Farewell Bob Edwards, IVF pioneer
The death of British IVF pioneer Bob Edwards marks a life that improved the lives of millions across the world. Since 1978 – the year when Edwards presided over the first live birth created ‘in vitro’ – over five million babies have been born thanks to the assisted-reproductive techniques he doggedly 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»New PGD technique may improve IVF chances
PGD, and its limitations, have been discussed in this blog before. But in a new study of IVF embryonic DNA from a joint British and Italian team, 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
Does the way you sleep affect the health of your unborn baby Probably, if you agree with the British Medical Journal and a New Zealand study it published a few years ago. Or don’t panic, if you follow current NHS advice.
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IVF in Europe? You’re in safe hands.
The legal protection enjoyed by IVF patients in Europe is impressive. It’s in a different league to cosmetic-surgery regulation (or lack of it), where treatments, often medically unnecessary, have led to cowboy operators in the UK and caught EU regulators on the back foot. The good news is that European laws on infertility treatment, as well as strict industry guidelines, have been evolving for almost 30 years to ensure IVF patients get fair and safe treatment. It’s a good time to travel around the EU for fertility treatment.
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