Woman has baby after doctor perscribes viagra

THRILLED Kerry Horan is a mum at last after medics broke new ground by treating her infertility - with VIAGRA.

Specialists prescribed the male sex pill after heartbroken Kerry, 34, had a miscarriage and three rounds of IVF failed.

Kerry is believed to be the first success with the method. Because blood flow to her womb was poor, the lining was too thin for an embryo to implant successfully via IVF.

Director Dr George Ndukwe recommended Viagra - a blood flow booster. He said: "It can improve the lining, but can be dangerous and must be taken under supervision."

A scan showed Kerry's womb wall had thickened enough for doctors to implant IVF embryos. Kerry fell pregnant two weeks later.

For more on this story follow the link: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/health/health/2902992/Mum-had-a-baby-after-doctor-gave-her-Viagra.html

Baby News Is Good News In Polls For Cameron

Expectant father David Cameron has enjoyed a "baby bounce" in the polls following the announcement that his wife Sam is pregnant.

In the seven days since the last News of the World ICM survey, support for the Conservatives has risen by one point to 39, while Labour dropped 1% to 31. The Lib Dems remain on 19.
If the figures were turned into votes at the General Election, it would give the Tories 309 seats - 44 more than Labour.

That would still leave them 17 MPs short of an overall majority - leading to a hung parliament.

While the announcement of pregnancy could have assisted the latest support for the Conservatives, Brown's budget, announced on Wednesday could be another factor.

For more on this story follow the link: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Expectant-Father-David-Cameron-Enjoys-A-Baby-Bounce-In-Polls-As-Gap-Grows-By-2/Article/201003415585389?lpos=Politics_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15585389_Expectant_Father_David_Cameron_Enjoys_A_Baby_Bounce_In_Polls_As_Gap_Grows_By_2%25

"Lifestyle" or "social" egg freezing allows Tasmanian women to pause their biological clocks.

Tasmanian women with ticking biological clocks can now place their fertility on ice while they search for "Mr Right".

In a first for the state, doctors at Tas IVF in Hobart have cracked the holy grail of assisted reproduction and successfully implanted an embryo made from a frozen egg in a Hobart woman.

Tas IVF director Dr Bill Watkins said the breakthrough opened new opportunities for women building their careers or still searching for a partner, women having cancer treatment and couples who did not want to freeze embryos for religious reasons.

Egg freezing allows such women to place their fertility on ice in their 20s or 30s to use as late as their 50s.

For more info follow this link: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2010/03/28/136561_todays-news.html

Can water lead to fertility problems?

Water is the foundation of life, the major content of most organisms, the primary component of our cells and is responsible for aiding thousands of chemical processes in the body.

What is more, there is surely nothing more refreshing than a long, cool, sparklingly clear glass of water poured straight from the tap?

As a doctor of more than 20 years' standing, the answer has to be a resounding no.

Thanks to the possible pollutants that are so difficult to remove from our water supply, it has been linked to a number of health complaints - and yes, it may even trigger weight gain.

Meanwhile, we have to consider the population-wide drop in sperm concentration which has plummeted, according to the British Fertility Society, by about 30 per cent, as well as the fact that Britain seems to be gripped by a fertility crisis.

One in six couples have difficulty conceiving and nearly 37,000 people a year are having IVF.

Chemicals in our water could be driving this reproductive calamity.

For more on this story follow the link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1261203/How-water-CAN-make-fat-chemicals-drink-trigger-weight-gain-fertility-problems.html

Confessions of a sperm donor

A sperm donor has told his story - his decisions to donate and the impact the arrival of the donor baby had in his life.

When Alexander Gilly's childhood friend developed breast cancer and asked him to donate sperm in case the chemo destroyed her fertility, he felt compelled to help.

Years later, after her recovery he had to face the reality of life as a donor, when she decided to use the frozen embryos to conceive.

The decision had a huge impact on Alexanders life, both affecting relationships he had with women, and making him question the role he wished to play in the babies life.

It was not until the arrival of baby Sabine that his role became clear in Alex's mind.

For more on this story follow the link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/men/article7071161.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1

Acupuncture 'does not aid fertility treatment'

The British Fertility Society says that patients should be warned that there is no evidence that acupuncture therapy will help them to have a baby.

Studies had suggested that the traditional Chinese medicine could be beneficial and thousands of women are thought to use acupuncture to maximise their fertility treatment.

But a comprehensive review of all the available research shows no evidence of any benefit.

The experts also found no evidence that Chinese herbal remedies were beneficial to women undergoing the treatment.

For more info follow this link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7405852/Acupuncture-does-not-aid-fertility-treatment.html

Baby sling recalls

The recall of one million baby slings after the deaths of three babies is a strong reminder that just because a baby product appears in mainstream shops doesn't mean it has been properly tested.

