IVF NewsNews: Germany�s embryo protection law is �killing embryos rather than protecting them�
Press releases ESHRE 2007 05 July 2007
Lyon, France: Instead of preserving life, Germany’s embryo protection law has had the unintended consequence of increasing the number of foetuses killed after fertility treatment according to new figures presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology today (Wednesday). A representative of the German IVF registry has called for the law to be changed urgently to ensure that this situation does not continue.
The German embryo protection law, passed in 1991, stipulates that no more than three embryos can be created per cycle of IVF and all three, regardless of their quality, must be transferred to the patient’s womb at one time, and cannot be frozen or discarded. For the first time, figures for 2004 from the ESHRE European IVF monitoring consortium show that out of 8,500 deliveries in Germany in 2004 there were 222 foetal reductions performed (representing 2.6%). Foetal reductions are performed when a woman has a multiple pregnancy and doctors consider it necessary to reduce the number of foetuses she is carrying in order to increase the chances of the remaining ones surviving. It is also performed when doctors discover that foetuses are abnormal. Professor Ricardo Felberbaum, from the German IVF registry and a member of the ESHRE European IVF monitoring consortium, said: “Germany’s embryo protection law is not in accordance with ART [artificial reproduction technology] practices now. Foetal reduction is being used in Germany much more than was expected and the German administration must face up to the situation that the 1991 law prevents optimal treatment of the patient and does not protect the embryo either. The law needs to be changed urgently to reflect the current state of the art. “It is far worse to kill embryos after they have implanted in a woman’s womb, than it is to take embryos before implantation, when they are no more than a collection of cells, freeze any surplus embryos and transfer no more than one or two embryos at one time. It is best that only those with the highest implantation potential are used, leading to healthy singleton pregnancies. “As the law currently stands it is killing embryos rather than protecting them,” he concluded. Other figures from the consortium show that the number of ART procedures in Germany has nearly halved since state funding for them was cut. Professor Anders Nyboe Andersen told the conference that Germany was a stark illustration of the impact that state funding has on the availability of ART for infertile couples. “In 2003, Germany announced that it would be cutting its generous reimbursement of fertility treatment by 50% and in that year there was a sudden surge in the number of procedures from 84,819 in 2002 to 102,426 as couples rushed to take advantage of the existing funding arrangements. The following year, when the new reimbursement rules were implemented, total activity dropped by nearly 50 per cent to 60,425. Significantly, this was a persistent effect because the number of cycles remained at this lower level in 2005.” Prof Nyboe Andersen, of Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, was presenting data on behalf of the ESHRE European IVF monitoring consortium, which has been gathering information on ART procedures in Europe since 1997. These new figures relate to ART in Europe in 2004 – the most recent year for which data are available. “The number of ART procedures has steadily increased over that time,” said Prof Nyboe Andersen. “In 2003 there was an overall increase of 13 per cent on 2002. However, in 2004 this rate of increase had slowed to just two per cent. This is almost entirely due to the drop in the number of cycles in Germany.” Prior to 2004, Germany carried out the most number of ART procedures in the whole of Europe, with France and the UK in second and third place respectively. However, in 2004 France performed the most ART procedures (nearly 70,000), followed by Germany (just over 60,000), Spain (nearly 41,000) and the UK (just over 40,000). There were 370,963 cycles in the 29 European countries reporting to the consortium in 2004. As a comparison, the USA carried out approximately 130,000 cycles. The availability of ART as measured by number of cycles per one million inhabitants is highest in Denmark, where couples are entitled to at least three free cycles of fertility treatment, with 2,128 cycles per million in 2004. By comparison, availability in Germany dropped from 1,243 cycles per million in 2003 to 803 per million in 2004. Availability in France was 1,154 per million, in Belgium 1,974 per million and in the UK 665 per million. The data confirms that the proportion of ICSI to IVF procedures has continued to move in favour of ICSI, with 166,711 ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) procedures (60 per cent) versus 114,512 IVF (in vitro fertilisation) procedures (40 per cent). The