Recent News
HFEA launches consultation paper
HFEA have launched a consultation on multiple births conceived by IVF.
Professor Braude from Guy’s Hospital has suggested that to reduce
the number of multiple births that single transfers would help to reduce
twin births. The concern is that of the complications caused by multiple
births as often babies are born premature as a result of complications.
Some have suggested that clinics should have targets of 10% or less twin
pregnancies.
This has concerned many couples who fear that they will be limited to
single transfers ad fear that this will limit there chances.
Red meat affecting male fertility
In an article published by the Daily Mail cites that male sperm counts
could have been affected by the amount of red meat consumed by their mothers.
In a sample they found that women who had eaten red meat more then three
times per week resulted in sub optimal sperm count. It is thought that
it is a result of the hormones used in the diest of cattle.
Tran’s fats linked with female infertility
Dr Jorge Chavarro has identified that the more Trans fats a woman has
in her diet increases her chances of infertility. The research looked
at 18,555 women who were trying to conceive between 1991-1999. He found
that if a woman increased her calorie intake through Trans fats rather
then carbohydrates by just 2%, that there was a 73% increase in her infertility.
He found that a very small amount of Tran’s fats had a significant
effect on a woman’s infertility.
To reduce the amount of Trans fat in ones diet Dr Chavarro encouraged
the avoidance of foods that contained hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated
oils in their ingredients.
Overweight women could be refused treatment
The British Fertility Society (BFS) is recommending that
both overweight and underweight women should not have Fertility treatment.
It is felt that being overweight puts both the child and mother at risk.
Women therefore should have to loose excessive amount of weight before
proceeding to treatment. The BFS recommend that women with BMI’s
above 29 should not have treatment. Women who are under weight should
also address this issue prior to having treatment.
HFEA’s league tables
HFEA’s recently published league has criticised
may top clinics fro putting patients’ health and safety at risk.
Many clinics failed to reach basic standards. The table looks at safety
of equipment, clinics procedures, patient information, staff competence,
risk management and doctor selection. The top score is zero, points then
extracted for faults found. Out of 78 clinics examined, only five has
a score of zero.
They also found that three were 140 incidents regarding safety that concerned
them. These incidents included loss of embryos or sperm because of equipment
failure or staff dropping dishes containing gametes.
In vitro Maturation (IVM)
The IVF clinic in Oxford is now offering women IVM. This
procedure involves immature eggs being extracted and then developed in
the laboratory. This would help to reduce Ovarian Hyper stimulation (OHSS)
and reduce the cost of drugs in and IVF cycle, as the ovaries do not need
to be stimulated by FSH injections.
Cheaper treatment in exchange for donated eggs - September 2006
HFEA have licensed the North East England Stem cell Institute to ask women
to donate eggs for therapeutic cloning research. In exchange, treatment
charges will be reduced. The team is also hoping that women not having
treatment will donate their eggs for research.
There is concern that women may feel pressured into donating their eggs
in exchange for cheaper treatment. There is also concern in how this option
will be presented to patients.
It is thought that the clinic will be able to offer this service within
a year.
Sperm grown from embryonic cells - August
2006
Scientists from Georg-August University have been able
to extract stem cells that were developing as sperm. These were then cultured
until they developed into mature sperm and were then injected into eggs.
Although this research has been successful in mice, scientists are hoping
that they will be able to assist couples affected by male infertility.
However the mice that were conceived showed abnormal growth as well as
other complications.
Stigma caused by Infertility - August 2006
Approximately a third of people having infertility treatment do not inform
their work place for fear of it affecting their career. The survey, conducted
by Infertility Network interviewed 300 patients who felt that their bosses
would not be sympathetic to their treatment. Most patients resorted to
taking annual leave for treatment rather then asking for paid leave. Many
felt that that there could be consequences if their employers knew they
were trying to get pregnant. As a result of the study the charity has
produced a booklet to address the issue with employers.
Let nature take its course - May 2006
A recent study has shown that most women trying to conceive will do so
within 2 years. However, it may take longer depending on the age of women.
A team from the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
in North Carolina found that 50% of healthy women who do not conceive
in the first year will do so in the second year.