Around 10,000 of the slings - used to carry babies and infants close to the parent's body - have been sold in the UK.

Parents using the the SlingRider and the Wendy Bellissimo, both made by US company Infantino, have been told to stop using the slings immediately because they pose a suffocation risk to infants. This comes after the slings were found to be the cause of death of three infants in America.

The slings have been a growing trend among celebrity mums and one of the latest must have accessories for fashionable young mothers.

For more info on this story follow the link: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20100325/twl-baby-slings-recalled-after-three-dea-3fd0ae9.html

Ireland: You Can Force Women to Be Mothers, But You Can't Force Men to Be Fathers

A recent case has caused controversy in Ireland, with laws surrounding the rights of an unborn child seemingly biased in favour of men.

Abortion remains illegal in Ireland, with the Irish constitutional guarantee for the right to life "from conception." Unless a threat to the mothers health, both patient and practitioner can face lengthy custodial sentences for undergoing abortion.

And as a result of lack of access to abortion care at home, every year thousands of women and girls travel from Ireland to other European countries for abortions.

The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn, however a recent case has shed light on this issue and exposed some inequalities.

In the case in question, the Irish Supreme Court that denied a woman access to her frozen embryos because her ex-partner objected and did not want embryos fertilized with his sperm to be implanted and brought to term.

In short, according to the Irish Supreme Court, an embryo is apparently an "unborn person" when it is inside the womb of a woman--and is then equal to and can compromise her own health--but it is not an "unborn person" when a man does not want it to be.

With the wording in Irish law stating that there is a right to life "from conception" - shouldn't this mean that an already fertilized embryo has passed the point of conception?

The case has led to much controversy and criticism of the current law. For more info on this debate follow the link: http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/blog/2010/03/18/ireland-force-women-mothers-cant-force-fathers

Turkey bans trips abroad for artificial insemination

While artificial insemination has always been outlawed in Turkey, on moral and religious grounds, those who wanted treatment, around 100 or so women, travelled abroad to achieve pregnancy, often to neighbouring Greece.

However, new regulations on artificial insemination posted in the Official Gazette included a provision prohibiting women from going abroad for a service that is not available at home.

The new restrictions will prevent clinics acting as agencies for foreign facilities within Turkey.

For more on this story follow the link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/7450571/Turkey-bans-trips-abroad-for-artificial-insemination.html

Embarrassing bodies program highlights male fertility

Channel 4's Embarrassing bodies program last night highlighted the issue of male fertility, with one of the doctors on the show going to get his own sperm count checked to encourage the public to do the same.

As a result of the test, Dr Christian in fact found he had a low sperm count, but advises men in a similar position not to worry, as he explains 30% of men in the UK have a below average sperm count.

He also advises that factors on the day can affect the count so those with an abnormal result are advised to go back and repeat the test another day.

To watch the program in full follow this link: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/embarrassing-bodies/4od#3048598

Sperm donors bribed with free breakfast

WITH the number of sperm donors in the Lothians down to only six, one fertility clinic has unveiled a tempting trade-off to help boost numbers – if you give them your oats they'll give you your porridge.

The posters reading: "You give us your oats, we'll give you your porridge", will be displayed at the Sheriffhall park -and-ride in the hope of boosting the number of registered donors to help couples who cannot naturally conceive or women wishing to have a child.

It is one of several quirky adverts in a national campaign devised by Spire Healthcare's Shawfair Hospital and IVF Scotland, with others showing tartan sperm swimming towards tartan eggs.

For more on this story follow the link: http://news.scotsman.com/health/Sperm-donors-bribed-with-free.6165808.jp

National Gamet Donation Trust to raise awareness of sperm donation

The NGDT is embarking on a campaign to raise awareness to the issue of sperm donation.

They are asking that people interested in donating visit their site to find out more http://www.ngdt.co.uk/

Alternatively call 0845 226 9193 or text DONATE and your email address to 88802.

They are looking for men from all walks of life, aged 18-44 of any ethnicity and with a healthy medical record.

Did you know that as many as one in 6 couples could need your help? Take the first steps in assisting potential families and get in touch with the ngdt.

Healthy sperm more important to men than career

A National UK newspaper yesterday reported that healthy sperm is more important to men than their career.

According to a new study, by the National Gamete Donation Trust, having good quality sperm ranks equal third with a healthy bank balance.

Meanwhile settling down with a partner tops life's priorities, followed by owning a property.

