands.
Legal protection for IVF patients in Europe is impressive. It’s in a different league, for example, to cosmetic surgery, which still attracts some cowboy operators. Not so for IVF. Strict EU laws on fertility treatment, plus well-regulated industry practice, have been evolving for 30 years. If you choose to have an IVF cycle at a licensed fertility clinic in Europe, you’ll get fair and safe treatment.
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