number of frozen embryo transfers has continued to increase, rising from around 18 per cent when the consortium first started collecting data to 26 per cent in 2004. “This is a very positive development,” said Prof Nyboe Andersen. “This means that patients are not having to go undergo repeated cycles of ovarian stimulation because enough eggs are being collected from the first cycle to freeze for use at a later date if the first cycle using the fresh eggs fails. This is much better for the health of the women.” The increasing use of frozen eggs has also led to improvements in the proportion of babies born after ART. In Finland, there were 4,761 ART cycles started and nearly 19 per cent resulted in births when fresh oocytes were used, but the cumulative delivery rate from both fresh and frozen oocytes was 30 per cent. By contrast, in the UK, from 30,495 cycles, 22% of the deliveries occurred after fresh oocytes were used, but the cumulative delivery rate (fresh and frozen oocytes) was only 25 per cent because there were proportionately fewer frozen embryo transfers. “Finland is the first country in the world to show at a national level that cryopreservation [freezing] is a very effective way of increasing the numbers of babies born after ART, because approximately third of all its ART deliveries were from frozen embryos,” said Prof Nyboe Andersen. World Report on ART 2003 Dr Jacques de Mouzon, from INSERM, Paris, France, who is a member of the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART), presented the newest world figures to the conference. He reported that in 2003 there were:
[ Full Article ] News: Acupuncture may increase IVF success rates
Katy Sinclair 16 February 2008
A team of doctors from the University of Maryland and the University of Amsterdam have published a report in the British Medical Journal, claiming that acupuncture could increase IVF success rates by as much as 65 per cent.
The team, led by researcher Eric Manheimer, reviewed seven different studies published since 2002, comprising trials involving 1,366 women undergoing IVF treatment. The women taking part in the trials were given acupuncture immediately before or immediately after the embryo was implanted in their womb. The team found that for every ten IVF cycles where acupuncture was used in this way, an additional pregnancy ensued. Taking all the information from the studies, the team concluded that women who had acupuncture in conjunction with IVF were 65 per cent more likely to have a successful embryo transfer, compared to those that had no treatment or were given fake acupuncture. Acupuncture is believed to increase blood flow to the uterus as well as stimulating the neurotransmitters that trigger production of gonadotrophin-releasing hormones, controlling women's ovulation, which is why it may be potentially helpful to women undergoing IVF treatment. It has been used in Chinese medicine to regulate fertility for hundreds of years. The cost of acupuncture treatments is around £50 per session, as compared to the £4,000 to £6,000 cost of one IVF cycle. This means that it is potentially cost effective to introduce acupuncture alongside IVF. However, the conclusions drawn by the study have not convinced everyone of the efficacy of acupuncture. Professor Edzard Ernst, from the Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth remained sceptical, saying 'on the face of it, these results sound fantastic. I would, however, be very cautious as much of the observed effect could be due to placebo response'. It could be that women are expecting the treatment to be helpful, which makes them more relaxed when undergoing IVF, with the result that the treatment is more effective. The doctors involved in the trial deny that the placebo effect resulted in successful treatment, because the women taking part in the trial receiving fake acupuncture - where needles were put in the wrong places - did not also experience increased pregnancy rates. Around 32,000 British women undergo IVF each year, resulting in 11,000 births annually. Previous studies had indicated that women undergoing acupuncture in conjunction with IVF were actually less likely to become pregnant. However, it is thought that these women had sought out acupuncture themselves, rather than being randomly assigned as part of a trial, and were doing so because their chances of conceiving were already poor. Mr Manheimer warned that the results were preliminary and did not imply that all women should seek out acupuncture. He explained that 'acupuncture can improve the rates of pregnancy and live birth. Some couples might want to choose acupuncture, but others might want to wait until further research has been done'. [ Full Article ] News: Momsoon IVF/ Bangalore University P.G.Diploma in Clinical Embryology
Dr.Y.Ravindranath 06 May 2015