For more on this study follow the link: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/03/16/healthy-sperm-more-important-to-men-than-career-115875-22114184/

UK clinic raffles IVF egg, launches overseas egg donation service

A donated human egg will be raffled on Wednesday to mark the launch of a new IVF service which helps UK women to access egg donation services in America. The new service, offered by the Bridge Centre in London, will allow patients to select egg donors on the basis of characteristics such as racial background, health, education and appearance.

Potential egg recipients must attend a seminar being organised by the Bridge Centre to be in with a chance of winning. They will then travel to the Genetics and IVF Institute (GIVF) in Fairfax, Virginia, to have IVF treatment using the donor egg, a service which would usually cost £13,000.

To find out more about this story follow the link: http://www.bionews.org.uk/page_56163.asp

Are reproduction laws forcing 'dangerous alternatives' in Canada?

Canadian legislation is being called into question, with suggestions that it forces those who are fertility challenged to go to extreme measures.

The 2004 Assisted Human Reproduction Act is the Canadian government's most comprehensive attempt to regulate reproductive technologies. Some onlookers fear that the legislation has created a secretive black market, where couples seek sperm and egg donors on Craigslist or in university libraries.

Where those couples quietly compensate donors for their gametes, despite the legislation that criminalizes doing so. Where lesbian couples lie to doctors about their sexual orientation to avoid paying to quarantine a friend's sperm for six months. And where doctors and counsellors sometimes adopt the credo of "Don't ask, Don't tell."

The act -- which is a result of the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies in 1993 -- has triggered condemnation from the right and left, and was the focal point of an International Women's Day conference in Toronto last week. There, at the Law Society of Upper Canada, panellists argued that some of the legislation does more to imperil and confuse prospective parents and their offspring than it does to protect them.

To find out more about this debate on legislation follow this link: http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=2677573

Launch of new fertility magazine in Europe

For many suffering fertility battles the journey can be a complex and confusing one. Even for those without fertility issues the path to parenthood can be fraught with anxiety and questions.

Now a new magazine has launched aiming at helping parents to be with advice and support.

'Fertility Road' Magazine describes itself as "Europe's first and only Lifestyle Magazine aimed at helping women and men on their path to parenthood. The Magazine will provide useful information from healthy eating habits to lifestyle choices and answers to your questions. Our goal is to make your journey down Fertility Road easier by offering the latest dos and don’ts on conception. "

For more info follow this link to their website: http://fertilityroad.com/

Twins at 54 for the mother who didn't think eight was enough

At the age of 54, Karen Johnston could be counting down the days until her eight children have all flown the nest. Instead, she's having two more of them.

Thanks to IVF treatment in a foreign clinic, Mrs Johnston is now six months pregnant with twins - 33 years after she had her first child.

A self-confessed baby addict, she was devastated when she went through the menopause six years ago and was told that she was too old to have IVF in Britain.

So in 2007, she went to the Czech Republic with her husband Roger, 55, a car production worker, to undergo treatment with his sperm and donor eggs. It was a success and she gave birth to a daughter, Willow.

But feeling her family was still incomplete, Mrs Johnston, of Bicester, Oxfordshire, decided to return to the Czech Republic and have IVF again with donor eggs.

She is now expecting a twin boy and girl in June. For more on this story follow the link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1257014/Twins-54-mother-didnt-think-enough.html

Story of a lesbian birth mother who fell in love with her sperm donor

Recently we have seen a number of cases coming to court involving problems arising between lesbian parents and the sperm donors who donated to them.

The latest case is even more complex than usual, with the lesbian birth mother of twins falling in love with the sperm donor and leaving her partner to be with him.

With no formal arrangement as domestic partners between the lesbian couple, custody of the twins was in question. However the pair now claim to have reached a 'fragile peace' and they and the donor have agreed to share custody without reaching the courts.

For more on this story follow the link: http://www.queerty.com/how-these-2-lesbian-ex-partners-agreed-to-share-custody-of-the-twins-with-the-sperm-donor-20100307/

Asda announces IVF drugs sale plans

A supermarket chain is to sell fertility drugs without profit, claiming it will save patients hundreds of pounds per treatment.

Asda said the decision was part of a move to establish itself as the most competitive pharmacy in the UK

Asda Pharmacy will charge £1,171.41 for drugs to accompany one IVF cycle, saving up to £820 compared with other high street pharmacies, it claimed.

Patient organisation Infertility Network UK welcomed the announcement. Infertility Network UK chief executive Clare Lewis-Jones said:

"Many patients who should be eligible for NHS treatment are being forced to pay for private treatment due to the appalling lack of full implementation of the NICE fertility guidelines plus the incredibly restrictive eligibility criteria being applied by many PCTs.

"Infertility is an illness and patients deserve fair and equitable treatment for it. Infertility Network UK, in its role as lead of the National Infertility Awareness Campaign, will continue to campaign for an end to the 'postcode lottery', but in the meantime this announcement by Asda means that the cost of the drugs will be reduced, which is good news for those patients who are forced to pay for private treatment."