Dr. Dunson, who led the research, has criticized some doctors for intervening
too fast. "Only 3% of 19 to 26-year-olds, 6% of 27 to 34-year-olds
and 9% of 35 to 39-year-olds failed to conceive in the second year, provided
the male partner was aged fewer than 40."
He also felt that the age of the male partner was significant. He found
that 28% of women failed to conceive in the first year if the male partner
was over 40 and the woman was between 35-39 years. If the partner was
sunder 40 years then 18% of these women were unable to conceive in the
first year.
Dr. Dunson felt that the definition of fertility which is currently defined
by a couple trying for 1 year should be changed
No cancer link with infertility drugs –
May 2006
In a study conducted by the Hallam medical centre looking at the links
between cancer and infertility drugs have shown that there is no increased
link. The study looked at women over a 14 year period showed that the
risk of ovarian, uterine and breast cancer was the same as the average
population. Approximately, 5,556 women were treated at the Hallam Centre
for at least one cycle of IVF treatment. They were divided into two groups,
one group with drugs; the other group had no drugs. In the group treated
with drugs there was no increased risk.
Single women and DI – May 2006
Researchers have found that the increasing number of women
using donor sperm is due to most women feeling that time is running out.
Research has shown that children born from donor to single women appeared
to be ‘thriving’.
The study from City University showed no difference between single and
two parent families. One difference was found to be that two parent families
had increased interaction with their child.
The study looked at 22 women. Thirteen of the women choose the DI route
as being a safer route then having casual sex. Eight of the women felt
that the screening process was also a major factor in choosing DI.
However, the reaction of the children to their conception is still not
known. In addition, the psychological effect of the absence of a father
figure to the child’s development.
Single embryo transfers – April 2005
There is increased concern that the transfer of more then one embryo is
unnecessary and could expose a child to more risk. Research is now indicating
that transferring one embryo, rather then tow or three, results in the
same chance of a successful pregnancy.
Fertility experts in France examined 25,000 pregnancies that had fertility
treatments between 1986 and 1998. Their research found that 9/10 triplets
born were premature compares to 8% of singleton pregnancies. From these
pregnancies 5% of them were born before 33 weeks of pregnancy. From this
number 28% of premature babies were triplets, only 2% of this number was
born from singleton pregnancies.
In 1999 of the 23,254 cycles of IVF treatment performed in the UK, only
3.2% of pregnancies were from single embryo transfer.
Lesbian families – April 2005
A recent study has shown that children born to lesbian couples using donor
sperm are as ‘well adjusted’ as those born to heterosexual
couples.
The study, conducted by University of Brussels, questioned 41 children
with an average age of 10 years. They found that 46% of children would
have liked to have more information about the donor, although not necessarily
identifiable information. However, more boys wanted identifying information
then girls.
Mandrill Television is making a series for
the Discovery Channel - April 2005
Mandrill Television is making a series for the Discovery Channel about
women who have had, or are expecting, babies against the odds. It is a
series of programmes aiming to give hope to our viewers who may be experiencing
all kinds of difficulties in conceiving a child.
The sorts of extraordinary pregnancies we are looking for includes amazing
IVF tales, multiple births, women who get pregnant against the odds, surrogacy
or any story that would be considered a medical miracle.
We are looking for 15 stories of mothers who are currently pregnant and
have an amazing story to tell and are also looking for 15 stories of mothers
who have already had their miracle baby and are now enjoying family life.
Discovery Health specialises in baby programmes and, as the main programme
maker for the channel, Mandrill Television is used to handling stories
with sensitivity. Recent series include Test Tube Babies filmed at Sheffield
Fertility Centre and Baby Days which involved filming with mother and
babies in the special care unit.
If you would like to more know about getting involved in the series we
would love to hear from you. Please ring Kate or Kirsty on 01904.788700/
07815 793935 or e-mail Kate.Wescombe@mandrill-television.com
with no obligation to take part.
Laptops could affect male fertility - Jan
2006
A study from the State University of New York has indicated
that if men uses lap tops on their laps that this can affect their sperm
production. The laptop produces heat, which in turn heats up the male’s
testes affecting the temperature needed for the production of sperm. The
study showed that having a laptop balanced on a man’s lap could
increase the temperature by up to 2.1C after one hour. It is felt that
a rise of just 1C could affect sperm production.
