Archive for September, 2010

In Vitro Fertilization Leads to More Baby Boys, Study Finds

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Very interesting study on the correlation between baby boys born through IVF

(Sept. 28) — Test-tube babies are more likely to be boys, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales reviewed the records of approximately 13,400 babies born in Australia and New Zealand since 2006 whose parents used in vitro fertilization and found that 56.1 percent of the children were boys.

“When you convert that to sex ratio at birth, that’s around 128 boys to 100 girls — that’s quite significant,” Jishan Dean, a doctoral student who participated in the research, told the Australian Associated Press.

The study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, does not offer an explanation as to why in vitro fertilization, or IVF, seems to increase the odds of having a boy.

As of 2006, an estimated 3 million children had been born with the assistance of IVF since Louise Brown became the world’s first so-called test-tube baby in 1978.

To read the entire story, click here:  http://www.aolnews.com/surge-desk/article/in-vitro-fertilization-leads-to-more-baby-boys-study-finds/19652617

Where’s My Baby? A graphic memoir tackles infertility.

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

“I went to Smith! I untangled my issues in therapy! I worked for the poor! I married a nice (partially) Jewish boy! I recycle! I vote! I eat my greens! I go to yoga!” Potts writes in her foreword. “So…WHERE’S MY BABY?”

Phoebe Potts’s beguiling graphic memoir, Good Eggs, is about infertility like Jane Austen’s novels are about marriage. Potts’s unsuccessful quest to conceive a child may be the spine of her story, but it’s a story with many limbs: liberal guilt, true love, rediscovered Judaism, clinical depression, and oh yes, pleasing one’s parents.

Read the article:
http://thefastertimes.com/kidsinthecity/2010/09/24/wheres-my-baby-a-graphic-memoir-tackles-infertility/

Study: Children conceived by IVF score well, often better than peers, on academic tests

Monday, September 27th, 2010

Doctors and scientists are still learning about what effects in vitro fertilization may have on the health of children. But a new study of children’s test scores provides evidence that IVF conception “does not have any detrimental effects on a child’s intelligence or cognitive development,” the author says.

Read the article:

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/sep/23/news/la-heb-ivf-20100923

Researchers build ‘artificial ovary’

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Researchers at Brown University and Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island have built an artificial human ovary that can grow oocytes into mature human eggs in the laboratory. That development, reported in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, could help preserve fertility for women facing chemotherapy or other treatments.

Read the article:

http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2010/09/ovaries

UK Report: Women ‘should get IVF aid up to 44′

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

UK Report: Women up to the age of 44 should be given free IVF, an expert said, as a new report showed demand for the treatment is on the rise.

IVF is undergoing a huge global expansion, particularly in developing countries, and thousands of couples cross borders every year to access treatment or find egg and sperm donors.

Data has revealed hundreds of British women go abroad every month for fertility treatment, due to restrictions on accessing it on the NHS and the high costs of IVF.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5ixIcA9imLd-WX0E-RCAPNcs3NYuA

Join the AFA in Boston at MJ O’Connor’s for EVERYTHING FERTILITY Sept 14th at 6pm

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Everything Infertility: Infertility 101 for the People of Boston
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By The American Fertility Association

Published: Tuesday, Sep. 7, 2010 – 5:27 am
BOSTON, Sept. 7 — /PRNewswire/ — It’s simple: you want to have a baby. And it’s not so simple: you want to have a baby. As with every monumental endeavor, the path to parenthood is uniquely unpredictable, but navigating through the obstacles is easier when you have the facts, and know your options.

The American Fertility Association (The AFA) and Fertility SOURCE Companies will host a complimentary dinner and casual conversation about everything you need to know on starting a family. The discussion will touch on how to prevent infertility, information about all aspects of infertility treatment including: Intra Uterine Insemination, In Vitro Fertilization and ICSI, pursuing egg and sperm donors, and information on surrogacy.

Merle Berger, MD, and Susan Pinnell, RN, BSN, of Boston IVF, will lead the discussion about infertility treatments, and Susan Crockin, Esq., of Crockin Law and Policy Group, will be on hand to discuss the legalities around third party options.

“An informal small setting provides a wonderful and unique opportunity to comfortably ask questions and find answers to both specific and sensitive concerns,” says Susan Crockin, Esq.

This FREE event, along with complimentary buffet dinner, is open to anyone who’d like to attend, and will be held Tuesday, September 14th, 6:00 PM at MJ O’Connor’s Irish Pub, 27 Columbus Ave. at Park Plaza in Boston.

“A pub. A beauty salon. A restaurant. These are just some of the ‘non-traditional’ places The AFA has held educational events,” says Executive Director Ken Mosesian. “The reason is simple: when people relax, they’re able to open up and to learn more easily.”

Infertility impacts about 7.3 million Americans, and equally affects both men and women. Many emotional aspects accompany this disease state, but it’s important for all hopeful parents to know they’re not alone.

“It has been a fulfilling 15 years being able to help patients through their very personal journey to expand their family,” says Susan Pinnell, RN, BSN. “My role consists of setting realistic expectations through education, offering compassion and support as difficult decisions are made, and sometimes just being a good listener.”

The event is free, but reservations are required; contact Corey Whelan at corey@theafa.org or 718.853.1411.

Media inquiries, contact:

Merry Armentrout, Director of Communications
The American Fertility Association
603.763.1133
merry@theafa.org

About The AFA:

The American Fertility Association, a 501 (c)(3) national non-profit organization, is a resource for infertility prevention, reproductive health and family building. The AFA’s services and materials are provided free of charge to consumers and available to everyone without reservation.

Contact us at info@theafa.org, visit http://www.theafa.org or call 888.917.3777

Media inquiries regarding Fertility SOURCE Companies, contact:

Susan Bloom, Director of Donor Recruitment
949.333.2903
Susan@theDonorSOURCE.com

About Fertility SOURCE Companies

Fertility SOURCE Companies has one of the largest and most comprehensive egg donor and surrogacy programs in the country … creating pathways to parenthood. The agency’s commitment is to provide the most compassionate and skilled care to couples seeking third-party assisted reproduction services.

Contact us at 877.375.8888; visit http://www.fertilitysourcecompanies.com

This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE The American Fertility Association

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/09/07/3010121/everything-infertility-infertility.html#ixzz0zQeNwtec

Facebook Fertility Pages You Should Like

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Facebook can be a frustrating place to hang out when you’re dealing with infertility. When you’re surrounded by fertile friends and family, the pregnancy announcements, new baby pics, and baby shower invites can hurt. And if you woke up to a negative pregnancy test, only to read on Facebook your cousin whining about her morning sickness? Ya. It can suck.

But you can add some fertility friendly (and infertility compassionate) voices to your news feed.

http://infertility.about.com/b/2010/09/06/facebook-fertility-pages-you-should-like.htm