Successful 1 year P.G.Diploma in Clinical Embryology & ART since 2 years. All candidates got jobs in reputed IVF Centers India and abroad. First time in India, an UGC sponsored , Momsoon IVF & Bangalore University colloboration. Theory, Practicals, Hands' on, 3months Project work & seminars. 3rd batch starting in july, 2015. Contact Dr.Ravindranath, Course Director [ Full Article ] News: IVF success rates plunge after second attempt, study finds
Victoria Kay 13 November 2010
Women who have not conceived after two cycles of IVF (in vitro fertilisation) may face reduced success rates if electing to undergo further cycles, according to a new study. The research is preliminary and many factors which may affect IVF success, such as the age and weight of the women, were not taken into account. The study looked at 300,000 women across the United States receiving in total half a million IVF cycles over five years and found 48 percent of women had a baby after one or two cycles. However, after three cycles this number had only risen by five percent and after seven cycles stood at just 56 percent. This means that only three percent more women had successfully become pregnant after seven cycles of IVF than had done so after three. 'Don't quit if the first cycle isn't successful', said lead researcher Professor Barbara Luke from Michigan State University: '(But) if you haven't gotten pregnant by the third, the chances are slim to continue'. In an attempt to successfully conceive, couples may incur great expense trying multiple cycles of IVF but there is currently little guidance as to the likelihood of success after the first. The findings indicated the best chance of conceiving is after the first IVF cycle, with 36 percent of women becoming pregnant at the first attempt. The success rate after the second cycle was significantly lower, with only an additional 12 percent of the total number of women in the study becoming pregnant on the second try. From the third cycle onwards the success rate dropped dramatically, with the total number of live births remaining largely unchanged. The authors hope further investigation into factors that may affect fertility not addressed in the study may clarify success rates and aid both doctors and couples in their decision-making. The research was presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine conference in Denver. [ Full Article ] News: New Zealand Government to fund PGD
Dr. Kirsty Horsey 17 December 2005
The New Zealand Government is to make $500,000 in funding available for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for 'high-risk couples'. Pete Hodgson, the Minister of Health, says that this funding will allow about 40 women or couples per year access to embryo testing for genetic conditions such as Huntington's disease, haemophilia and cystic fibrosis. People who wish to access the funding should initially see their own doctor, and the funding will be available through district health boards beginning in the first half of 2006. [ Full Article ] News: European Accreditated Course to be IVF Physician and Embryologist - Assisted Reproductive Technologies & Procedures
Ms. Nishat Yousuf - Course Coordinator 22 May 2011
The Assisted Reproduction Technologies & Procedures is Designed for a Maximum of 54 Hours of European External CME Credits. Each Medical Specialist Should Claim only Those Hours of Credit That He/She Actually Spent in The Educational Activity. EACCME Credits are Recognised by the American Medical Association (AMA) towards the Physician's Recognition Award (PRA). To Convert EACCME Credit to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Contact AMA. Contact once you successfully get award of EACCME Certificate at GIVF Club - Centre for Human Reproduction. INTERNATIONAL COURSE TRAINERS: Prof. Claude Ranoux Dr. N. A Armar LOCAL IVF CENTERS FOR HANDS-ON PRACTICAL SESSIONS: Beach Side IVF - Karachi American IVF Center - Karachi CENTERS FOR POST TRAINING ATTACHEMENTS (Optional for Foreign Participants): Fertility Care Multan FRIENDS IVF - Faisalabad STAR IVF - Sargodha American IVF - Karachi Beach Side IVF - Karachi DURATION OF ART TRAINING COURSE: 15 Days (10 Days academic with practicals and 5 days completely participative at IVF Centers) ART TRAINING DATES: 7th September - 20th September TRAINING PROGRAMME SCHEDULE: Can be downloaded at http://www.givfclub.com/givfchrtrainingcenter/gchrcoursedetails.html ART TRAINING COURSE FEE: A fully Accreditated Training Course at very economical cost of US$ 1,500/- FEE DISCOUNTS FOR IVF.NET and GIVF Club MEMBERS: For GIVF Club Members. Club Membership is also open now for doctors and lab staff outside Pakistan. Complete FREE ONLINE MEMBERSHIP FORM - Go to http://www.givfclub.com/clubmembership.html Discount for IVF.NET Members - 5% Discount for GIVF Club Member - 10% (Discounts can not be aggregated) COURSE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE: Only 20 Candidates shall be registered for the course. Keeping in view the credentials of the course and low cost we anticipate high number of applicants, and hence shall be entertained on first come first serve basis. FOR REGISTRATION - Fill Out Online Registration Form at http://www.givfclub.com/givfchrtrainingcenter/gchrenrollementprocedur.html Once you fill out the form, you will get an automatic acknowledgement. Kindly keep a good record of that until you receive Invoice from us. If you don't receive Invoice within 2 Working Days, then Immediately Contact GIVF Club Centre for Human Reproduction to avoid any complication. 