Trial that could reduce cost of treatment-
Jan 2006
West Mead Fertility Centre are about to trail a sperm
sorter. This they feel will help to identify healthy sperm and lead to
successful treatment cycles. The trial, which will be over a period of
a year, will trail this new procedure to identify if it will increase
the couple’s chances of conceiving therefore reducing attempts at
IVF and reducing couples cost of treatment.
Home sperm test- Jan 2006
A home sperm test developed in Birmingham is now available.
The Fertell tests can diagnose sperm abnormalities leading a couple to
seek medical attention at an earlier date. The test, which analyses sperm,
has proved to be 95% accurate, after its clinical trials of 150 men. The
manufactures hope that it will help couples seek specialist advice earlier
and reduce long waiting periods.
New HFEA guides for couples seeking fertility
treatment- Nov 2005
Fertility experts have felt that couples seeking IVF treatment
were unfairly treated, as they had to face stringent personal checks before
accessing treatment. This felt that couples were penalised who were experiencing
difficulties in conceiving. Instead, there will be more emphasis on doctors
checking for risk factors, such as alcohol/ drug addictions and or mental
health issues. Inherited health factors that would affect a child will
also be considered. Instead of requesting information from the GP, doctors
in the units would investigate further if they were concerned.
Concern over sperm analysis- Nov 2005
The Human Reproduction, online report, has expressed concern
over the standered of sperm anylasis. It is felt that the analysis performed
in 47 laboratories within the UK failed to meet the WHO (World Health
Organisation) standards for sperm analysis. Researchers found that only
5% of laboratories were correctly analysing sperm samples. One of the
concerns involves staining sperm samples to check the width and length
of the sperm. They found that most labs were examining sperm without the
staining that could lead to misdiagnosing. The concern is that couples
may have treatments, such as ICSI, unnecessarily. Other concerns based
on the number of sperm examined. WHO recommends 200 sperms examined as
part of the analysis but most clinics were examining only 100 sperm.
Test for Ovarian Reserve- Oct 2005
A test, launched in the UK in January, will help to indicate
a woman’s ovarian reserve. The test that will check hormonal levels
in the woman and will, scientists believe to help women to choose when
to have a child.
In Europe, women are leaving it later to start a family. This increases
the chances of not conceiving or increased chances of miscarriage. Experts
are concerned that the number of couples having trouble in conceiving
will continue to increase as couples choose to wait until the woman is
over the age of 35. In addition, male fertility and sexually transmitted
diseases are increasing all adding to a potential infertile time bomb.
Professor Bill Ledger of Sheffield University will produce the test; Biofusion
PLC will be manufacturing it.
Government review on sex selection laws
in IVF – Aug 2005
The Government is currently reviewing the laws surrounding
fertility. This could mean that couples are allowed to select the sex
of their baby. Presently, the law in the U.K prohibits sex selection unless
there is a medical reason. For example, if a couple are found to be carriers
of a genetic disorder that which could be passed to the child. In some
cases, a particular sex may have higher risk of inheriting the disease.
Through a process of Pre- Genetic Implantation Diagnosis (PGD) embryos
are identified by their sex and then the sex which is unaffected by the
genetic disorder are replaced into the uterus.
This potential change in the law has been widely criticised by some who
feel that it is one step closer to the ‘designer baby’, where
couples will be able to choose hair colour, eye colour and even increase
intelligence of their child.
Welfare of the child review for IVF –
Aug 2005
A review of the Welfare of the child process involved
with couples pursuing assisted conception treatment may also change. Currently
couples pursuing treatment have to consent to their GP completing welfare
of the child form. This form asks if the GP has any knowledge of why the
couple should not be offered treatment. It specifically sties a criminal
record, drug or alcohol abuse, mental health issues and previous children
taken into care. As a result, the couple may have Welfare of the child
interview in which these issues are explored. Some critics have felt that
this further discriminates against couples seeking treatment. Instead,
the suggestion is that medical staff only considers the child’s
medical welfare or potential ‘serious harm’.
For single women or lesbian couples the law states that a male role model
must be involved in the child’s life. Again, critics feel that this
is an antiquated law and breaches human rights legislation.
