Should women be advised to have babies in their 20s?

In recent weeks, a number of consultant gynaecologists have spoken out about encouraging women to have babies while still in their 20s, rather than waiting until their 30s, when the risks of infertility and possible medical complications are higher. Some have suggested including education on this in the school curriculum.

There is a strong tendency in Ireland for couples to wait to have children until they are in their 30s, and this was reflected in recently released figures that women in Ireland are the oldest in Europe to give birth for the first time.

Speaking about the recent media coverage on the matter, Dr Moya McMenamin, Consultant Gynaecologist at Waterstone Clinic, said: “There are many reasons why people postpone having children, many of which are very valid. However, we cannot ignore the fact that fertility in women declines with increasing age. Furthermore, IVF and other assisted reproduction methods are far more successful when embarked on at an earlier age, but there does tend to be a lack of awareness and education about this.

“We would strongly encourage Irish couples to start thinking about having a family at an earlier age in order to give themselves the best chance of success,” she said.

Dr McMenamin added that she would recommend raising awareness about fertility among young women and men and would strongly advise young adults to check their fertility as part of routine health check.

For more on fertility, see www.myfertilitycheck.ie

 

My Fertility Check

My Fertility Check is a fertility assessment service available to individuals (both men and women) and couples. This fertility “check-up” is carried out by leading medical professionals in the field of reproductive medicine.

It is ideal for those who are thinking of starting a family or have been trying to conceive for a short time and would like an assessment of their reproductive health.

What is involved in My Fertility Check?

Semen Analysis – a detailed test carried out by one of our embryology/andrology specialists to identify if there are any sperm abnormalities.

Female Hormone Profile – FSH, LH, oestradiol and a mid-luteal Progesterone level to assess the levels of female hormones and confirm ovulation.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) – a blood test that can be performed at any time of the menstrual cycle and relates to a woman’s ovarian reserve (indicating the number of eggs left in the ovaries). Further information on AMH is available here or download our AMH information leaflet here.

Pelvic Ultrasound and Antral Follicle Count – a detailed transvaginal ultrasound scan assessing the uterus and ovaries for any abnormalities and quantifying the number of follicles in each ovary (follicles contain immature eggs), indicating ovarian activity.

Consultation – A detailed consultation with a fertility specialist where a full medical and fertility history will be taken and lifestyle factors will be addressed. Further investigation will be arranged where necessary and advice on increasing your chances of natural conception.

For further information on this service or to book an appointment please visit www.myfertilitycheck.ie.

Sunshine boosts fertility by a third, study finds

Couples hoping to conceive may find that heading to sunnier climes may improve their chances, according to experts.

Fertilisation rates, live births, and the number of eggs all improved after women were in the sun.

Scientists studied the IVF results of 6,000 women over a six-year-old period, and analysed them alongside the weather conditions in the month before women started treatment.

During the least sunny periods, live birth rates were 14 per cent, but this figure rose to 19 per cent when the weather improved, The Telegraph reported.  

Dr Frank Vandekerckhove, a Belgian researcher from the University Hospital Ghent’s Centre for Reproductive Medicinbe presented the study at the European Society of Human Reproduction, and told the conference that sunshine, high temperatures and the absence of rain made treatments more effective.

He added that while the study involved IVF patients, the results also apply to women who want to get pregnantwithout assistance, The Huffington Post reported.

In months with around four hours of sunshine a day, fertility was boosted by one third, however the figure stopped rising at six hours.

Women were 35 per cent more likely to have successful IVF treatments if they were exposed to pleasant weather a month before, rather than at the time of conception.

Vitamin D was likely a key factor in the positive hike in fertility rates as it affects the quality of eggs produced, while the hormone melatonin, which helps the reproductive cycle, was also a factor.

Prof Charles Kingsland, from Hewitt Fertility Centre, at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, told the Telegraph that the study raises interesting points about how couples often get “bogged down” by “pills and potions”.