25% of Invoice amount must be paid within one week of Invoice date, and the remaining must be cleared one month before the scheduled start date. Visa Invitation Letter, and Invitation Letter from Local Chamber of Commerce for Pakistan Embassy in your country shall be sent to you with 2 weeks of receipt of 25% Fee of Invoice value. THE COURSE IS IDEAL FOR ALL WHO WISH TO ESTABLISH & POLISH THEIR CAREER INTO ART AND SHALL INCLUDE ALL ASPECTS FOR IVD PHYSICIANS AND EMBRYOLOGISTS [ Full Article ] News: Finland passes new fertility legislation
Dr. Kirsty Horsey 19 October 2006
The Finnish Parliament has voted in favour of new fertility legislation, after years of debate and delays. Until now, fertility treatment in Finland has been practised without a background of regulation, although many aspects have been self-regulated by treatment providers. [ Full Article ] Study Review: IVF Ethics Questionnaire [Results]
IVF.net 14 December 2008
One year ago we presented an IVF ethics questionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire was to determine current opinion of many of the issues surrounding IVF and associated technology. Within 6 weeks we had over 600 responses from people in the field of IVF, patients and members of the general public from all around the world. Results from the questionnaire have been presented in major international conferences in the US (ASRM) and Europe (ESHRE). Results have also been featured in the New Scientist We welcome your comments below. Please do not reproduce results or analysis of results without permission. ASRM
[ Full Article ] News: Sperm Impacts: Environmental Factors, Lifestyle, And Medications Affect Male Fertility
Highlights From The Conjoint Meeting Of The American Society For Reproductive Medicine And The Canadian Fertility And Andrology Society 19 October 2005
Montreal, Quebec ? Researchers at the conjoint meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society today presented their work on the way different lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and medications can affect male fertility. [ Full Article ] News: Alcohol reduces IVF success
Ben Jones 28 October 2009
A study conducted by researchers at the Harvard Medical School, US, has suggested that consumption of alcohol may be detrimental to chances of success in IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment. Consumption of just six units of alcohol a week by both partners reduced the probability of conception by 26 per cent. The study particularly singled out apparent detrimental effects to drinking white wine in women and drinking beer for the male partners. In those women whose partner drank beer daily, a 30 per cent decrease in the chance of having a baby was identified. The study, presented at the annual conference of the American Society for Assisted Reproduction (ASRM) in Atlanta this week, questioned 574 couples who underwent more than 5,300 cycles of IVF. Of these, half of the women questioned drank less than one alcoholic drink a week. The leader of the study, Dr Brooke Rossi, said of the findings that 'there are many factors why IVF fails and most of these patients have no control over. But how much they drink is something that they can change.' The President of the UK's Royal College of Physicians, Professor Ian Gilmore, who is also Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, commented on the study: 'Emerging results from this large cohort of couples undergoing IVF underline the pervasive dangers of alcohol in relation to conception and pregnancy. They lend weight to the importance of giving clear and unambiguous advice to women who are pregnant, or hoping to become so, that they should avoid drinking alcohol. If there are difficulties in achieving conception this advice should apply to their partners as well.' The finding provides further evidence that drinking alcohol may make it harder to conceive for couples even without a specific fertility issue. As Tony Rutherford, President of the British Fertility Society, told the press: 'For any lifestyle factor that affects IVF, it would be unusual for it not to also have an impact on couples trying naturally for a baby.' He added that 'these findings probably reinforce 'good practice' advice to drink no more than one or two drinks a week if you are worried about having a healthy baby. But it may be that if you are trying for a baby with IVF and want to maximise your chances of success, you may want to 'play safe' and not drink at all.' It appears from this study that this advice may apply to both partners. [ Full Article ] |