To find out more follow this link: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5it6E9gRdtAVNzSP7k57Ixy6jL_QA

Pros & Cons of At-Home Sperm Testing

Last week we examined a new product on the market - at home sperm testing kits.

However before using the tests it is important to examine the pros and cons of such a product....

Pros:

The convenience is nice, of course, and producing a semen sample at home has got to be less stressful than in a doctor’s office or clinic.

The cost will certainly be less expensive for a home sperm test than that done at a doctor’s office or fertility clinic.

You can get results instantly if you use one of the kits that come complete with a microscope.

Cons:

Honestly, this is probably a case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing. If you are trying to conceive and having problems, you would almost certainly be well advised to go to a doctor or clinic that specializes in reproductive health to get sperm testing done.

According to fertility specialist doctors, a man actually needs three separate tests—each test after 3 consecutive days of sexual abstinence. These tests should be eight weeks apart.

Now, as for getting your own microscope to do the home sperm test, how qualified is the average person to correctly use and interpret what he or she sees under a microscope?

Unless you have specialized training of some kind in the lab, working with lab equipment, chances are that you will not be up to the task of suddenly being able to put a slide under a microscope with the foggiest idea what you are looking at.

So, while the convenience and privacy of at-home sperm testing is attractive, not to mention the cheaper cost, overall it doesn’t seem like a good idea to try and self test something of such critical importance.

Perhaps if one of the home sperm tests was used in conjunction with professional diagnostics, it could be a good thing.

But, relying on a home test to furnish the last word about the quantity and quality of sperm when a couple wants to conceive is probably unwise.

Robbie Williams is quitting smoking to improve his sperm count.

The 37-year-old singer once puffed his way through 60 cigarettes a day, but has now slashed his intake to 10, and hopes to quit completely in the next few weeks. He is reportedly giving up nicotine because his fiancée Ayda Field is worried it will affect his fertility.

Ayda has also put Robbie on a strict exercise regime to ensure he is in good shape for their upcoming wedding. She has reportedly forced the singer to hire a trainer so he can shed the pounds he has piled on in recent years. She hopes a new toned physique will inspire Robbie to finally set a wedding date, something he has been resisting.

Robbie asked Ayda to marry him in January and is said to be considering tying the knot on Valentine’s Day next year.

For more on this story follow this link: http://www.musicrooms.net/showbiz/4053-Robbie-Williams-Quitting-Smoking-Improve-Sperm-Count.html

Love rat's baby bill set to cost taxpayers £1m

SERIAL love rat Keith MacDonald, who has seven kids by seven different girls, has got an eighth pregnant.

And, despite his brood costing the taxpayer a £1m in benefits, he said: “Why should I pay for them?”

One-man baby boom MacDonald summed up the scandal as he said of the children he has deserted: “They get benefits. They get looked after.”

Shocked members of the public have described MacDonald as little more than an "irresponsible sperm donor" and question why women are lining up to be with him.

Over 18 years his children will cost the taxpayer well over £1m – while MacDonald is forced to fork out just £1 a week from his benefits per child.

For more on this story follow this link: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2010/03/03/love-rat-s-baby-bill-set-to-cost-taxpayers-1m-72703-25953023/

'Baby brain' is a myth - women's intelligence increases during motherhood, claims study

The popular belief that pregnancy addles women's brains is a myth, a comprehensive study suggests.

Researchers who tracked 2,500 women over ten years found no difference between their brainpower before and during their pregnancies. In fact, the scientists believe, pregnancy and motherhood could actually improve women's mental abilities - and the improvement may be permanent.

Research carried out last year by Dr Craig Kinsley, of Richmond University in Virginia, suggests that giving birth supercharges brainpower to equip women for the challenge of rearing their child.

He believes having a baby produces a surge of memory and learning ability that makes women more vigilant and alert.

For more info on this story follow this link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1138954/Baby-brain-myth--womens-intelligence-increases-motherhood-claims-study.html

Six women over 55 'being considered for fertility treatment'

Six women over the age of 55 have approached a fertility clinic for help to have a child, it has been disclosed.

Two of the women, who are all being considered for treatment by the London Women’s Clinic, are 58 years of age.

Last month the clinic was at the centre of controversy when doctors held a consultation with Susan Tollefsen, 59, a retired special needs teacher.

Since then six women in their mid to late 50s have contacted the clinic for treatment.

The London Women’s Clinic said that the women would have gone abroad in the past but now there was a chance that they would be treated in Britain.

For more info on this story follow this link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7326641/Six-women-over-55-being-considered-for-fertility-treatment.html