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Millions of babies have been born from IVF treatment over the past forty years and it isn’t something you should be ashamed of. Lots of couples struggle to conceive naturally and require the help of a clinic such as Concept Fertility to help them on their fertility journey. You may have heard of the term “test tube baby”, but virtually no test tubes are actually involved in the IVF process. However, it does involve skilled embryologists and closely controlled laboratory conditions. If you are going to be receiving IVF treatment, you will need to ensure you are fully prepared, which is why we have put together this comprehensive checklist. Get Organised Make sure you have a diary or calendar detailing... View Article
The road to parenthood can sometimes be hugely challenging, but know you are not alone in this struggle. Around 15% of couples may struggle to conceive. There are some natural ways to help increase your fertility. Some simple food and lifestyle choices can help boost fertility. GET ACTIVE Being active and less sedentary can help when getting pregnant, during your pregnancy and help your mental well-being. Exercise and activity can boost your ability to conceive. In fact, research shows that women who exercise for 30 minutes every day may have a reduced risk of infertility. Being active doesn’t mean hitting the gym every day. It means anything that gets your heart rate up, makes you breathe faster and makes your... View Article
Sperm donation is when a man donates his semen to help either a couple or an individual conceive a baby. This donated sperm can either be introduced into a woman’s uterus, which is known as Intrauterine Insemination, or it can be used to fertilise an egg in a lab, known as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). We have put together this helpful guide to provide you with more information about what’s involved with sperm donation, and why it might be an option for you. Why Should I Use a Sperm Donor? There are lots of reasons why our patients may require a sperm donor in order to conceive. You may be a single woman, in a same-sex relationship, or your male... View Article
Even in 2021, fertility and infertility are topics that remain fairly taboo, especially where men are concerned. People tend to find it awkward and feel reluctant to talk about their own experiences when it comes to conceiving a child, leading to a culture that is often uncomfortable opening up. Unfortunately, though, infertility is a very real issue that affects 1 in 7 couples, and it is not always the woman who is infertile. Low sperm count, poor sperm morphology or motility, damaged testes and blocked tubes are some of the many reasons why men are unable to conceive, as well as various lifestyle factors. With unfair perceptions and stereotypes surrounding masculinity, men tend to struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety,... View Article
For men and women struggling to conceive a child through natural means, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is one popular technique available to help. During IVF, a woman’s ovaries are encouraged to produce more mature eggs than usual using hormone treatment. Using an ultrasound scan, the maturation of the follicles containing the eggs is monitored and eventually the eggs are removed from the ovaries to be fertilised with sperms in a lab. The embryo, which is the correct term for a fertilised egg, is then returned to the woman’s womb where it will hopefully grow and develop into a healthy foetus. Unfortunately, IVF is not offered by the NHS to everyone who has fertility issues, because the National Institute for Health... View Article
If you’re a single woman and you want to have a baby, there are fertility options you can look into to help make this a reality. For example, you could consider sperm donation through a fertility clinic. At Concept Fertility, we do not recruit sperm donors, but we do liaise with reputable, dedicated sperm banks whom we have had good pregnancy/birth results. Rather than using a sperm bank, you may have a sperm donor of your own in mind, but this should be a careful consideration. Fertility Counselling Making the decision to have a baby on your own can be daunting, so you may wish to consider counselling. At Concept Fertility, we offer implications counselling for you and your potential... View Article
One of the most common reasons behind difficulties conceiving a child is advancing age. You’ve most likely heard of the “biological clock” which essentially refers to fertility limitations regarding age, as fertility significantly drops when a woman reaches her mid to late thirties. This is because the quality and quantity of her eggs declines. From an evolutionary perspective, this gives women enough time to survive long enough to raise her existing children. However, many women aren’t ready to have a baby before this age, especially nowadays when starting a family isn’t a main priority, and they may have to look at their options when it comes to conceiving. If you do happen to be worried that the likelihood of conceiving... View Article
An ectopic pregnancy can be a daunting prospect for expectant mothers but knowing the facts will make you prepared if it does happen. According to the NHS, 1 in 90 pregnancies is ectopic. To be aware of and to know the symptoms and what to do if your pregnancy does result of an ectopic pregnancy is important, and this brief guide will cover some of what can happen next. What to look out for An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs in the fallopian tube, but it can also occur elsewhere in the body. The embryo will not be able to survive in these areas and an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if left unmonitored or untreated. Most pregnant... View Article
IVF has helped millions of families across the globe, but while it’s a huge benefit that’s brought many couples and single dependents together it can come with a number of myths. We take a look at a few of the common myths about IVF and what the actual truth is to help future families prosper. Myth: You can undergo IVF at any age A woman’s reproductive system begins to age when they reach their mid-30s, with their 40s becoming the least likely decade, so far, for a woman to conceive. IVF treatment can be offered for most women under the age of 43 according to the NHS. There can still be upset for women who have IVF much later in... View Article
As vaccines in the UK are rolled out for the population, there are a number of concerns for many people receiving the newly approved vaccines. This guide will explain the reasons for the vaccine and reassurances that the vaccine will be beneficial for all. The different vaccines available In the UK, you should receive a letter stating that you are ready to receive your vaccine, or alternatively you’ll be able to call your GP or a local vaccination centre to arrange an appointment. There are 3 main types of vaccine available currently: Moderna Oxford/AstraZeneca Pfizer/BioNTech For the majority of people that are pregnant they are offered appointments for either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, but according to the NHS, most... View Article
