The idea of shared motherhood is relatively new, but it is redefining the concept of parenthood for many same-sex female couples. While IVF has been practised for over 40 years, the ROPA method – which enables two women to share biological motherhood – was only first pioneered in 2010. In the decade that followed,… View Article
Who knew that what you serve up on your dinner plate could have a bearing on becoming a parent? No amount of healthy fats, vegetables, or superfood smoothies can guarantee to get you pregnant, but it seems that what we eat really could have an impact. When it comes to how to get pregnant, while… View Article
When couples consider their compatibility, they may think about shared interests and common values. But when it comes to starting a family, it is time to look at a different type of compatibility. One in every 25 children in the UK is affected by a genetic disorder. In many cases, this is not the result… View Article
Families have been the primary social unit throughout human history, and they come in many forms. Social anthropology identifies many family types over time. These range from patriarchal to matriarchal, monogamous to polygamous, established to nomadic – to mention just a few. The reality is that there is not one type of family: there are… View Article
Implantation bleeding can happen in early pregnancy. It can also be accompanied by mild implantation pain. If you’re not expecting to be pregnant, it could pass you by without you noticing. You might even mistake it for early spotting ahead of your next period. But if you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s natural that you… View Article
The 1st of December marks World AIDS Day. On this day, it’s important we remind ourselves that this is still an ongoing pandemic, affecting nearly 38 million people globally every day. In the UK alone, there are over 100,000 people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show our support for those… View Article
Transgender Awareness Week sheds light on issues faced by the transgender community. This year, it takes place between 13th – 19th November before the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Saturday 20th November. When it comes to fertility, transgender people face a very complex and often painful situation. Gender-affirming treatment can ease the distress of living… View Article
Anyone who has experienced infertility knows that it can feel like more than a simple reproductive problem. It can strike at your confidence and your very sense of identity. Once you decide to take the plunge and seek treatment, that too can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. It is important to remember that infertility affects… View Article
IVI discovers that using slush nitrogen at -210° in embryo vitrification could increase embryo survival compared to the current technique Non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy is the starting point to continue to improve results and become a useful diagnostic tool This important research into safety is part of a total of 74 papers presented… View Article
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s dedicated to highlighting and supporting women all over the world who are living with breast cancer. This year, the message from IVI is clear: becoming a mother after cancer is possible. Since starting our fertility preservation programme, “Becoming a Mother After Cancer”, we have helped 37 babies to… View Article
Montgomery tubercles, also known as Montgomery glands, are raised white bumps that look similar to goosebumps on the nipple and surrounding areola. They are named after William Fetherstone Montgomery, an Irish physician and obstetrician who first described them in 1837, although it is fair to assume that many thousands of women, over many generations, had… View Article
