Majority of ‘add-on’ fertility treatments not supported by science

There is no evidence the majority of “add-on” treatments commonly marketed by private fertility clinics improve chances of having a baby, a damning new study reveals. An investigation by Oxford University found 26 of 27 routinely offered procedures, some costing more than £3,000, have no rigorous research justifying claims they are effective. Investigators discovered that one… Continue reading Majority of ‘add-on’ fertility treatments not supported by science

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“Desperate Couples at Risk of Exploitation”- Dr John Waterstone

The Government needs to hasten plans to regulate fertility clinics in Ireland to avoid the potential “financial exploitation” of patients, it was claimed yesterday. Dr John Waterstone, medical director of Waterstone Clinic, was responding to allegations that UK clinics are charging for costly “add on” treatments which are of no benefit in improving a woman’s… Continue reading “Desperate Couples at Risk of Exploitation”- Dr John Waterstone

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Fertility Hedge Fund? Pros and Cons of Egg Banking

Freezing and storing your own eggs when you are not trying to get pregnant used to be rare. It was something young women with cancer might do, if treatment could badly damage their eggs or ability to ovulate. Not any more. Oocyte cryopreservation is now promoted as a “hedge” against declining fertility – called by some,… Continue reading Fertility Hedge Fund? Pros and Cons of Egg Banking

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The Top 10 Healthiest Foods on Earth (And How to Eat Them)

Eating healthy has oodles of positive benefits – for the body and the mind alike. When we eat well we feel good, when we feel good we’re happier, when we’re happier we’re more productive… and the wonderful cycle continues. Increasingly, shops and restaurants around the world are getting on the healthy eating bandwagon – making… Continue reading The Top 10 Healthiest Foods on Earth (And How to Eat Them)

Irish IVF couple: “I was Ready to Give Up”

An IVF expert has warned Irish couples to be wary of ‘exploitative’ add-ons when seeking treatment as TV3 documentary highlights ‘frustrating’ journey for parents-to-be. About one in six couples have difficulty conceiving a child and many of them turn to IVF as a solution. But Dr John Waterstone, the medical director of the Waterstone Clinic,… Continue reading Irish IVF couple: “I was Ready to Give Up”

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Whats the reality of going it alone through sperm donation?

Cork woman Maria O’Sullivan (41) is the mother of two children conceived through a sperm donor, Zavier (5) and Aurora (20 months). Her eldest daughter, Freya (all pictured), who was conceived naturally, had just turned nine when she decided to look into sperm donation. Despite massive changes in Irish society in recent decades, most young… Continue reading Whats the reality of going it alone through sperm donation?

15 things to know about periods

Getting to know your menstrual cycle can provide a wealth of information on your reproductive and fertility health, according to fertility nurse specialist Mary McAuliffe. For couples who are trying for a baby, she says that keeping a diary of your monthly cycle can be a valuable method of boosting your chances of conception. Here… Continue reading 15 things to know about periods

The ethics of fertility

Dr John Waterstone, Medical Director of the Waterstone Clinic, tells Catherine Reilly about the challenges facing fertility services and the urgent need for regulation The area of fertility is rapidly changing. Science is delivering new possibilities, but the efficacy and affordability of some treatments have created cause for concern. Questions marks have recently surrounded pre-implantation… Continue reading The ethics of fertility