Age Defying Motherhood: 15% Increase in Births Among Women Over 50
In an era marked by newfound freedoms and lifestyle choices for individuals in their midlife, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights a growing trend of women and their partners embracing newborn parenting later in life. According to a Guardian analysis of ONS figures, there has been a 15% increase in the number of women giving birth in England aged over 50 between 2016-18 and 2019-21. Notable instances, such as TV presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell and cookbook author Tana Ramsay, have brought this trend into the spotlight. While births to women over 50 remain relatively rare, accounting for just 0.04% …
Study Unveils Enhanced IVF Success for PCOS Women Through Ketogenic Diet
In a recent publication in the journal Nutrients, a study investigated the intricate relationship between dietary interventions and the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women grappling with both polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and elevated body mass. PCOS, a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting about 75% of women, disrupts ovulation, elevating the risk of anovulatory infertility. Moreover, PCOS is associated with metabolic dysfunctions, including insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, adding complexity to the condition. Excessive body mass significantly reduces the efficacy of assisted reproduction technologies (ART) like IVF. A higher body mass index (BMI) correlates with increased risks during IVF, …
Science Speaks: No Evidence Supporting Autism Risk in IVF-Generated Offspring
In a recent publication in JAMA Network Open, a significant study explores the intricate connection between infertility, fertility treatments, and the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children. The research, conducted in Ontario, spans a retrospective cohort from April 2006 to March 2018, incorporating administrative healthcare data from various sources, including the Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) database, hospitalization records, outpatient visits, and emergency department data. ASD, characterized by abnormal brain development and typically manifesting within 18 months of life, is known to be influenced by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Prenatal risk factors include infertility, …
An exploration of embracing motherhood in one’s forties
In my local antenatal class a decade ago, I found myself surrounded by expectant mothers, almost all of whom were at least ten years my junior, and some nearly half my age. At first, I was taken aback and filled with doubt. Would I make friends? Why did I wait so long to have kids? Was there something wrong with my choice? In retrospect, there was no need for concern; your forties are an ideal decade for starting a family. Recent data published in The Daily Telegraph indicate a rising trend of women becoming first-time mothers in their forties. Today, …
Scientists are requesting permission to conduct 28-day embryo experiments
Prominent scientists in the UK are advocating for a significant extension of the current 14-day limit on embryo research to 28 days. Their goal is to explore the untapped secrets of early human development. Extending this restriction has the potential to lead to breakthroughs in addressing infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Public Opinion Shows Favorable Stance Fieldwork involving 70 individuals, partly funded by the UK Research and Innovation body and the Wellcome Trust, has revealed favorable public sentiment regarding the extension of the research timeframe. This diverse input reflects a growing interest in scientific advancements. Balancing Ethics and Scientific Progress …
A study reveals that the ketogenic diet increases IVF success for women with PCOS
The study included a small sample of 84 PCOS patients who were either overweight or obese. Study participants were put on either the VLCKD or MD and subsequently examined for changes in weight, hormonal profile, and metabolic thresholds. Patients on the VLCKD lost significant weight, as reflected in the BMI compared to MD patients at three and four months. The body circumference (hip and waist), which is a predictor of visceral and subcutaneous fat, was also reduced significantly in VLCKD patients. Patients consuming the VLCKD exhibited reduced hip circumference measurements by nine and 11 cm at three and four months, …
Anxiety and Depression: No Impact on Male IVF Success
In a recent study conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, researchers investigated the relationship between anxiety, depression, and the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Their findings, published in Human Reproduction, shed light on the impact of mental health on fertility treatments, providing insights that could alleviate concerns among individuals undergoing IVF. The study involved 222 men undergoing IVF at a hospital-affiliated fertility center between September 2018 and December 2022. Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire, participants were assessed for anxiety and depression. Those scoring eight or higher on the respective sections of the survey were …
A recent study on the success rates of egg freezing
Lord Robert Winston, a renowned fertility expert and professor of fertility studies at Imperial College London, has ignited a heated debate by questioning the widely accepted success rates of egg freezing during his appearance on BBC Radio 4’s “Today” program. The discussion unfolded against the backdrop of the ongoing campaign to extend the ten-year limit on freezing human eggs. Lord Winston’s remarks stirred controversy as he described egg freezing as “a very unsuccessful technology,” asserting that “the number of eggs that result in a pregnancy after freezing is about 1%.” He later clarified that this percentage referred to live births. …
