MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'embryo'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:01:05 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159555&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1061-Biology-101-a-kidney-is-not-an-organism.html But apparently Dr. Robert Blake, and many other people nowadays, do not understand the difference.  Blake recently wrote an opinion letter insisting that science does not know when human life begins.  The fact that a new genetically distinct organism identifiable by his or her own unique DNA is created at fertilization is not important.  Blake argues that same DNA is in every cell in our body and so the cell created at fertilization, the zygote, is no different than say a skin cell.  They totally ignore the fact that a skin cell is just a cell and a zygote is an organism that self directs toward more mature stages like embryo, fetus, baby, child and so on.  A skin cell will never do that on its own.  I have heard the argument more and more that fertilization i... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159555 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:29:50 +0100 5159555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159259&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fwas-that-embryo-which-fell-out-after-my.html The mind plays games after the embryo transfer. Every little cramp or discharge can excite hope - or lead to despair ! This is especially true when the IVF cycle fails and patients get their menstrual period. They often imagine that they can see a little clot of tissue or a little ball of cells in the menstrual flow, and they feel that they have miscarried the embryo. This actually reinforces their feelings of low self esteem. Not only can’t they get pregnant in their own bedroom, their body could not even hold on to the beautiful embryos which the doctor grew in the lab and transferred to the uterus ! Please remember that an embryo is just a small microscopic ball of cells , which is not visible with the naked eye. If the embryo fails to implant , it gets silently reabsorbed about 2 o... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159259 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:01:00 +0100 5159259 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140111&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1058-No-Such-Thing-as-Potential-Life.html Potential is a great adjective meaning "existing in possibility."  It is useful for describing nouns such as "opportunity", "benefit" or "risk."  But it is not an adjective that can be used in the biological sense with the noun "life." Unfortunately, it is used exactly in that manner.  We have all heard that a human embryo not human life, only "potential" human life.  But in biology there is only life or non-life.  Either an organism is living or non-living.  There is no "potential" life.  So an living human embryo is human life, period.  I found this great quote from Dr. C. Ward Kischer, emeritus professor of Human Embryology at the University of Arizona, that explains:No human em... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140111 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:10:29 +0100 5140111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069555&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fivf-science-and-pseudscience.html Medicine is not an exact science. It’s not possible for us to predict what the outcome of an IVF cycle is. While we are very good at making embryos in the lab, once we transfer the embryos into the uterus we still cannot predict which embryo will become a baby & which one won’t. When an IVF cycle fails , especially after the transfer of Grade A embryos, the first question the patient is going to ask is - Why did the cycle fail? When this happens , a lot of doctors become very defensive because they feel the patient is blaming them for the failure. This is why they are reluctant to tell the truth , which is - We really don’t know because we don’t have the technology to be able to answer this question. This is the honest scientific answer ! After all, human reproduction is an ine... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069555 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 03:05:00 +0100 5069555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062317&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fis-it-egg-or-sperm.html Whenever an IVF cycle fails, the commonest question patients ask is - was there a problem with the eggs ? or with the sperm ?Logically, one would expect the answer to be 50-50 - after all, both are gametes which contribute the 50% of the DNA to the embryo.In fact, this is one of the reason there are so many tests for testing sperm "quality" - ranging from the zona free hamster egg penetration assay ( which is now obsolete) to the newer sperm DNA fragmentation tests ( which are very fashionable and popular right now, but will also soon get relegated to the dustbin).However, these tests are useless in clinical practise.Why do I say so ?Let's consider a couple who does ICSI treatment for a low sperm count, and gets poor quality embryos . They are disheartened and upset, so they get a second o... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062317 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 02:46:00 +0100 5062317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050780&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fhow-vitrifying-ivf-embryos-helps-to.html Fresh or frozen embryos – which are betterView more presentations from Aniruddha Malpani. (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050780 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:47:00 +0100 5050780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975972&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fanother-happy-patient-from-malpani.html We had been married for 10 years. We had our careers, home, and friends everything going for us. Just one thing made us feel incomplete, especially me, not having a child of our own. Initially we felt it will happen after 6 months, a year. Then we took treatment. We had hopes. But all the hopes kept dying year after year. What was worst was when elders and relatives kept asking us about when we were planning to have a baby. That pressure was unbearable. But after 10 years I was coming to terms with the fact that I would be childless.We kept reading about the latest developments of science in this field in newspapers and kept tabs of the most successful doctors in the field. But we were afraid of the costs involved and that kept us from approaching them. But then we read some articles abou... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975972 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:52:00 +0100 4975972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968764&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1035-What-is-the-Catholic-view-on-Embryo-Adoption.html It has been estimated that there are as many as half a million frozen IVF embryos in fertility clinics across the United States waiting to continue their lives.  Some are abandoned or forgotten.  What should be done about them?  The Catholic Church resoundingly opposes using human embryos for research.  Embryos are human organisms with value simply because they are human and to destroy them in research, even if the goal is a proposed good, is morally unacceptable.Embryo adoption has been proposed as a way to give the half a million Americans on ice a chance at completing their lives.  Embryo adoption would entail thawing these "surplus" embryos and implanting them into the uterus of a woman willing to gestate them.  Snowflakes is an adoption program by Nightlight Christian ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968764 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:36:56 +0100 4968764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960137&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fis-success-rate-higher-with-fresh-or.html In the past, everyone agreed that the success rate was much higher with fresh embryos. This was primarily because the embryo freezing technology was not very good. We used a technique called slow freezing, and unfortunately, as a result of the freezing and thawing, upto 50% of embryos ( or the cells in the embryo) would die. This is because embryo cells ( called blastomeres) contain a lot of water; and the freezing process would lead to ice crystal formation within these cells. When these embryos were thawed, these crystals would cause cell death. Obviously, embryos will dead cells have a much poorer chance of implanting, and most labs were resigned to this fact that the process of freezing and thawing would cause damage to some embryos. However, it was still well worth freezing, because t... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960137 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 02:20:00 +0100 4960137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953026&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fwhy-were-my-embryos-of-such-poor.html While a good IVF clinic is good at making good embryos, sometimes we will encounter patients whose embryos are all of poor quality.What's a poor quality embryo ? This is one which divides slowly ( for example, one which has only 4 cells on Day 3) ; or one which has a lot of fragments. ( This is why you must ask your clinic for photos of your embryos, so you have documentation of the quality of your embryos ! )Why does this happen - and what can you do about it if it happens to you ?Remember that there are only 3 variables which influence embryo quality - eggs; sperm and the lab. This means that poor quality embryos could only be because of the 3 following reasons:poor quality eggs;poor quality sperm; ora poor quality labSurprisingly, experience has shown us that the sperm are not important... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953026 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 4953026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953028&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fhow-to-improve-vitrification-of.html This is a guest post by our embryologist, Sai Gundeti.Vitrification is the newer alternative to the traditional ‘slow freezing’ technique of cryopreservation of embryos for storage and future use. It is far more efficient and effective than the older technique, which is why we now use only vitrification in our clinic for cryopreservation of eggs and embryos.It is the duty of the embryology team to learn this new technique, so they can offer the best possible care to their patients.Here’s how we vitrify embryos in our lab.It’s usually the supernumerary embryos which are vitrified, which is why embryo vitrification is generally carried out after the best ( top ) embryos have been transferred in the fresh IVF cycle . However, in some cases we may electively freeze all embryos , and no... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953028 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 03:12:00 +0100 4953028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883811&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1026-United-States-backward-in-its-embryo-research-policies%2C-but-not-why-you-think%21.html How many times have you heard that other more "enlightened" countries in Europe and around the globe do not have such ridiculous, science-hating, draconian policies regarding research using human embryos as the United States?  I could not possibly recount endless comments I have read all over that bemoan that the United States is sooooo far behind everyone else because we are not as "progressive" as other countries in ripping apart embryos and using them for the stem cell gold inside.  If you believed everything you read on the Internet, you would think that it is an embryonic free-for-all everywhere else in the world and every country except the United States will benefit from cures and Americans will not.  You could believe that, but it isn't true.The only restrict... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883811 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:11:54 +0100 4883811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803258&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fafter-ivf-2-ww.html We normally do a blood test for HCG 2 weeks after the embryo transfer to find out if the embryos have implanted and if the cycle has been successful or not.This can be a very long 2 weeks , and many women will start doing pregnancy tests 5 days after the embryo transfer.The problem is that even if the embryo has implanted and you are pregnant, the embryo produce such small quantities of HCG for the first few days after it implants ( remember that it's just a microscopic ball of about hundreds of cells or so at this time), that it's not possible to detect this HCG in the blood . To be able to detect the HCG in the urine will take even more time, which is why you need to be patient.Of course, many patients will cheat :) - and this is an email I got from a patient today. A picture is worth a ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803258 Tue, 10 May 2011 12:37:00 +0100 4803258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762770&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-the-u-s-limit-the-number-of-embryos-transfered%2F2011.04.28 Everyone knows about “Octomom” and her octuplets born after in-vitro fertilization (IVF).  That was an extreme case, but multiple births resulting from unregulated artificial reproductive technologies have skyrocketed over the last decade.  The increased rate of twins, triplets and even higher multiples are due to in-vitro treatments and those women and infants are at much higher risk of pregnancy complications, premature birth and long term health problems. New research,  published in theJournal of Pediatrics, looked at admissions at just one hospital in Montreal, Quebec and found multiple embryo transfers was responsible for a significant proportion of admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  These infants were born severely preterm.  Six babies died and 5... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762770 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:00:00 +0100 4762770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723805&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Folympian-impregnated-with-the-wrong-embryo%2F2011.04.17 Olympic winner and motivational speaker, Jim Stovall once said “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” In September 2009, I wrote about a blog about Carolyn Savage, a 40 year old woman with a poor obstetrical history. Savage married her college sweetheart and had an uncomplicated first pregnancy. However, her second child was born prematurely. She had 4 subsequent miscarriages and ten years later she became pregnant through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Because the Savages wanted a large family, they tried IVF again. Unfortunately, Savage was impregnated with the wrong embryo. To their credit, everyone rose to the highest level of integrity. The infertility clinic informed the Savage family as soon as the mistake was discovered and then gave them the option o... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723805 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:00:26 +0100 4723805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684461&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fbleeding-during-ivf.html One of the most difficult things IVF patients have to deal with is the fact that there are no external symptoms or signs of what’s happening inside their bodies. Are the follicles growing well ? Is the uterine lining maturing properly ? Are you responding well to the medications ? Are the eggs of good quality ? Are the embryos implanting ? An important marker of the reproductive cycle is bleeding – and this can become a major source of stress during an IVF cycle !The start of the menstrual period is an event most IVF patients look forward to, because finally the IVF cycle is ready to commence – and you are now ready to take your best shot at having your long desired baby ! You are all pumped up and ready ! You’ve spent a long time waiting for your treatment to begin ( with waiting ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684461 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 03:01:00 +0100 4684461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4676888&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fmind-games-during-ivf.html For many patients, the emotional stress of going through an IVF cycle is far more than the physical stress ! The overriding fear is that of failure – what will I do if the cycle fails ? Will life be worth living ? They understand that IVF is the one treatment option which maximizes their chances of having a baby and have pinned all their hopes and dreams on the cycle succeeding. They dread to entertain the possibility of failure , as a result of which they are emotionally very vulnerable.Even before starting the IVF cycle, they spend a lot of time and energy doing their homework. Some will do their research and become an expert on IVF; others will doctor shop; while some will go to a temple to make sure God is on their side !While there are quite a few ups and downs during the moments of... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4676888 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 02:58:00 +0100 4676888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670183&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fwhat-to-do-when-you-make-mistake.html I see many patients who have failed IVF cycles in other clinics. In order to improve their chances of success, I ask them basic questions about their earlier cycle: How many follicles did you grow ? How many eggs were retrieved ? What was your embryo quality ? Surprisingly, many are quite clueless , and know very little about the medical details of their treatment cycle, because " my doctor did not tell me anything " ! They are often upset and angry- and resentful that their doctor did not share more information with them.After realising how much their doctor has kept them in the dark, they conclude that they made a mistake in the doctor they selected. They feel cheated and start believing that they can no longer trust any doctor.One of the reasons for their bad choice is because they did... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670183 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:28:00 +0100 4670183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664287&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fwhat-to-do-when-you-make-mistake.html I see many patients who have failed IVF cycles in other clinics. In order to improve their chances of success, I ask them basic questions about their earlier cycle: How many follicles did you grow ? How many eggs were retrieved ? What was your embryo quality ? Surprisingly, many are quite clueless , and know very little about the medical details of their treatment cycle, because " my doctor did not tell me anything " ! They are often upset and angry- and resentful that their doctor did not share more information with them.After realising how much their doctor kept them in the dark, some of them feel they made a mistake in the doctor they selected. They feel cheated and start believing that they can no longer trust any doctor.This is not a happy situation, because they then lose the opport... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664287 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:28:00 +0100 4664287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636491&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fhow-many-weeks-pregnant-am-i.html Many IVF patients get very confused about how the doctor calculates the age of their pregnancy( = gestational age, in medical jargon). Logically, shouldn't it be from the day of the embryo transfer ? After all, it's only after the embryos are transferred that a woman can be considered to be pregnant !However, doctors are not always logical, and we usually use the menstrual age when talking about the length of the pregnancy. This is because obstetricians usually see women who have got pregnant after having sex in their bedroom. Very few of them will know the exact date they ovulated , which is why we use the menstrual age in clinical practise. This does not change just because you have had an IVF pregnancy - the clinical rules remain the same !This creates a lot of confusion in patient's mi... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636491 Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:47:00 +0100 4636491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636514&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fthanks-dr-malpani.html This is an email a patient from Nigeria sent me today." I have set aside this morning to commend you and your beautiful wife on the good work you are doing for humanity. You give hope to the hopeless, healing our wounds of years by showing commitment and concern, even when the situation looks gloomy. You are ready to even pray for mercy and help for your patients! I am impressed.I have discovered that IVF is a journey. The travellers are the patients, but all of us will have to travel by different means of transportation, The luckiest by air, some by sea, others by road. It means there will be travellers by jet, speedboat, canoe, ships, cars, bikes, rail or even trucks and cartwheels! I am happy you guys are the drivers and my prayer is that the Almighty Creator will always grant you the w... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636514 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 13:41:00 +0100 4636514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566165&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fis-doctor-professional-or-technician.html I just saw a patient who was 40 years old; she had had 2 miscarriages; and she wanted me to do surrogacy for her. I spent a long time explaining to her why I did not think this was her best choice. Surrogacy is an expensive and complex treatment option, which is best reserved forwomen without a uterus. Research shows that the reason for failed implantation is much more likely to be genetically abnormal embryos ( because of poor quality eggs), rather than a uterine problem.Her reasoning was completely different. The fact I got pregnant means my eggs are OK ! The fact I miscarried means my uterus is defective because it could not hold the baby. This means that if use a surrogate uterus, I will have a baby !The reality is completely different. The fact that she conceived means her uterus is f... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566165 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:26:00 +0100 4566165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566169&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fatlas-of-ivf-embryos-dr-sai-senior.html Unfortunately, most patients doing IVF treatment are quite clueless about the most important end-result of the IVF cycle - the embryos ! This atlas will help you understand what your eggs and embryos should look like, so you have a better understanding of what happens in the IVF lab !DAY 0 ( the day of egg collection)MATURE OOCYTE CUMULUS COMPLEXESTHESE ARE MATURE OOCYTE CUMULUS COMPLEXES, IDENTIFIED IN THE FOLLICULAR FLUID ASPIRATED DURING EGG COLLECTION.POST MATURE OCCYTE CUMULUS COMPLEXSTRIPPED EGGSMATURE EGGS :THIS IS A MATURE EGG (SURROUNDING CUMULUS CELLS HAVE BEEN STRIPPED OFF)POLAR BODY AT 12 O CLOCK POSITION INDICATES THAT THIS IS A MATURE EGG AT METAPHASE IISTRIPPING IS MANDATORY FOR PERFORMING ICSI ON THEM.CUMULUS NEED NOT BE STRIPPED FOR CONVENTIONAL IVF.THIS EGG IS NOT A MATUR... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566169 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 06:44:00 +0100 4566169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560371&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwhy-do-women-who-miscarry-feel-they.html All doctors know that the commonest reason for a miscarriage is a genetic abnormality in the fetus, and this is Nature's defense mechanism, to prevent the birth of an abnormal baby. While these defects are often random, they are commoner in older women. This is because the eggs of older women have more genetically abnormalities, because they have "aged" and have genetic defects, which cannot be screened for. This means that the usual reason for a miscarriage is a problem with the embryo - and most women who miscarry have a completely normal and healthy uterus !However, a patient who had early recurrent pregnancy losses has a completely different world view ! She feels that the fact that she got pregnant in her bedroom means her eggs must be fine. She usually has regular cycles , and since ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560371 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:31:00 +0100 4560371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4554662&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Ftry-and-try-till-you-succeed-success.html Try and try till you succeed....i think this mantra holds not only in your professional life but personal too....After two years of trying for baby and undergoing two laproscopies ,two iuis and one failed ivf we were devastated....we thought we can never have a child of our own....but then by God's grace we came across the web site of Dr Malpani..Oh it was so informative! i posted my history and there came a very positive reply..there was a ray of hope...we made up our minds to give ourselves one more chance so that we don't repent later.We visited Dr Malpani clinic in May 2009 for the first time and i must say there is something in his clinic..i think its God's blessing to them...the environment is so positive and cordial and Dr Malpani is so very approachable and positive too that we imm... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4554662 Sun, 06 Mar 2011 11:45:00 +0100 4554662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549791&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwhat-can-i-do-to-improve-chances-of-my.html This is one of the commonest questions patients ask me. A good IVF clinic is quite good at making good embryos in the lab. However, once they are transferred into the uterus, then whether they will implant to not is a biological process which is not in anyone's control ! It can be quite scary to think that the fate of your embryos is in your hands - and that if you make a false move, you may lose the embryos !The actual IVF treatment, leading upto the egg collection is full of action ! You are taking injections every day and the doctor monitors you closely. It's fun watching your follicles grow on the ultrasound screen and actually seeing your embryos can be a very emotional moment in your life ! However, after the embryos are transferred, you are pretty much on your own. You have no idea ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549791 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 05:16:00 +0100 4549791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536150&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fdonor-embryos-and-embryo-adoption.html Donor Embryos: Biologically , embryo adoption is exactly the same as a traditional adoption , in that the child and the parents have no genetic linkage. However , here the resemblance ends. Whereas with traditional adoption it is a child who is adopted after birth, in embryo adoption the infertile couple adopts an embryo before pregnancy.However , the sad tragedy is that there are just not enough babies available for adoption. Not only is the demand for adopting babies increasing day by day as infertility becomes more prevalent , the supply of unwanted babies being put up for adoption by the mother has become drastically reduced.It is ironic that while the technology of contraception and abortion has reduced the availability of adoptable children, assisted reproductive technology now offer... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536150 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100 4536150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522160&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fmaking-sense-of-your-ivf-superovulation.html One of my patients recently asked me - Which protocol is better for IVF - the Letrozole Antagonist Protocol vs the Estrogen Priming Protocol ?