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Marie Claire news: Human embryos in test tubes

Two fertility treatments commonly used by couples trying to conceive have been condemned for having 'no benefit', following a new study.

Medical experts who undertook the research have indicated that the drugs are no better than leaving things to mother nature.

The study showed that both artificial insemination and the drug clomid, which stimulates ovulation, did not significantly improve the chances of falling pregnant.

Both treatments have been offered to patients for years and experts are now calling for guidelines for their use to be reviewed.

The two treatments are given as a preliminary method for infertile couples before IVF courses are ordered.

The research saw 580 women with unexplained infertility undergo the treatments. Of those who took part, 17% who had no treatment gave birth, compared with 14% who took clomifene citrate and 23% who were artificially inseminated.

Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, who carried out the research commented: 'We need to think long and hard about whether there is any medical justification for these treatments.'

Friday 8 August 2008

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As a healthy women of 36 about to embark on the artificial insemination route, after ectopic pregnancy (04), stillbirth (06) and now problems conceiving, i find this article and information very distressing and considering what stress we are under to start with to now hear that we are probably wasting out time is very depressing and sad!
Comment by Samantha Stead on August 08 13:16

So sorry to hear of your troubles conceiving. However, the fact that you have fallen pregnant twice means that you are most likely still fertile. I think the best thing you can do is go on a relaxing holiday with your partner and put getting pregnant out of your mind as much as you can. Try also other methods of relaxation - maybe Yoga, or Pilates or walking around a park - whatever does it for you. You are most likely to conceive when you are relaxed and stress free. Good luck.
Comment by Mandy on August 08 14:43

I can completely understand how distressing these findings can be for couples having problems with fertility because these routes were the first forms of help to turn to when natural methods weren't working. But I have always wondered why a ovulation stimulating drugs, such as clomid, are given to woman who don't actually have ovulation problems and were ovulating themselves (eg. woman with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), as this drug in particular wouldn't have done anything for them. Maybe because the stress of becoming pregnant in itself can cause 'unexplained infertility' being given these forms of fertility procedures can therefore reduce the stress, because woman are easing that stress by thinking the fertility drugs, etc are helping, and therefore concieve naturally also known as the placebo effect.
Comment by SR on August 08 15:27

I tried for over 3 years to fall pregnant - had all the investigations and was told I had unexplained subfertility.
3 cycles of Clomid and I'm pregnant - could be a coincidence but I'm so glad they prescribed it!
Comment by Sara on August 08 19:31