Acupuncture may improve sperm quality
Recent research has indicate that acupuncture can aid
male sperm count .Dr Jian Pie from Christian Lauritzen institute in Germany
assessed the benefits of acupuncture on a group of 20 men. As a result,
they found that there was an increase in the number of sperm and that
there was a reduction in the number of abnormal sperm present. One factor
that remained the same was that of immature sperm. The team have concluded
that further research is required.
Source: Fertility and Sterility 2005.
Cells found that could restore egg production
in women
Scientists at Harvard University have found that bone
marrow cells may be the key to renewing egg production. The research,
which was performed in mice, involved giving mice drugs used in chemotherapy
destroying the ovarian cells but sparing egg-producing cells elsewhere.
The mice were checked 12-24 hours later and the scientists found that
the ovaries were showing signs of regenerating. Two months later, scientists
found that the ovaries looked normal and remained that way for the rest
of the life of the mice.
Scientists felt that the bone marrow may have been a factor. They then
infused bone marrow from healthy mice into mice that had been genetically
made sterile and those treated with chemotherapy. They found that two
months later the recipient’s ovaries looked normal in comparison
to those who had not received the bone marrow. Scientist feel this could
explain how women treated with chemotherapy are able to conceive naturally
following bone marrow transplants.
It is felt that this could help women to harvest these cells and use
them at alter stage in their life. They also feel that this research could
have implications for women experiencing premature menopause.
They have been many critics of this research who feel that there are
many holes in the body of research.
Infertility in men increasing leading to
more ICSI treatments
Research presented by the European Society for Human Reproduction
and Embryology (ESHRE) indicated that male sub-fertility is more prevalent
then before. There were more ICSI cycles performed in 2002 52% in comparison
to 43% in 1997. Dr. Anderson suggested that the pollutants in the environment
are factors that disrupt the endocrine system leading to sub optimal sperm.
He also suggested that more clinics are using ICSI to improve the ‘take
home’ baby rate, although both IVF and ICSI have the same ‘take
home’ baby rate.
Women’s weight could affect their
female children’s fertility
A research team from Adelaide have found that female children
born to mothers who were obese suffered with irregular menstrual cycle
(periods). They interviewed 544 women aged between 30-32 years. They asked
about their medical history and their birth weight as well as the weight
of their mother prior to their birth. The women were found to have been
large babies and their mothers obese whilst pregnant. The women also reported
other symptoms that were indicative of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Dr. Davies felt that there were two factors to be considered. The first
is that of the high weight in later pregnancy, which linked to irregular
periods in the female child and weight issues. The other was that of reduced
placental and foetal growth which have been linked to PCOS. A baby that
has been affected by reduced growth will have problems with insulin metabolism
in later life due to an underlying metabolic rate. This problem is associated
with PCOS.
Single embryo transfers in IVF/ICSI/PGD
Dr. Diane De Neubourg, from the Centre for Reproductive
Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium has presented evidence that suggests babies
born following single embryo transfers are as healthy as babies conceived
naturally. Dr. Anja Pinborg, from the Fertility Clinic at the Rigshospitalet,
University of Copenhagen, Denmark, also found that there are effects to
the children born from dual embryo transfers. She found that babies, in
cases of spontaneous reduction or ‘vanishing twin’ suffer
with neurological problems.
New research into Natural Killer Cells
Dr Siobhan Quenby from Copenhagen intends to conduct a study looking
at how natural killer cells may be a factor in women with current miscarriages.
She has had success by treating women with steroids whom she has identified
have the cells present in the lining of the uterus. The cells are thought
to then attack an embryo or foetus causing miscarriage. In assisted conception
there is conflicting evidence to support this but it is one of the factors
that is possibly considered by some experts as to why treatment fails.
However, a larger study is needed to see if there is a link between recurrent
miscarriage and natural killer cells.
Soya Affecting fertility
Professor Lynn Fraser, of King's College London has identified that a
compound known as genistein, which is found in Soya and other products,
could affect sperm whilst in the female body. She found that it affects
the sperms ability to fertilise the egg by causing the sperm to “burn
out”. Therefore, she suggests that women trying to conceive try
to avoid products containing genistein around the time of ovulation.