( In passing, I'd like to point out how impressive it is that patients are so well informed about medical minutiae ! Most gynecologists are quite unaware of all these finer details !)Actually, the principles of any superovulation protocol for IVF are extremely simple. Superovulation forms the heart of modern IVF. We use medications to help you grow more eggs. Every month you start to grow about 30-40 follicles, but in a natural cycle, most of these undergo atresia (die), so that only one matures every month, in the normal course of events. With the help of medications, we are able to rescue follicles which would otherwise have died, so that we can he... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522160 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 04:41:00 +0100 4522160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507487&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1004-Dr.-Nathanson-also-did-not-BELIEVE-life-begins-at-conception.html Dr. Bernard Nathanson has died.  May he rest in peace.  Dr. Nathanson was a pro-abortion advocate personally responsible for 75,000 abortions who saw the light and became a pro-life advocate.  After I posted that Catholics don't believe that life begins at conception, I was pleasantly surprised to find this line in Dr. Nathanson's Confessions of an Ex-Abortionist: A favorite pro-abortion tactic is to insist that the definition of when life begins is impossible; that the question is a theological or moral or philosophical one, anything but a scientific one. Fetology makes it undeniably evident that life begins at conception and requires all the protection and safeguards that any of us enjoy....As a scientist I know, not believe, know that human life begins at conception. [emphasis mine] ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507487 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:22:33 +0100 4507487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501648&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fis-advise-just-be-positive-useful-for.html Everyone loves advising infertile couples ! ( After all, if they've had a baby in their bedroom and proven their fertility , this makes them fertility experts, right ? )The commonest advise is - Just relax ! Do not stress - do not take any tension ! This advise is even more pronounced during an IVF treatment cycle. If you want your IVF to succeed and the embryos to stick, you've got to "go with the flow" and not stress out. If you get too stressed out, your uterus will reject the embryos and they will not implant !This is very unhelpful advise ! Of course there's a lot of stress in an IVF cycle - after all, no one wants to come to Dr Malpani to have a baby ! All my IVF patients are stressed out - and even the hyper ones do get pregnant ! It's true that patients need to learn constructive w... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501648 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 03:07:00 +0100 4501648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4498303&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fwhy-dont-you-have-copy-of-your-ivf.html I see patients who have done IVF cycles in other clinics all the time. How they responded in the earlier IVF treatment cycle provides me with valuable information, based on which I can tailor a better treatment protocol for them.One of the basic questions I ask them is - Please tell me more details about your earlier IVF cycles . What were the meds which were used for superovulation ? What was the dose used ? How many follicles did you grow ? How many eggs were collected ? What was the E2 ( estradiol) level in the blood ? How many embryos were transferred ? What was the embryo quality ? DO YOU HAVE PHOTOS OF YOUR EMBRYOS ? What was the endometrial thickness ?Can you please show me the printed treatment summary from your IVF clinic ?Many of them look at me blankly. ( I am sure some of them ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4498303 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 03:01:00 +0100 4498303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495256&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fday-in-life-of-embryologist.html This is a guest post by Saiprasad Gundeti, Senior Embryologist, Malpani Infertility Clinic.As an embryologist, I help in making the dreams of infertile couples come true ! Most couples do not know what happens in an IVF lab, so I am happy to describe a day in my life !This is the daily routine we follow at our centre :First thing in the morning –Cleaning Cleanliness is a very important factor in IVF Lab. We need to make sure everything is sterile ! Because I work alone in our lab, it's much easier for me to ensure that everything is clean !Hood and bench work surfaces (including microscope working areas, heat baths, petridish warmer) are cleaned and wiped down with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide.Once a week centrifuge rotors and carriers as well as outside area of the centrifuge are cleaned and di... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495256 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 04:43:00 +0100 4495256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495362&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1003-Catholics-dont-believe-life-begins-at-conception.html At one of my recent talks, a good friend of mine was asking a question when he said, "As Catholics we believe life begins at conception." I immediately interrupted him, a bit too zealously I think, and blurted "We do NOT believe life begins at conception.  We KNOW life begins at conception.  That is a scientific fact.  We BELIEVE that life has value and should be protected.  That is our faith."It seems this misconception is everywhere from non-Catholics to Catholics alike. Everyone says it, "Catholics BELIEVE that life begins at conception."  It is that very line that lets everyone who is not Catholic dismiss everything we have to say about stem cell research, cloning and reproductive technologies.  So please do not perpetuate this miscommunique.  As Ca... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495362 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:56:33 +0100 4495362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495257&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fwhy-i-want-my-patients-to-become-ivf.html I want all my IVF patients to become an expert on IVF , which is why we spend a lot of time and energy in educating them; and in creating unique online educational tools to help them to learn more about IVF.Now, I am not trying to teach my patients how to do IVF in their bedroom ! The reason we want them to know as much about their treatment as possible is because this is the best way of explaining to them why we are so good at what we do - and what makes us better than other IVF clinics . The outcome of any IVF treatment is always uncertain, and no matter how good I am , there is no certainty that the IVF cycle will be successful. Also, it's a very competitive field, and there are over 40 IVF clinics in Bombay itself ! Sadly, most patients are quite clueless, and do not have the ability t... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495257 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:26:00 +0100 4495257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482842&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fhappy-infertile-couple-from-spain-at.html In our quest of paternity, we made some treatments in our home country, Spain, but we got no success. After a period to find an alternative, we chose to go to Mumbai, India, and in fact Malpani Infertility Clinic. We had more contact with other clinics in India, through e-mail, forums, testimonials of patients who were with them, etc., but finally we opted for Malpani Infertility Clinic for many reasons that during the treatment were confirmed. In the talks held by e-mail us seemed honest, ethicals, professionals and they offered us a good humane treatment.Our experience began in summer 2010, and we decided to begin the pre-treatment that Dr. Malpani suggested us by e-mail while we were in Spain before treatment in Mumbai. He explained to me everything that had to do: medicine, testing, pl... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482842 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:11:00 +0100 4482842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459960&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcan-medical-clowning-improve-in-vitro-success%2F2011.02.10 Following from the somewhat common sense idea that women who were less stressed during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) had better outcomes, the journal Fertility and Sterility published a study out of Israel that claims “medical clowning” improved pregnancy rates compared to a group not exposed to a clown on the day of implantation. From the abstract: This experimental prospective quasi-randomized study examining the impact of a medical clowning encounter after ET after IVF found that the pregnancy rate in the intervention group was 36.4%, compared with 20.2% in the control group (adjusted odds ratio, 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–5.24). Medical clowning as an adjunct to IVF-ET may have a beneficial effect on pregnancy rates and deserves further inve... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459960 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:00:47 +0100 4459960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455317&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fsurrogacy-versus-embryo-adoption.html One of the major problems with surrogacy today is that it is overused and misused.This is especially true when surrogacy is advised for patients who have failed multiple IVF cyclesor had multiple miscarriages. These patients are very depressed and have very low self esteem. They often end up believing that it's their uterus which is defective; and they therefore believe that surrogacy would be their best treatment option. They often approach IVF clinics asking for surrogacy treatment - and many doctors are happy to oblige, because this is a very profitable treatment option !In reality, surrogacy is an expensive and complex treatment option, which is best reserved forwomen without a uterus. Research shows that the reason for failed implantation is much more likely to be genetically abnormal... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455317 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:48:00 +0100 4455317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450344&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fi-have-failed-five-ivf-cycles-dr.html My patient was at her wit's end and was sobbing her heart out. I have done 5 IVF cycles all over the world, Dr Malpani - and they've all failed. What do I do next ?This is always a complex question - and there's no easy answer. You need to be analytical and logical, so we know what to do next. The trick is not to waste time looking for problems, but rather to focus on solutions which will allow us to bypass the problems !We need to ask ourselves - what have we learned from these failures ? What can we do differently the next time ? What can we change to increase the chances of success ?If you do need to change something, remember that there are only 5 things we can change in any IVF treatment1. The IVF treatment protocol2. The clinic3. The sperm4. The eggs5. The uterusLet's think through t... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450344 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:12:00 +0100 4450344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436810&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fanother-malpani-infertility-clinic-baby.html (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436810 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:49:00 +0100 4436810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436811&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fdr-malpani-tells-you-why-you-must.html The failure of an IVF cycle always causes major heartburn. The next question is - Why did the IVF cycle fail ? What should I do next ? Did I get good quality medical care ? Or should I change my doctor ?This is always a hard question to answer, because even if the quality of medical care provided is excellent, the IVF cycle can still fail. How is the patient to judge the quality of technical competence of the IVF clinic ? Did the cycle fail because the clinic was bad ? Or was it just bad luck ? You cannot rely on a doctor's bed side manner to judge his clinical skills - you need more tangible evidence - but what should you be looking for ?Fortunately, the answer is very easy - you should ask for photos of your embryos ! The core competence of a good IVF clinic is to produce high quality em... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436811 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:22:00 +0100 4436811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429072&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fdr-malpani-why-did-my-ivf-cycle-fail.html This is one of the commonest questions patients ask me. Doctor, I did an IVF cycle at this other clinic and it failed - can you please tell me why ?Obviously, the next thing I need to do is to drill deeper to find out more details about the medical treatment provided, so I can provide an intelligent answer.I ask patients for more details about their IVF cycle. What were the meds which were used forsuperovulation ? What was the dose used ? How many follicles did you grow ? How many eggs were collected ? What was the E2 ( estradiol) level in the blood ? How many embryos were transferred ? What was the embryo quality ? What was the endometrial thickness ?Most patients look completely blank when I ask them these basic questions - and some even think I am crazy for expecting them to know the an... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429072 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 04:14:00 +0100 4429072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382756&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1074 Folic acid, in combination with vitamin B-12 and vitamin C, is considered essential by health care providers for women that are planning pregnancy.  