“Often all that is needed are the basics. Namely, good diet, no smoking, reduction in alcohol, relaxation, sunshine, be happy and positive – oh and finally, occasional sexual intercourse,” he said.

Sunlight also helps men’s fertility, another recent study showed.

The research revealed that sperm is more active in the middle months of the year, and twice as active in July and August compared to January.

Kashmira Gander  

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sunshine-boosts-fertility-by-a-third-study-finds-10333094.html

Dr Waterstone dicusses Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis

Ireland AM met with Dr Waterstone and Emma and John O’Connor along with daughter Megan who became the first baby in the world to be born free of a fatal condition, mucolipidosis, as a result of Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis.

It is the first reported incidence in the world of successful PGD using karyomapping in the case of mucolipidosis. Karyomapping is a new technique that has transformed the field of PGD due to its rapid and robust method of detecting a wide range of genetic diseases in embryos.

Eating Fruit and Vegetables can Boost Fertility

By Laura Donnelly, Health Editor, The Telegraph

Eating fruit and vegetables could boost the chance of having a baby – but men are much “lazier” than women at taking such advice, researchers have warned.

Regular consumption of fruit, vegetables and pulses was associated with far higher levels of fertility. Non-smokers and those who avoided or limited alcohol were also more likely to conceive.

The findings, presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology’s annual meeting in Lisbon, showed that overall, women were more likely than men to have a healthy diet.

In findings described as “striking and statistically significant” the research found 55 per cent of fertile men consumed fruit five times a week compared with 73 per cent of fertile women.

Fertile women were also more likely than men to eat eggs regularly.

Researcher Eugenio Ventimiglia, from IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, said: “Women are more keen on being careful than men. We have to try to convince men that diet and lifestyle is an issue.”

He said men often did not think their own habits would influence the chances of conception, and were reluctant to seek medical advice when struggling with fertility.

“It’s always the wife who prompts the investigation,” he said. “Men are lazier and are keen to rely on the women.”

He said that anyone trying to start a family should adopt a healthy lifestyle in the hope of increasing their chances of success. Experts said fruits and vegetables appeared to improve sperm quality because they contain anti oxidants, while those eating plenty of fruit and vegetables were less likely to eat fatty foods and red meat, which can reduce fertility.

Allan Pacey, Professor of Andrology, University of Sheffield, said there was now “a wealth of evidence” to show that a good intake of fruit and vegetables could help sperm quality.

But he said men had been given too little advice about the impact of diet on fertility. “I think most of our pre-conception advice to date has been primarily aimed at women (take your folic acid ..etc) and men have really been missed out of the public health message,” he said.

“Men are generally less interested than women in how their diet links to health, and in particular issues of fertility and infertility,” he said.

Prof Pacey said men who wanted to start a family should try to get five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables each day.

“When push comes to shove, I think all men inherently know what foods and lifestyle habits are good and which of them are bad,” he said. “But sometimes they need to hear it from someone who isn’t their partner.”

The study compared the daily habits of 1134 men and women who had a baby in the previous 12 months were compared with those of participants who tried and failed to conceive during the same period.

While 65 per cent of fertile study participants ate fruit every day, the figure was just 51 per cent among those suffering from infertility.

In total, 51 per cent of those who had succesfully conceived ate vegetables every day, the figure was just 47.8 per cent among those suffering from infertility.

Those who were fertile were also more likely to eat pulses regularly and less likely to have taken recreational drugs.

Those who conceived were much more likely to have shunned alcohol all together.

Just 42.5 per cent of those who conceived drank alcohol at all, compared with 55.4 per cent of those who failed to conceive. Infertile participants were almost twice as likely to drink heavily than those who were fertile, with 9.1 per cent of those who failed to conceive drinking more than two litres of alcohol a week – compared to 5.5 per cent of those who were fertile.

Coffee drinking was also more common among the infertile, with 90.6 per cent consuming the drink compared with 83.7 per cent of those who had conceived.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/11676806/Eating-fruit-and-vegetables-can-boost-fertility-but-men-rarely-take-the-advice.html

AMH Testing Available

What is AMH?

Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a new blood test for quantifying ovarian reserve. AMH is produced by granulosa (follicular) cells in the ovary. These cells play a role in the development of follicles and the maturation of eggs, during a woman’s reproductive years.

The blood test for AMH can be carried out on any day of the cycle (as opposed to FSH which must be measured on cycle day 3). Levels do not fluctuate from one cycle to another, making AMH a more reliable measure of ovarian reserve than FSH.

Where can patients avail of the test?

AMH testing is available at our clinics in Cork, Limerick and Waterford.

When are the results available?

Results are available within seven working days.

What is the cost?

Patients can avail of the test at our clinics at a cost of €120.

What supplement advice can you give female patients trying to conceive?

While there are now numerous supplement preparations available commercially to women trying to conceive, no food or drug supplement has been proven beyond doubt to increase conception rates in female infertility.

A 2013 Cochrane review of 28 randomised controlled trials found antioxidants not to be effective for increasing rates of live birth or clinical pregnancy. Further evidence from prospective randomised controlled trials is required before recommending specific “fertility supplements” for the female patient.

It is recommended that women aiming to conceive:

Take 400μg folic acid daily as early as two months prior to conception and for the first three months of pregnancy – this has been shown to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects by up to 70%. A higher dose of 5mg should be taken by women with a personal or family history of neural tube defect, women with diabetes or women taking antiepileptic medications

Vitamin D supplementation should be given to those women with dark skin or limited sun exposure to minimise the risk of vitamin D deficiency in babies, which is associated with rickets and convulsions

And above all, maintain a healthy weight, that is aim for a BMI between 20 and 25kg/m2, by doing regular exercise and having a balanced and nutritious diet

For further information please contact Mary McAuliffe on 021 4865764 or [email protected]

New Diagnostic Test for Inherited Disorders

Staff at Waterstone Clinic recently announced that an Irish couple, who have one daughter with mucolipidosis, a rare and life-limiting genetic condition, delivered a baby, Megan, unaffected by the condition as a result of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

It is the first reported incidence in the world of successful PGD using karyomapping in the case of mucolipidosis. Karyomapping is a new technique that has transformed the field of PGD due to its rapid and robust method of detecting a wide range of genetic diseases in embryos.

Chris Donoghue from Newstalk Breakfast recently interviewed the O’Connor’s, to listen to the interview click HERE

Keeping Hope

On New Year’s Day 2012, Colin finished chemo, battle-weary but still alive. Heidi was delighted to have Daddy back at home, though knew there were times she would have to be quiet, to let him sleep. To let him recover. At first he was seen every six weeks, then three months, then every six. Each time the all-clear.

Now it was time to rebuild our lives, try for the child we so longed for. All through Colin’s treatment, I kept looking forward, readying myself for IVF. I kept in shape, avoided alcohol, watched my diet and ate only fresh produce to optimise my chances of fertility. Aware of the emotional turmoil that the hormone treatment can cause, I underwent a course of Chinese acupuncture to prepare my body and my mind for what was to come. Throughout the daily injecting I stayed focused on the end result. It was all a necessary step on the road to achieving our heart’s desire – a little brother or sister for Heidi. A new baby, a new life, to help rebuild the family after the trauma of Colin’s illness. I watched Heidi playing with her teddies, talking to her favourite dolls, telling them how she wanted to have a little baby sister or brother. And I was determined to do whatever it took.

So every day, twice a day, I injected hormones into my uterus, to make the lining of the womb ready for our implanted embryo. I decided to tell all my family, friends and work colleagues, as we wanted to be open about the whole process. Talking took away any stigma attached to this intimate procedure and that helped with the emotional piece of the jigsaw.

