A woman’s ability to conceive in early middle age may be influenced by her blood type, according to research.
Read the full story on the BBC website – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11618265
It’s been a busy week in the press for fertility issues.
Firstly, scientists have found a genetic link to male infertilty – Full story
Second, women using IVF to get pregnant should be aware that they will be more likely to have a boy than a girl, say experts – read the full story here
And today, US scientists say they have developed a technique to accurately predict which IVF embryos have the best chance of success. Full story on the BBC website.
A chemical in cigarette smoke has been found to cause a reaction which can lead to ectopic pregnancies, according to Edinburgh scientists. Read the full story.
The British Fertility Society has issued new guidelines in the journal Human Fertility on the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in fertility treatment. The guidelines state that there is currently no evidence that having acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine treatment around the time of assisted conception increases the likelihood of subsequent pregnancy.
The British Acupuncture Council has expressed their surprise at the new guidelines, as have we at the Edinburgh Natural Fertility Clinic, as it directly contradicts much previously published research (see below). Fertility focused acupuncture treatment has been found to help increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, balance hormone levels, regulate the menstrual cycle and help improve the lining of the uterus and quality of eggs released. Additionally, conditions such as polycystic ovaries and endometriosis have also been shown to improve with acupuncture.
Previous studies have proved the effectiveness of acupuncture for infertility.
1. A 2008 study published in the British Medical Journal found that acupuncture given with embryo transfer can improve rates of pregnancy by 65% in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
2. A 2005 study conducted by Shanghai University in China found that acupuncture also helped treat male infertility. Of the men who participated, those who had acupuncture had an increased percentage of sperm in their semen; their sperm structure and morphology was also healthier than their counterparts who did not undergo acupuncture infertility treatment.
3. A 2004 study conducted by the Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Center in Colorado found that 51% of women who underwent both IVF and acupuncture treatment at the same time became pregnant, while only 36% of those who only underwent IVF did. The latter group also had higher rates of miscarriage and stillbirth (20%) compared to those women who had received acupuncture (8%).
4. A report published in the journal Fertility and Sterility (2002) found the pregnancy rate in the group receiving acupuncture group was 42.5%, compared to the group which did not receive the therapy, where the rate was 26.3%.
Endometriosis UK provide information and support, and work to increase understanding of endometriosis through campaigning and awareness.
Endometriosis Awareness Week starts on the 8th March – find out how you can get involved:
http://www.endometriosis-uk.org/getinvolved/fundraising_events/awareness_week_2010.html
An exciting finding about the mechanism sperm use to ‘sprint’ towards the egg has been identified by scientists, prompting hopes about the development of a male contraceptive, but also an insight into male infertility:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8498362.stm
Interview with Dr Daoshing Ni about acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine for fertility problems:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfVY4Z7cA0M&feature=player_embedded
We had a great article by Ruth Walker in the Scotland on Sunday this week:
View the article
12/08/09
Chinese Herbs Treat Endometriosis Better Than Western Medicine
Two human clinical studies show that Chinese herbs can be just as effective as certain conventional drug treatments for women suffering from endometriosis.
Read the Full Story Here
09/08/09
Women urged to test for fertility at 30
Doctors are urging women over 30 to have a ‘Fertility MOT’ to assess their ovarian reserve and ability to conceive:
Expert calls for ‘fertility MoTs’ and education
Me and My Conception Coach – Sunday Herald
Read about two of our team and how their friendship has blossomed!
http://www.sundayherald.com/life/people/display.var.2524537.0.0.php
13/5/09
IVF Waiting Times Vary Widely In Scotland
An investigation by The Herald has shown that waiting times for IVF treatment vary hugely depending on where you live in Scotland – read the Full Article Here.
17/3/09
A group of scientists at Imperial College London have found that administration of the recently discovered protein ‘kisspeptin‘ could ‘restore fertility’ for some women and form the basis for a new fertility treatment.
Read the full article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7945600.stm
26/9/08
Antidepressant drugs have been found to cause increased DNA fragmentation in men:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7633400.stm
07/08/08
Two common treatments for fertility problems do not work, an Aberdeen University-led study suggests.
Read more here – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7547400.stm
June 2008
A review of 7 research studies has shown that acupuncture may help increase the effectiveness of IVF treatment by up to 65%. Read the full story here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/feb/08/health.healthandwellbeing