Being on a healthy diet and adding a daily dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid in a multivitamin along with folic acid rich foods is highly recommended by researchers and midwives. A lack of dietary folic acid leads to folate deficiency  (FD). This can result in many health problems, the most notable one being neural tube defects in developing embryo. Read here for more information on how much folic acid you need for a healthy pregnancy. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382756 Sat, 22 Jan 2011 02:17:40 +0100 4382756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382811&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fhow-i-improved-my-vitrification.html HOW I IMPROVED MY VITRIFICATION TECHNIQUE !SAIPRASAD GUNDETI, SENIOR EMBRYOLOGIST, MALPANI INFERTILITY CLINIC PVT. LTD.Vitrification involves freezing the embryo about 600 times faster than ever before. This ultrarapid process is so fast that it literally allows no time for intracellular ice to form. As a result, vitrification avoids trauma to the embryo.In conventional (slow) freezing, 20-30% of embryos do not survive the freeze-thaw, and those that do survive have less than half the likelihood of generating a pregnancy as do fresh embryos. In contrast, vitrified embryos have a better than 95% freeze-thaw survival rate, and a pregnancy generating potential that is comparable to fresh embryos.Vitrification is now regarded as potential alternative to conventional (slow)freezing.Major advant... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382811 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:21:00 +0100 4382811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4324823&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fpatients-with-poor-ovarian-reserve_08.html For many IVF clinics, the patients which cause the most distress are the ones who are poor ovarian responders. These are patients who have poor ovarian reserve - and are often heartsink patients, because no matter what we do , it's very difficult to get them pregnant !It is possible to get them to grow eggs and make embryos - and this actually makes the matter even more complex. This often creates false hopes - if I can make eggs and embryos, of course I can get pregnant ! All I need to do is to get the embryo to stick !Unfortunately, there is no easy answer, and every patient needs to look into their own heart to resolve this personal quandary for themselves. While we are very happy to aggressively superovulate these patients, I feel using expensive and unproven treatments ( suc... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4324823 Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:37:00 +0100 4324823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4314074&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Ftesting-for-pregnancy-after-embryo.html While all IVF patients understand with their heads that not every IVF cycle results in success, in their heart of hearts, every patient expects to get pregnant every time they do IVF ! This is why the 2ww after the embryo transfer can be so nerve-wracking ! Am I pregnant or not ? Have the embryos implanted or not ? The suspense during the 2ww can be even worse than the pain of the IVF injections !Most patients would love to have a test which will allow them to find out if they are pregnant immediately after the embryo transfer ! Have the embryos stuck or not ? Why can’t we do a pregnancy test and find out right now ? Even if I am not pregnant, at least it’s better to know than to be unsure.To understand why patients ( and their doctors ) still have to suffer through a 2 week wait to fi... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4314074 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 03:04:00 +0100 4314074 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309687&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fwhy-do-i-have-to-wait-2-weeks-to-do.html Most patients find that one of the most difficult things to manage during an IVF cycle is the dreaded 2 week wait ( 2ww) after the embryo transfer. Time seems to come to a halt and you live in a state of suspended animation - a bit like Schroedinger's cat ! Am I pregnant ? Am I not pregnant ? Every ache and twinge sends you scurrying to the bathroom to check if your periods have started - and you over-interpret every signal your body sends you. Am I feeling nauseous ? Is this a good sign ? Do my breasts feel fuller than usual ? Is this just PMS ? You try to prevent your mind from playing games with you, but this is surprisingly hard to do. Every hour seems to stretch on like a day ! You obsessively compare notes with all your online IVF friends - and drive your husband batty with your inte... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309687 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 03:28:00 +0100 4309687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288581&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fhow-can-you-be-sure-your-ivf-clinic-is.html One of the major decisions infertile patients have to make is - How to pick a really good IVF clinic? The majority of IVF treatment centers appear to be identical on paper, and their websites are quite similar (because some unethical doctors will unashamedly copy and paste content from our website!). Many have happy patients - and most IVF specialists talk the identical talk - all of them quote high success rates and claim they are the finest! Exactly how is a poor patient supposed to separate the wheat from the chaff and assure himself that the IVF clinic he's going to is efficient? After all, while it is easy for patients to evaluate a doctor's bedside manner, it's difficult for them to make a call concerning his medical and technical proficiency.Simply because the IVF cycle fails doesn'... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288581 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 04:31:00 +0100 4288581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4219746&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Foocyte-preservation-egg-freezing-readily-available-yet-still-experimental%2F2010.12.01 Oocyte preservation, or egg freezing as it’s popularly called, is now being offered by over half of U.S. fertility clinics, and half of those not offering it now plan to do so in the future. This according to a national survey conducted in mid 2009 and reported this week in Fertility and Sterility. Over two-thirds of the 143 centers offering oocyte cryopreservation will do it electively, as opposed to those that offer it only to women undergoing cancer treatments that threaten their natural fertility. Go West, But Be Prepared To Pay Centers located in the Western part of the U.S. are more likely to offer elective egg freezing than those in the East. Not surprisingly, centers that only accept out of pocket (as opposed to insurance) payments were more likely to offer the procedure, ref... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4219746 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:00:59 +0100 4219746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151921&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fhow-can-i-be-sure-my-ivf-doctor-is.html One of the major worries most IVF patients have is about the competence of their IVF doctor. While most patients select an IVF clinic based on its reputation, the sad truth is that there is not much correlation with the actual quality of the medical treatment they receive and the brand name of the clinic. Many "big name" clinics are very impersonal and are run like assembly lines. The patient rarely gets to meet the doctor and most of the care is provided either by the nurses of the assistants. Patients feel they are helpless and passively put up with poor quality care, because they do not know what else they can do.A much bigger problem is the lack of transparency and documentation . Most IVF clinics do not even bother to provide patients with a simple treatment summary ! Patients are clu... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151921 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 05:46:00 +0100 4151921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139308&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fwhy-are-patients-so-naive.html I just saw a patient who was at her wit's end. She had done 4 IVF cycles at the same clinic and had failed all of them. She was angry; and was complaining bitterly about how badly the doctor at the IVF clinic had treated her. " She would make us wait for hours - and we only got a chance to talk to her at the first consultation. After this, all the care was provided by her assistants, who refused to allow us to meet Madam ! "I asked her some basic questions about her medical treatment. " I need more details about your prior IVF cycles . What were the medications which were used for superovulation ? What was the dose used ? How many follicles did you grow ? How many eggs were collected ? What was the E2 ( estradiol) level in the blood ? How many embryos were transferred ? What was the embryo... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139308 Sat, 06 Nov 2010 07:52:00 +0100 4139308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119138&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fhow-do-we-decide-how-many-embryos-to.html Saiprasad Gundeti, Senior Embryologist, Malpani Infertility ClinicThere are multiple variables which need to be considered while deciding how many embryos to transfer.When we decide about the number of embryos to transfer , our aim is to :Select Top Quality Embryo(s) for transferMaximise the chances of pregnancy.Minimise the risk of failure.Minimise the risk of multiple pregnancy.Each country has its own policies depending upon their patient population, their healthcare system and their laws.In Scandinavian countries , not more than one embryo is allowed to be transferred.In such countries, doing a Day 5 transfer is ideal.Top Quality Day 5 EmbryoThat’s not the case in India where we can transfer multiple embryos. However, we need to individualise this decision for each patient ! More is ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119138 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 05:32:00 +0100 4119138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077248&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbaby-born-from-a-20-year-old-embryo%2F2010.10.17 There appears to be a new record for a cryopreserved embryo birth. From NPR: In 1990 a couple underwent In Vitro Fertilization. They eventually had a healthy baby. They also, as is common, had a number of microscopic embryos that hadn’t been implanted, but were viable. They decided to anonymously donate them. Now, one of those embryos has produced a little boy, 20 years after being created. In other embryo-related news, Colorado has another personhood rights bill (Amendment 62) on the ballot for November: As used in sections 3, 6, and 25 of Article II of the state constitution, the term “person” shall apply to every human being from the beginning of the biological development of that human being. So here’s my question: Under the proposed Colorado amendment, would this kid be leg... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077248 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:00:14 +0100 4077248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060910&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Ffailed-fertilisation-after-ivf.html Most IVF clinics are very good at making embryos in vitro, which means that for most patients, each IVF cycle results in the formation of embryos which they can admire.( Tip: If you are doing IVF treatment, insist that the clinic give you photos of your embryos. This is the best documentation that you have received good quality medical care. You have a legal right to your medical records - every hospital has to provide them by law ! Please make a request for this in writing ! Poor quality documentation without photos of your embryos suggests you have received poor quality medical care !)However, sometimes there is complete failure of fertilisation, as a result of which no embryos are formed. This can be a rude shock to the patient, and causes major heartburn !Why do the sperm fail to ferti... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060910 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 03:54:00 +0100 4060910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036744&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fpoor-quality-ivf-medical-treatment.html It breaks my heart when I see how poorly patients are informed about their IVF treatment. It seems to be a conspiracy of silence - and most doctors seem to be extremely stingy about sharing medical details with their patients . I find this very difficult to understand - after all, the patient has a legal right to their medical records.Many IVF clinics provided printed treatment summaries - which conceal more than they reveal.I have attached an image of a " treatment summary" of a patient who had IVF done in a leading IVF clinic in Delhi ( name removed to protect the guilty !).While it seems quite impressive , there is no medical information in it at all ! The doctor does not even specify how many eggs were collected !There are no details about the embryo quality - or even how many embryos ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036744 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 02:47:00 +0100 4036744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994192&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F982-NIH-human-organism-begins-at-fertilization.html My readers know that I have said this a thousand times, but it never seems to penetrate the skulls of some who are for embryo destructive research.  They cry that an embryo is only a clump of cells and to call it a human organism is religious sophistry.It is they who are committing the sophistry by claiming that a human organism does not begin at fertilization.  A new human organism begins at fertilization.  