We knew success rates were low. We knew most people had to undergo many costly cycles of treatment, sometimes without a successful outcome. But we also knew that for some it worked. That was what we focused on. The 17 straws of sperm were thawed and monitored closely. One by one they failed to fertilise. Sixteen of the 17 didn’t make it. It was all down to the last one. Our only chance. But one is all you need. One healthy embryo. And the last one successfully attached itself to my egg and fertilised. A huge achievement in itself. The transfer was done. One hurdle down. Now all we could do was wait. Two whole weeks, they told us. Two weeks and then we would know if we had surmounted the next hurdle.

Of all the things we had been through, this waiting was the hardest. Waking each morning wondering. Was the embryo taking? Did I feel any different? Was I pregnant? Could I possibly be? The days were interminable, the hours, the minutes crawling by. Luckily Colin was back at work, making a good recovery. And I too was busy with demanding projects at the office. But still the days dragged. A week passed, eight days, nine. On day twelve we could wait no longer. Colin bought a bagful of testing kits, standard, early, digital, all kinds. The first showed a faint blue line. We were too scared to rely on it. Maybe a false positive. Five or six more we did over the next two days, the blue line strengthening each time. When the doctor confirmed that yes, indeed, I was pregnant, I cried. Colin cried. I think even the doctor cried. It felt like we had won the Lotto. Our luck had turned. All the emotional and physical preparation had paid off. And with Colin getting stronger each day, it seemed almost too good to be true. At 20 weeks we underwent a detailed scan. A beautiful little baby, strong heartbeat, perfect limbs, moving gently in its amniotic cocoon. We were beside ourselves with happiness. Now it was time to share the joy. Parents and friends alike were delighted with our news. And once again, all we could do was wait. Wait and hope.

At eight months, the doctors discovered that the baby was breech, with no sign of it moving to a correct position. So I was promptly summoned to the hospital. They weren’t going to let me out of their sight. Once again grandparents stepped up to the mark and kept the home fires ticking over. Heidi loved all the attention and spent her free time making cards and posters to welcome the new baby home. It was a tense few weeks, but I kept the goal in my sights. Every day was another day closer to seeing our precious baby.

And finally the day arrived. I had to be induced but I didn’t care. Whatever it took. And every contraction was a gift. As the waves of pain swept over me, I thought only of my baby’s journey into this world. And nothing, absolutely nothing can compare to that undiluted joy of giving the final push, hearing that longed for cry and holding my little baby girl Pippa on my chest. A head of red hair, the only grandchild to inherit Granny’s beautiful auburn locks. Our miracle baby. A sister for Heidi.

Now nearly two, Pippa is a bundle of mischief, a partner in crime for Heidi, a daily blessing in our lives. And having come through so much, Colin’s illness, the IVF, has only made us stronger. As people. As a couple. More appreciative of every moment in our lives. Every time Pippa woke at night, I didn’t mind. Every time she cried, every time she wouldn’t sleep when we were dog-tired, I didn’t mind. And we know, Colin and I, that things can go wrong and do go wrong, but our challenges have made us stronger. And we are eternally grateful to all those people who travelled the road with us, helping us to where we are now. Colin’s mother and my parents have been amazing, the Waterstone Clinic so helpful, supportive and easy to talk to. We wake every day and thank the doctors who looked after Colin so well, and continue to monitor and look after him. And we look at our two girls, Heidi and Pippa, and we face the future with hearts full of gratitude and hope.

In conversation with Justine Carbery.

The Gloss magazine

www.thegloss.ie

Newstalk Interview

Five-week-old Megan O’Connor is the first baby in the world to be born free of the rare genetic disease mucolipidosis as a result of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) with karyomapping carried out at Waterstone Clinic.

Megan O’Connor’s parents John and Emma were both carriers of the gene causing mucolipidosis and had a one-in-four chance of having a baby with the condition. Megan was conceived using the revolutionary treatment, whereby embryos are diagnosed before being implanted in the womb, and only embryos which are deemed free from the disease are transferred.

Listen to their story here:

http://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/Breakfast/Highlights_from_Newstalk_Breakfast/86749/The_incredible_story_of_the_OConnor_family