Genetic profiles could predict fertility
A study completed in Jerusalem by Dr. Neri Laufer, has enabled
doctors to establish that some women have genetic profiles, which enables
them to conceive after the age of 40. The study could mean that there
may be a DNA test developed which will be able to identify if women can
have children later in life. This, doctors feel will enable women to make
a decision based on their individual genetic ability to conceive in their
late thirties or forties.
Children’s development not affected
by ICSI
A study completed at the Vrije University indicated that
children born of ICSI do not suffer developmental problems because of
treatment. Early studies in the 1990’s which looked at the development
of children conceived through ICSI indicated that there were possible
developmental problems. This recent study seems to indicate the opposite.
The study of 151 eight-year olds comprised of two groups, children conceived
from ICSI and children conceived naturally. The children were given a
variety of IQ tests. The results indicated that children conceived through
ICSI did not have developmental problems. In fact, the children from the
ICSI group scored on average 5 points higher then those naturally conceived.
This was attributed to parenting styles.
Prolonged abstinence can affect sperm.
Men who abstain from ejaculating for long periods could
be affecting the quality of the sperm and consequently may reduce conception.
In a study conducted at Soroka University it was found that abstaining
for periods longer then 2 days affected quality the of sperm in some men.
Dr Levitas divided the men into two groups, those with normal sperm count
and those with low sperm counts. The effects were noted in the ability
of the sperm to penetrate the egg, which is measured by the acrosome index
and the motility of the sperm. In the group with normal sperm count, an
adverse effect on the sperms ability to penetrate the egg was shown after
5 days of abstinence. The motility was affected after 11 days. In the
group of men with low sperm counts, a noticeable reduction in both motility
and ability to penetrate the egg was noticed after 2 days of abstinence.
Therefore, shorter periods of abstinence seem to be indicated.
HCG times and ICSI fertilisation rates
Recent research indicates the importance of the timing
of HCG or the ‘late night injection’ in ICSI treatment cycles.
It indicates that there may be an improvement in fertilisation rates when
the ICSI procedure is performed between 37-39 hours post HCG administration.
Some clinics are now revising the times of the HCG injection for ICSI
cases.
HFEA seeking patients views on line
HFEA is launching Fertility Views, an online consultative
panel aimed at gaining the views and experiences of people throughout
the UK who have had, are undergoing or preparing for fertility treatment
to help improve the quality of services across the UK. For more information
log onto their site www.hfea.gov.uk
New HFEA guide to infertility available
To order your copy please log onto www.hfea.gov.uk
and follow the instructions on HFEA’s home page.
Welfare of the child forum-hyperlink to info already on News page
Government campaign to recruit egg donors-hyperlink to info already on
News page
Change to anonymity law
From April 2005 the law regarding anonymity of donors
will change. Children conceived from treatment from this date, will by
the age of 18 be able to contact HFEA for identifying information about
the donor. However HFEA have allowed a year’s reprieve for donor’s
who have already donated under the anonymity ruling. Their gametes may
still be used until April 2006 without identifying information being revealed.
However, from April 2006 all children born of donor cycles will, at the
age of 18 be able to contact HFEA for information pertaining to the donor.
Government campaign to recruit donors
The Government have launched a campaign to recruit more
sperm and egg donors. Under the banner of ‘Give life, Give hope’
they hope to increase the awareness of the need for more people to contemplate
donating eggs and sperm. Presently in the U.K, approximately 250 men and
1,000 women donate their gametes each year. Campaigners have been concerned
that the change in the law regarding anonymity of donor’s will reduce
this number even more.
Welfare of the Child
HFEA- The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
are currently looking at the framework for Welfare of the Child. Prior
to treatment all couples seeking forms of assisted conception such as
IVF, ICSI, DI or Egg Donation, have to consent to their GP being contacted
to complete welfare of the child questionnaire. This form asks that the
GP disclose any history of drug or alcohol abuse. Also, if an individual
has a criminal conviction or if there is history of mental illness. The
clinic may then request that the couple have a formal welfare of the child
assessment to gain more information and to determine if there is a potential
risk to a child’s welfare. If there is considered to be a risk the
couple may be refused treatment by the clinic.
HFEA is considering that more regulations may be needed. One of the considerations
is that of a criminal check prior to a couple’s being accepted for
treatment.
HFEA will be holding meetings to explore this issue and other proposals.
Click on HFEA’s web site for more information www.hfea.gov.uk
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