That is a biological fact, not a religious tenet.Tired of doing battle with those so high on their science that they cannot see their own bias, namely those that argue that an embryo is somehow not a human organism, Wesley Smith has uncovered the National Institutes of Health (NIH) definition of an embryo:Embryo—In humans, the developing organism from the time of fertilization unti... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994192 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:54:06 +0100 3994192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929296&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fwhat-precautions-should-i-take-after.html One of the commonest questions patients ask me is - " Doctor, what are the dos and don'ts after the embryo transfer ? " They are very worried about the risk of failure, and are petrified that they may end up doing something which will cause their embryos to "fall out" of the uterus. Many will often spend the entire 2 week wait obsessing about their diet and physical activity.Some will even put themselves on voluntary house arrest. Even worse, their relatives will often force them to sleep in bed for 14 days after the transfer. And to add insult to injury, many IVF doctors will also "advise" this !Why do we still continue to perpetuate this myth ? I think it's partly doctors who are responsible For one thing, many doctors do not bother to educate their patients that physical activity will n... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929296 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:32:00 +0100 3929296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858229&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fpgd-newest-art.html Open publication - Free publishing - More infertility (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858229 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:37:00 +0100 3858229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833484&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fivf-donor-eggs-donor-sperm-and-donor.html Open publication - Free publishing - More infertility (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833484 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:59:00 +0100 3833484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772185&cid=t_107154_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fstudies-show-adult-stem-cells-programmable-embyro-stem-cells%2F Stem cell harvest Studies led by Dr. George Daly of Children’s Hospital in Boston and Dr. Ihor Lemischka of the Black Family Stem Cell Institute in New York have found that adult stem cells are not as completely “reprogrammable” as embryo stem cells and still retain some memory of their original tissue type. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772185 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:18:15 +0100 3772185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761495&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fembryo-transfer-graphic-guide.html Open publication - Free publishing - More infertility (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761495 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:26:00 +0100 3761495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3743578&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fwhat-tests-should-i-do-after-failed-ivf.html There's lots of pressure on IVF doctors when an IVF cycle fails. Patients want a baby - and since they have not succeeded, they want answers as to why the cycle failed !Doctors will take one of 3 approaches.Many are nihilistic. They know that the tests we have today do not help much. Our technology is still fairly crude, because the commonest cause of failed implantation is genetically abnormal embryos, and we still cannot detect or prevent these, given the fact that human reproduction is a very inefficient enterprise. The best option for most patients is to just try again, and this is what they will advise.Unfortunately, this straight-forward forthright approach is very difficult for most patients to accept . They want answers to their questions !Unfortunately, the truth is that our techn... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3743578 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:08:00 +0100 3743578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742311&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fafter-failed-ivf-cycle-whats-next.html I just got this email from a patient.Doctor, I am now at my wit's end ! I have failed 4 IVF cycles at 2 different clinics. The doctor transferred 2 beautiful blastocysts each time ! What do I do next ? My doctor is advising surrogacy, since he believes my uterus is rejecting the embryos.IVF failure is reproductive medicine's most frustrating problem ! When beautiful embryos fail to implant in a perfect cycle , it's often impossible to determine "what went wrong" ! A knee jerk reflex is to then consider surrogacy.However, surrogacy is an expensive and complex treatment option, which is best reserved forwomen without a uterus. Research shows that the reason for failed implantation is much more likely to be genetically abnormal embryos , rather than a uterine problem.Just because the embryo t... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742311 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:31:00 +0100 3742311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706752&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fdoctor-what-went-wrong.html Whenever an IVF cycle fails, the first question the patient demands an answer to is - Doctor, what went wrong ?Some doctors get defensive when they hear this question. They feel the patient is challenging their clinical competence, and many will simply refuse to see the patient when the IVF cycle fails. This is adding insult to injury, because they have abandoned the patient in their time of need, simply because they do not feel comfortable answering uncomfortable questions. ( Many of this breed of doctor would rather spend their time doing consultations with new patients, so they can do more IVF cycles !)Some will blame the patient - either subtly, or otherwise. " The embryos did not implant because you did not rest enough". Some doctors will use this as an opportunity to "run some more t... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706752 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:24:00 +0100 3706752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695647&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fworlds-first-virtual-ivf-clinic-on.html We have created the world’s first IVF clinic on Second Life. The clinic is now open – please do come and browse around ! We have a reception area where you can watch videos about IVF a consultation room, where you can do a consultation with a virtual IVF specialist an operation theater, where you can watch an egg collection and embryo transfer an IVF lab, where you can see how embryos grow an andrology lab where you can see how we process sperm for IUI a PGD lab, where you can watch how we do an embryo biopsy a virtual support group, where you can get counseling and support Go to Second Life ( www.secondlife.com) and set up a free account. Use the link below to get to the clinic once you in Second Life http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nileswarm/40/... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695647 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:09:00 +0100 3695647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3679820&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fdoes-cat-help-to-improve-ivf-pregnancy.html IVF patients are always on the lookout for innovations which will improve their chances of success . For example, many IVF patients ask us whether we do IMSI or CAT. These are techniques which have been aggressively promoted in the press, but do not really help the patient at all. I have written about IMSI in an earlier post. Let me discuss CAT ( cumulus-aided transfer) in this post.IVF doctors have always been frustrated by the fact that though we are quite good at growing embryos in the lab, most of these embryos do not become babies. Embryo implantation is an inefficient process, and trying to ensure that every embryo we transfer becomes a baby is the "holy grail" for all IVF specialists , which is why we use techniques such as blastocyst transfer and laser assisted hatching, to try to ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3679820 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:07:00 +0100 3679820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3678583&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fhow-to-increase-your-stress-levels-when.html Being infertile is stressful - and going through an IVF cycle can be even more stressful, because so much is riding on the outcome of the treatment. While the actual medical treatment in an IVF cycle ( shots, scans , pickup and transfer) is not physically taxing, the emotional demands ( because of the hopes, dreams, desires, fears which are such an integral part of all infertility treatment ) can exact a huge toll.The one factor which causes the most stress is having unrealistic expectations . Every patient feels in their heart of hearts that " this is the cycle when it's going to work !" - and I do not think any one would ever start an IVF cycle if they did not feel it was going to work. Unfortunately, the only thing which is in your hands is the process. You can make sure you have a comp... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3678583 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:55:00 +0100 3678583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3659020&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fis-there-any-need-to-remove.html Image via WikipediaMany women with blocked tubes go in for IVF treatment . Some of them have a hydrosalpinx, in which the blocked tube is filled with fluid. It has now become standard advise to remove the hydrosalpinx or to clip the blocked tube prior to IVF. This needs to be done by performing an operative laparoscopy ; and this procedure is supposed to improve IVF pregnancy rates ( because the hydrosalpinx fluid is toxic and can prevent the embryos from implanting.)Most gynecologists are happy to advise this surgery before referring the patient for IVF, because this is an additional surgical procedure for which they can charge the patient. In reality, however, this unnecessary surgery can actually end up causing harm.For one, it leads to overtreatment. In many IVF clinics, all blocked tu... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3659020 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:20:00 +0100 3659020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652498&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fis-blastocyst-transfer-better-than-day.html One of the commonest question patients ask me is whether they should choose a Day 3 transfer or a Day 5 ( blastocyst ) transfer .Blastocyst transfer was first introduced with a lot of hope and hype. As our IVF technology improved and the IVF culture medium got better, it became possible to grow embryos in the lab upto Day 5 ( instead of the earlier Day 3) , and it was felt that transferring embryos on Day 5 will help to improve pregnancy rates because this would mimic nature more closely. After all, Day 3 embryos belong in the fallopian tube and not the uterus ( unlike blastocysts, which is the stage the embryo reaches when it arrives in the uterus and is ready to implant).The initial reports were very enthusiastic, but as time has gone by, we realise that the pregnancy rate with blast tra... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652498 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:12:00 +0100 3652498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552367&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fhow-infertility-can-drive-you-crazy.html This is a guest post from a patient who is worried that infertility is driving her around the bend." I failed my second ICSI. Both times I had 2 excellent embryos put in and I am 33, makes my chances of success high but I failed. I have dealt with failures before but always believed that if you work hard enough, you get what you want. I am not sure of that anymore and that bothers me. It’s unfair, it’s tough. This process can put your life on hold and consume you, you feel empty and in pain all the time and its terrible because in theory you know that you have so much to be grateful for, so many blessings but it gets harder to live in the moment and enjoy what you have. That’s the problem with being driven, you can’t help but live in the future, keep stressing, analyzing and planni... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552367 Tue, 11 May 2010 10:40:00 +0100 3552367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533933&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fembryo-transfer-versus-embryo.html Many patients do not understand the difference between embryo transfer and implantation and will often confuse these terms. Embryo transfer is a simple mechanical process in which the doctor inserts the embryos into the uterus, using a catheter ( a plastic hollow tube).This is usually an easy procedure which takes about 10 minutes to do. It is done by the doctor, and is usually performed using clinical touch ( where the doctor guides the catheter through the cervix into the uterine cavity with his sense of touch: or with ultrasound guidance).In some patients ( for example, those with cervical stenosis ( a narrow cervix) or with an angulated cervix, the procedure may be technically challenging, and the catheter may not pass through the cervix easily. There are many ways of solving this prob... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533933 Wed, 05 May 2010 09:18:00 +0100 3533933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526826&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fbetween-rock-and-hard-place.html I just finished doing the Day 12 IVF cycle scan of a patient with poor ovarian reserve ( also known as diminished ovarian reserve, or oopause) from the UK. She had already failed 3 IVF cycle in the UK, and had come to us for IVF. We used the aggressive superovulation ( letrozole antagon ) protocol, to help her grow more eggsThe aggressive superovulation worked, and the Day 10 scan showed she had 4 mature follicles . However, this scan also showed she had a small 0.5 cm size polyp in the uterus. This was an unexpected finding, as the Day 3 check scan we had done for her before we started her superovulation showed her uterine lining was normal.Polyps are benign finger-like growths found in the uterine lining. They occur because of a localised growth of endometrial tissue; and since they are ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526826 Mon, 03 May 2010 12:50:00 +0100 3526826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511612&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fmy-doctor-does-not-tell-me-anything.html Image via WikipediaThis is one of the commonest complaints patients have about their IVF treatmentFailing an IVF cycle is heartbreaking - but what make a bad situation much worse is the lack of transparency during and after the IVF treatment.Many IVF doctors refuse to share even basic details of the medical treatment with their patients.They do not bother to formulate a treatment plan or provide details of how the cycle is progressing. Patients do not even know simple information, such as how many follicles are growing; how many egg were collected; or how many cells their embryos have !Patients who ask questions are usually fobbed off by saying - " Everything is fine, don't worry"; or " The doctor will talk to you and explain your results" - but the doctor is never available ! A lot of the... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511612 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 05:08:00 +0100 3511612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3502861&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwhy-did-my-ivf-cycle-fail.html This is one of the hardest questions IVF doctors need to answer - and many do a bad job of dealing with patients when their IVF cycle fails .When the IVF cycle fails , patients are understandably upset ! All their time and money has gone down the drain and they are now back to square one ! What went wrong ? Was the medical treatment of high quality ? Or did the doctor goof up ?Doctors are often on the defensive when the IVF cycle fails. This is because many of them overpromise success in order to attract patients. They provide false hopes to lure patients into doing IVF. When the cycle fails, they often refuse to talk to their patients, partly because they feel ashamed that they have not been able to help them achieve their goal.This attitude ends up creating even more resentment ! Patient... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3502861 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 14:34:00 +0100 3502861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475897&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fembryo-adoption-versus-surrogacy.html We get lots of requests for surrogacy treatment . India is now acknowledged to be a global leader in IVF technology; and because surrogates are easily available and IVF treatment is much less expensive than in other parts of the world, many couples travel to India for surrogacy treatment.While this is good news, because they can get cost effective treatment, the downside is that surrogacy gets very overused. Because it is very profitable, many doctors offer it to patients who do not need it - and even worse, those who will not benefit from it !Typically, women who ask for surrogacy are older women, or women who have failed many IVF cycles. They are desperate and emotionally vulnerable and feel that the best solution to their problem of repeated failed embryo implantation is to use a surrog... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475897 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:13:00 +0100 3475897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460237&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwhy-arent-abnormal-sperm-cause-of.html Image via WikipediaWe know that the commonest reason for a miscarriage is a genetic abnormality in the embryo, and that this is Nature's defense mechanism, to prevent the birth of an abnormal baby. While these defects are often random, they are commoner in older women. This is because the eggs of older women have more genetically abnormalities, because they have "aged" and have genetic defects, which cannot be screened for.We also know that abnormal embryos are the commonest reason for failed embryo implantation after IVF; and that this is the reason why IVF failure rates increase for older women.Now, since the sperm provide 50% of the genes of the embryo, it is logical to assume that 50% of the time the reason for genetically abnormal embryos ( and thus failed IVF cycles and recurrent mis... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460237 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:46:00 +0100 3460237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463663&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fadoption-versus-embryo-adoption.html Image via WikipediaMany infertile couples are happy to explore the option of adoption in order to build their family when IVF treatment fails.They naively believe that after going through the ordeal of many failed IVF cycles, adopting a baby will be a piece of cake. However, many find to their dismay that there just aren't that many babies available for adoption anymore !In one sense, this is hardly surprising ! With improving levels of education and the empowerment of women, unmarried girls use contraception and terminate unwanted pregnancies. Very few women will now carry an unwanted pregnancy all the way to term.However, while the number of abandoned babies is gradually shrinking, the number of infertile couples is progressively rising. There are now long waiting lists - and many adopti... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463663 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:03:00 +0100 3463663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3435110&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fhow-good-is-your-ivf-doctor.html Image via WikipediaHow can a patient judge how good ( or bad) an IVF clinic is ? Success rates are a useful marker, but they have their own limitations , because they apply to groups of patients, not to individuals ! Also, clever clinics can easily game the system to artificially inflate their success rates. What do you do if your cycle fails ? Should you continue with the same doctor ? Or should you find another doctor ? The outcome of an IVF cycle is always uncertain, and just because the cycle fails does not mean the IVF doctor is incompetent ! It's often much easier to stick with the same clinic. Some of this is just inertia - after all, he "knows your case" and you now have a relationship with him, so why switch ? Also, finding another doctor is hard work , and is it worth taking all ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3435110 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 08:37:00 +0100 3435110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318459&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fwhy-doctors-avoid-patients-when-ivf.html I see lots of patients who have failed IVF cycles in other clinics. It often depresses me when I see how little patients understand about why their IVF cycle failed. Patients are understandably frustrated when the cycle fails and this is aggravated when they do not get a clear answer from their doctor as to why the cycle failed. They feel forsaken and believe the doctor has abandoned them after extracting a huge amount of money. Others may suspect that the failure was because the doctor did something "wrong" - and when the doctor does not provide answers, this suspicion gets reinforced ! While everyone knows that the IVF success rate is not 100%, patients need to learn from each cycle, so they can optimise their chances of success in their next cycle.Unfortunately, many doctors will avoid ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318459 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:54:00 +0100 3318459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311776&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fcongrats-your-beta-hcg-is-positive.html These are the words every patient wants to hear after the 2 week wait - the magic words which make the stress and the suspense of the IVF cycle all worthwhile. These are the words every doctor would like to tell every patient after each IVF cycle , so they can share the long-awaited joy with their patients !A positive HCG is great news - and a major landmark in the IVF cycle - but while it marks the end of one journey, it also signals the start of a new one. Remember, a positive HCG just means that the embryo has implanted - and you want a baby - something which is still 36 weeks away.There are still many hurdles to be crossed and most of these are problems which crop up in the first 4 weeks. Is the pregnancy healthy ? Is it in the uterus or the tubes ? How many are there ? Many questions ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311776 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:30:00 +0100 3311776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3291905&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fsperm-or-egg.html Image via WikipediaOne of the biggest problems in an IVF clinic is the patient with poor quality embryos. The question we then need to answer is - are the poor quality embryos because of a sperm problem ? or an egg problem ?In a mouse lab , it would be very easy to answer whether the problem is with the egg or the sperm scientifically ! We would do crossover testing, using donor egg plus husband's sperm versus donor sperm plus wife's eggs in the same incubator. This would allow us to pinpoint what the problem is easily. Unfortunately, it's not practical to do this in a human IVF clinic !Step number one should be to rule out a lab problem first ! Are the other patients' embryos of good quality ? Or are everyone's embryos fragmenting ? This suggests a lab problem - for example, because of a ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3291905 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:34:00 +0100 3291905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283656&cid=t_107154_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fwhat-precautions-do-i-need-to-take.html Image via WikipediaMost patients are very excited when they reach the stage of embryo transfer. This is a major milestone in their IVF treatment, and the fact that they have made embryos provides them with a lot of hope that their chances of having a baby are high. After all, this proves that their sperm and eggs work properly and that the doctor is doing a good job ! Now all the embryo has to do is to stick - and shouldn't that be automatic ? After all, it is a natural process which happens all the time ! Unfortunately, the sad truth is that not every embryo become a baby. Human reproduction is not an efficient enterprise - whether it is in vivo or in vitro !Many patients are petrified that they will do something wrong which will cause their embryo to "fall out " ! They worry about what p... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283656 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:40:00 +0100 3283656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809702&cid=t_107154_107_f&fid=34860&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corporeality.net%2Fmuseion%2F2009%2F09%2F19%2Flook-cool-in-the-birth-spiral-black-cap%2F Human anatomy is a fascinating thing and apparently there is something fascinating about wearing it also. I thinking especially of clothes with pictures or images that resemblance the human anatomy. As an example I often wear a T-shirt with a cranium on in. I don’t really know why or give it much thought. Really, it’s just a T-shirt. Just now when I was searching for info on The Visible Human Project I accidently stumbled onto this website on The Visible Embryo. What really struck me wasn’t really The Visible Embryo itself it was the merchandise one could by from their online store entitled: Shop The Visible Embryo. Here one can buy T-shirts, aprons, a pregnancy timeline full colour tote bag or (my personal favourite) a birth spiral ceramic travel mug. I’m not quite sure who the in... Biomedicine on Display blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809702 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 07:00:30 +0100 2809702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512406&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FMzM_dMlvsrQ%2F The elementary concept is that the father’s role in making babies is to only contribute the sperm, and the mother does all the work. That after fertilization, the development of the resulting embryo is at the mercy of the mother’s egg cytoplasm that received it. Well, recent studies show that dad’s sperm contains a set of instructions that make certain the embryo develops properly, and specifically that his genes get turned on at the right time. But let’s do a short tutorial first… Each chromosome is really just a single long DNA molecule, that can stretch out to an average 1 meter long. Those 23 long strands of human DNA must be packaged and coiled into a tiny nucleus. The proteins responsible for packaging them are called histones. Histone molecules repeatedly fold and coil... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512406 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:01:00 +0100 2512406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473878&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F825-When-does-life-begin.html I often argue that furious debate surrounding this question is focused in the wrong place.  Scientifically, a new life begins at conception.  Even a child knows that.  What we are really arguing about when we argue about the beginnings of life is whether or not that life has value.  Whether we think that life deserves protection. The Catholic Church does not "believe" that life begins at conception (because this is a fact), it "believes" that the new human life that begins at conception has value simply because it is human.Whether or not a human embryo, either in vivo or in vitro, has value and should have rights and protections under the law, and to what extent, is an argument worth having.  