Read the full story on the BBC website – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11618265

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.

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 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

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