Arguing about the fact that a human embryo is a new human life is just a ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2473878 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:51:00 +0100 2473878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405818&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F798-Embryos-Heartbeat-Drives-Blood-Stem-Cell-Formation.html I am sorry it has been a while since I have blogged.  Spring has just been crazy for me and it will continue into summer so I am sure there will be light posting until things settle down for the Taylor family.  I found this piece today that made me think "blob of cells, my a--!"  From Science Daily:Biologists have long wondered why the embryonic heart begins beating so early, before the tissues actually need to be infused with blood. Two groups of researchers from Children's Hospital Boston, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) -– presenting multiple lines of evidence from zebrafish, mice and mouse embryonic stem cells -– provide an intriguing answer: A beating heart and blood flow are necessary for development of the blood system, which r... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405818 Thu, 14 May 2009 15:56:13 +0100 2405818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2367423&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D6797 A controversial fertility doctor claimed yesterday to have cloned 14 human embryos and transferred 11 of them into the wombs of four women who had been prepared to give birth to cloned babiesread more | digg story Scary huh? from the Malaysian Medical Resources “I can clone a human being” (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2367423 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2367423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353785&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fpoliticizing-science-how-uk-became.html Please pardon this lengthy post, but in light of our recent conversations about the organismic status of the early embryo as biological human life, I thought it was worth discussing how and why the term came to be redefined to exclude early embryos from membership in the human race.The story is recounted in a paper called, "The Triumph of the Pre-Embryo: Interpretations of the Human Embryo in Parliamentary Debate Over Embryo Research," published in Social Studies of Science, Vol. 24, No. 4 (Nov., 1994, 611-639). It takes place in the UK, and it explains how the the country devolved between 1984 and 1990 into Brave New Britain. More to the point, this sad saga illustrates vividly the power of inaccurate words to change moral perceptions--or at least provide a political rationalization for d... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353785 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:58:00 +0100 2353785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353992&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F789-Got-Humanity.html Sometimes other people say it better than you ever could.  In the comments at Wesley J. Smith's blog, SparcVark penned this gem on which humans get to be part of humanity and which do not:People seem to be deciding first what they want (ESCR, fetal tissue harvesting, abortion), then choosing a definition of "human" that puts the embryos/fetuses/babies they don't want on the wrong side of it, then coming up with some sort of argument as to why their definition of human is sensible and not self-serving.In my time reading this site, I've seen pseudo-religious arguments for formation of a circulatory system being the dividing line, the formation of a nervous system, the development of rational thought that takes place after birth, and now implantation. I even got exposed to Nancy Pe... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353992 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:22:28 +0100 2353992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347906&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fnature-decries-attempts-to-redefine.html Considering the discussions we have had here as to what constitutes a human embryo, I thought it worth revisiting an old Nature editorial that decries the sophistic attempt within bioethics and the life sciences to pretend that an embryo before implantation in a uterus isn't really an embryo. Nature supports ESCR, but its editorial notes that the redefinition of the term "embryo" is being pursued for political purpose rather than scientific accuracy. From the editorial, "Playing the Name Game," Nature Vol 4367 July 2005 (No link, my emphasis):Last month's meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research in San Francisco witnessed a bizarre semantic debate. Delegates discussed a proposal to refrain from using the term 'embryo' when referring to the blastocysts from which human em... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347906 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:37:00 +0100 2347906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349234&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F788-Nature-Vatican-consistent-on-beginning-of-life-terminology.html Instinctively, everyone knows when human life begins.  It begins just like in other species, when sperm combines with egg to create a new distinct organism.  But for some reason, in humans we need to "argue" about it.  It is only a "belief" that life begins at conception.  I think scientists should know better, but many don't.  They get caught up in their personal ideologies just like everyone else.It is not a "belief" that human life begins at conception, it is a fact.  What is a belief is that life has value and should be protected under the law.  This is where we disagree.  The Catholic Church believes that human life is valuable from the very beginning to its natural end. I often get slammed by other science bloggers for "letting my religion g... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349234 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:09:36 +0100 2349234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347909&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fopposing-political-game-spin-lexicon.html The science journal Nature pushes the brave new world agendas of cloning and embryonic stem cell research with gusto and zealotry. That is why I find the below quote from a 1987 editorial that decried the use of the phony term "pre-embryo" so interesting. From the editorial, "IVF remains in legal limbo," Nature 387 (1987): 87 (no link, my emphasis):Another [action of British government] might be to ban the use of the word 'pre-embryo', used by the voluntary authority as a synonym for a fertilized human ovum not yet implanted in a uterus. Put simply, this usage is a cop-out, a way of pretending that the public conflict about IVF and other innovations in human embryology can be made to go away by means of an appropriate nomenclature. The fact is that a fertilized human egg is as much deservi... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347909 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:05:00 +0100 2347909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2284438&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Fbiologically-new-human-life-begins-when.html This argument wouldn't have to be made, but for science becoming post modern in some circles so that narrative counts more than facts. This has certainly been true with regard to biotechnology because some want to use human embryos instrumentally. But rather than just admit that and justify it ethically, definitions were changed, for example, claiming that an embryo only comes into being upon implantation, rather than at its beginning at the completion of fertilization. In that way--presto-chango--embryos in petri dishes could be used as so many kernels of corn.But I looked into this issue when I was researching Consumer's Guide to a Brave New World. Every embryology text book I reviewed retained the non political definition of when human life begins, e.g. at the completion of fertilizatio... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2284438 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:41:00 +0100 2284438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260117&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F759-Diseased-embryos-are-trash.html I have no words for this article written by Megha Satyanarayana where human embryos are called "trash":At Wayne State University, Carol Brenner and her Tech Town colleagues know that Monday's lifting of federal restrictions on stem cell research means what once was trash could lead to a treasure trove of treatments.They'll be able to study embryos with genetic mutations for neurological diseases, embryos that once would have been thrown out.I have been criticized to no end for harping on IVF.  But this is where IVF has brought us.  Embryos have gone from a miracle of life and precious gifts to "trash."  Nice. (Source: Mary Meets Dolly) Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260117 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:11:30 +0100 2260117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2200601&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F747-Do-you-own-a-human-embryo.html You can if you live in New Mexico, and probably many other states where a human embryo is considered property.  (I know embryos are considered property in my state.)  The New Mexico State Senate just passed the SB77 the Stem Cell Biomedical Research Bill.  Now, it is on to the House for a vote.This bill fascinates me.  It has some very good things in it, but also some very bad things.  Let us start with the bad.  This bill would allow scientists in New Mexico to destroy embryos left over from IVF treatments, but only with the consent of the "owner."  From the bill:"embryo" means an organism of the species Homo sapiens formed by fertilization that is up to eight weeks of age post-fertilization...Research involving the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, as p... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2200601 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:42:52 +0100 2200601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190678&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F540229564%2Fposition-of-france-regarding-stem-cells.html In conclusion, we think that regarding stem cells, France must not be afraid of there to reflect as all the others imminent bioethics problems, as euthanasia or gene therapy... In FrenchLa France est un pays un peu en retard et en retrait dans le domaine de la bioéthique, spécialement en matière de nouvelles thérapies. Concernant les cellules souches, bases de la thérapie cellulaire, la France a une position qui n’est pas toujours claire.Les cellules souches adultesIl n’y a pas de problèmes majeurs les concernant vu leur origine de prélèvement (placenta, cordon ombilical tissus adultes)Nous pensons, toutefois, qu’il serait important de généraliser la collecte de cellules souches de cordon ombilical ou de placenta, en respectant des règles d’hygiènes et de respect des in... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190678 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:16:54 +0100 2190678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2100993&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F715-Preimplantation-Genetic-Diagnosis-occurs-BEFORE-conception.html It does according to the BBC.  This headline says so:The first baby in the UK tested before conception for a genetic form of breast cancer has been born.Considering that pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) takes a single cell from a newly formed embryo for genetic testing, I am wondering how that is even possible.  PGD tests 3 day-old embryos to be exact.  That means 3 days AFTER sperm has met egg.  So how can PGD take place before conception?  Well if you change the definition of conception, then it is possible: Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) involves taking a cell from an embryo at the eight-cell stage of development, when it is around three-days old, and testing it. This is before conception - defined as when the embryo is implanted in the womb. So the nearly half a ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2100993 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:41:36 +0100 2100993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096035&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FQq383G3GN4w%2F The first of the world’s “designer babies” have been born, and the baby girl is selected to be free of a genetic risk of breast cancer, the  Times reports. The girl was born after embryos were screened to exclude the faulty BRCA1 gene. All the father’s female relatives had developed breast cancer caused by BRCA1. The program is run by the University College Hospital in London. Genetic screening of fetus for serious genetic condition is part of the maternal health care and highly recommended for pregnant women over 35. However, only genetic risks of Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis and chromosomal abnormalities are tested. Women can then make the choice to continue with (or terminate) a pregnancy. Recently, genetic testing of individuals for risk of certai... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096035 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:39:22 +0100 2096035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2017826&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F477034875%2Fweek-in-review.html Embryo adoption reopens controversy. Back to the question of when does human life begin, and so what are our responsibilities toward all those frozen embryos out there.Sports gene test available for little kids. So little Johnny has the genes to be a sprinter, push him in that direction (whether he enjoys it or not)? One can also think of more disturbing uses, like using such a test for embryo election (excuse me, I’ve been in a reproductive rights course this semester, so these issues are top of mind!).Overseas clinical trials under the microscope—concern whether medical and ethical practices are being adhered to in developing countries. Out of sight, out of mind?Studies show arrogance and abusive behavior by doctors contributes tomedical mistakes, preventable complications, and even ... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2017826 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:31:25 +0100 2017826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1974894&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F11%2Fembryo-adoption-in-news.html Italy regulated IVF, only permitting 3 to be created at once and requiring that all embryos that come into being in the procedure be implanted.Had the USA implemented such a policy, we wouldn't have 400,000 embryos in deep freeze. Some look at these nascent humans as a natural resource for use in research. Others, on the other hand, feel called to "adopt" these excess embryos and gestate them to birth.This procedure is known as "embryo adoption," and it is beginning to gain a lot of attention, evidenced by a front page story in today's Seattle Times. From the story:The day the frozen embryo arrived via FedEx was the day Maria Lancaster began experiencing firsthand what she had always believed: that human life begins at conception. Lancaster was 46 and, after having three miscarriages, she... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1974894 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:39:00 +0100 1974894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1876098&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F686-When-did-I-begin.html I am sorry for the hiatus, but a sudden illness in the family had myself, my husband and four children driving 3500 miles across country last week. This means I have also been out of the loop when it comes to all of the recent news. So while I catch up, I will leave you with this entry that has been in the back of my mind for several weeks.My second child is in the 4th grade and her school does not do any sex education until 7th grade. So, like with my oldest, I recently took it upon myself to sit her down and give her the facts of life. (Her response was a resounding, "That is so gross!")To facilitate our discussion, I checked out several books from the library that had the visuals of the female reproductive system I was looking for. While reading these books designed for childr... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1876098 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:34:55 +0100 1876098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1851036&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F683-Embryos-and-Eldery-the-duty-to-die.html I came across this post from Dr. Nuckols at LifeEthics.org and I had an epiphany. I have always known there was a link between embryo-destructive research and assisted suicide and euthanasia.There is the obvious "sanctity of life" connection, but this passage from Dr. Nuckols really put it together for me:According to the Daily Mail, [Lady Warnock] now supports a "duty to die."Lady Warnock, 84, was the head of the committee which during the 1980s opened the way for legal research on human embryos.Influential in education as well as in medical ethics, she became an open supporter of euthanasia after her ill husband was helped to die by his doctor in 1995.She told the Church of Scotland's magazine Life and Work: 'I've just written an article called A Duty to Die? for a No... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1851036 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:54:26 +0100 1851036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1779283&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F665-The-when-does-human-life-begin-debate-is-the-wrong-debate.html It is unfortunate that I feel compelled to write this entry at all.  The rhetoric surrounding Roe vs. Wade has crippled us in this discussion.  It has confused biological fact with questions that cannot be answered by science.Let me be very clear.  The debate IS NOT when human life begins.  A new human life identifiable by his or her unique DNA is created at conception.  What we are REALLY discussing is whether or not that life has VALUE.  Now, that IS a question worth debating.  If you think that a human embryo does not deserve protection under the law then say so.  It does no one any good trying to assert that a human embryo or fetus is not a human life.  Focusing on the wrong debate really gets us nowhere. (Source: Mary Meets Dolly) Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1779283 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:57:19 +0100 1779283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1460864&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F05%2Fdna-fingerprinting-identifies-viable_2914.html By Jennifer Lahl Has the era of high tech embryo profiling arrived? I have been following the recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction. Researchers have combined the technology that allows them to screen embryos at the blastocyst stage with the DNA fingerprinting and microarray analysis technology in order to identify the viable blastocysts transferred into the mother. The search for the best embryo has always been part of the IVF equation with all the quality controls put in place in the lab. So how is the research being conducted? “The researchers tested the DNA of early in vitro fertilization embryos before implanting them into the womb, and then compared the results with the DNA of the healthy babies that were born, and found a cluster of genes that could be used to e... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1460864 Wed, 21 May 2008 17:06:00 +0100 1460864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1327428&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F03%2Fbrown-allows-free-vote-over-embryo-bill.html Under intense pressure from the Catholic Church and others, Prime Minister Gordon Brown is allowing a free vote on the notorious embryo bill, that we first discussed the here at SHS a few days ago. From the story: Mr Brown agreed to let Labour MPs vote according to--conscience, rather than the party whip, on the three most controversial clauses of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. These involve creating animal-human embryos for medical research before discarding them; removing the requirement for a father in IVF treatment, thus opening the way for more single women and lesbians to have children; and so-called 'saviour siblings', where a child with the correct tissue match is created to save a sick brother or sister. I was asked to comment on the bill by a UK advocacy group oppos... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1327428 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:39:00 +0100 1327428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1207463&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F229720416%2F   Scientists from Newcastle University, UK led by Professor Patrick Chinnery, have created an embryo with three separate parents.  The team believe the technique could help to eradicate a whole class of hereditary diseases, including some forms of epilepsy and ensure women with genetic defects do not pass the diseases on to their children. Ten severely deformed embryos, left over from traditional fertility treatment were created using DNA from a man and two women in lab tests. Within hours of their creation, the nucleus, containing DNA from the mother and father, was removed from the embryo, and implanted into a donor egg whose DNA had been largely removed. The only genetic information remaining from the donor egg was the tiny bit that controls production of mitochondria - around 16,0... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1207463 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:29:56 +0100 1207463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1166415&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F220372857%2F Early embryos yield stem cells,(photo courtesy of BBC news www.bbc.co.uk/news)  The Uk’s fertility regulator Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has given the green light to two teams of scientists for the creation of hybrid human-animal embryos. Scientists, research institutions and patient groups have challenged the UK government for much of the last year: the Department of Health wanted to prevent the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos - which would be used to create stem cells for medical research - but scientists argued it would slow down crucial work into treatments for diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes. Reason eventually triumphed and the government has now backed down. Scientists from King’s College London and ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1166415 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:31:31 +0100 1166415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=575265&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F551-Archbishop-says-NO%21-to-Crow.html From Catholic Online:ST. LOUIS, Mo. (CNS) - Saying that it sent a "contradictory message" for a Catholic institution to raise funds by featuring a musician who supports abortion and embryonic stem-cell research, Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis announced April 25 that he had withdrawn his support for an upcoming benefit for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. Rock musician Sheryl Crow, a native of Kennett, Mo., has been an outspoken supporter of keeping abortion legal. She also supported Amendment 2, a Missouri initiative passed last fall that constitutionally protects human cloning and embryonic stem-cell research. Crow was scheduled to perform at the annual Bob Costas Benefit April 28 at the Fabulous Fox theater in St. Louis. Sportscaster Costas and comedian... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=575265 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 22:10:46 +0100 575265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=501619&cid=t_107154_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F26%2Ffirst-evidence-of-alcohol-cancer-link-emerges%2F Filed under: All Cancers, Research, Daily newsWhen Dr. Jian-Wei Gu went to Mississippi to study the cardiovascular system and the process of blood vessel growth, he had no idea he'd make national headlines about his research into the world of cancer. Gu, assistant professor of physiology and biophysics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, says his discovery of the mechanism by which alcohol consumption causes tumor growth was purely accidental. And extremely significant. Scientists have known for a hundred years about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer. A study from Paris in 1910 showed that 80 percent of patients with cancer of the esophagus or gastric track were alcoholics. More recently, scientists have found correlations between alcohol consumption and cancer o... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=501619 Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 501619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=500810&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F522-Ask-a-Catholic-youth-when-human-life-begins.html and you may be surprised by the answer.  This weekend I spoke at a local Catholic youth conference on stem cell research and cloning.  I have also given courses in local middle schools on the subject.  I always begin by asking them when science says a new human life begins.  Out of probably 200 teenagers, only one of them got it right: conception.They answered with "when there is a heartbeat," "at birth," "when there is blood."  But only one girl answered correctly.  I am astounded and dismayed everytime I ask the question because most of them have been educated in Catholic schools.  In fact, one girl was the daughter of friends of mine who I know have taught her about abortion and she said, "science says life begins at three months."The lig... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=500810 Sun, 25 Mar 2007 23:10:12 +0100 500810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=485943&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F517-How-we-all-end-up-looking-like-harvestable-biological-material.html I hate to sound like a broken record, but I will say it again, we abandon the protection of the human embryo at our own peril.  What do I mean by that?  Well, once we decide that one kind of human life can be exploited for harvestable biological material, then all of a sudden we start seeing other human life the same way.  If we leave the embryo to be experimented on and destroyed for transplantable cells, then we all look like organ factories and guinea pigs.  Organs for those people deemed "more human" because of stage of life or over-all health.I am sure some of you may think I am crazy.  I get that.  But, this isn't just something that will happen in the future, it is HAPPENING RIGHT NOW under our noses.  We just need to see the signs.Consider the following:  1.  Re... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=485943 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 01:47:00 +0100 485943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=485945&cid=t_107154_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F516-Maryland-legislators-call-an-embryo-certain-material.html We all know words are powerful.  No more so than in the contentious debates over embryonic stem cell research and cloning.  The tendency is to dehumanize the embryo as much as possible so that destroying it for research doesn't hit so close to home.We have all heard embryos called "clumps of cells" and "blobs of tissue" and such phrases left over from the debates on abortion.  The problem with these phrases is that are inaccurate.  An embryo is a whole human organism which, scientifically, differs greatly from just any "clump of cells."  Or to put it another way, if a human embryo is just a "clump of cells" then so am I.But this story really takes the cake for me.  According to the Baltimore Sun, Maryland legislators replaced the word "emb... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=485945 Fri, 16 Mar 2007 01:44:57 +0100 485945