Study participants: 15 women whose partners lacked the CF gene mutation, normal fertility except for failing to conceive, aged between 24 and 36.

Outcome: 17 pregnancies in 13 of the 15 women, resulting in 12 live births, two ongoing pregnancies and three miscarriages. Only one of the women needed a caesarean section, but 50% of the study participants had diabetes during pregnancy. Researchers also observed a slight decline in lung function during the year of pregnancy. All children, aged 10 years to one month, remain healthy.

The new study on ART and CF was presented recently at the 25th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Amsterdam.

Dr. Sylvie Epelboin, who led the research, said:

“The results of our study are good news for women with cystic fibrosis because they show that ART is a hopeful option for them and does not increase the risk of medical problems or death for either themselves or their children. Furthermore, the possibility of ART for this growing population of young adults with cystic fibrosis has a positive impact on their quality of life by satisfying their wish to become parents. These women had given mature consideration to their desire for a child and were fully supported by their families.”

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Cystic Fibrosis & Safe Fertility Treatment

Smart ART IX, which will take place August 14-16, is a symposium that will “provide a unique opportunity for nurses and healthcare professionals involved in the management of infertility patients to learn about new agents, procedures, and counseling techniques contributing to the continued success of ART.”

Oh wait, did I mention? Maybe I didn’t…

Enrollment is limited to the first 450 registrants and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Why?

Tuition has been generously underwritten by an unrestricted educational grant from Organon, a part of Schering-Plough which includes all scientific sessions, a course syllabus, and planned meal functions.

That means it’s free.

Of course, you’ll still need to get a hotel room for the weekend, but I bet your spouse or best friend would be happy to split the tab and find some other reasons to be in Vegas.

What are you waiting for? Click here to register.

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And don’t forget about that other Friday Freebie! You have until July 31st to enter to win a $40 Fertility Scope from  Miracle Light Labs.

Post from: Blisstree

Freebie Friday (Professional Edition) – Smart ART IX: From Physiology to Clinical Success

More interesting than the show’s recap is the discussion taking place on Oprah’s message board right now. There were your customary comments voicing outrage, disgust or both. Some faithful viewers were a little chuffed at the sensational nature of the show, more fitting for Maury or Springer, they said. Others were annoyed at what they saw as nothing more than self-promotion (Beatie has a book coming out shortly). There is discussion around the definition of terms – “man” vs. “transgendered woman.”

[I admit I have not made it through all 137 pages (and growing) of comments, at least not tonight. But that's only because I'm losing steam and it's getting late. I may pick this back up in the a.m.]

I’m curious – if you watched the show, what do you think of the issue and do you think it was a topic “worthy” of Oprah’s time and attention? Should this be news, or no?

Post from: Blisstree

A Story “Worthy” of Oprah?

He was born biologically female, had sex reassignment surgery, and is now legally male. When his wife, Nancy, was unable to have children, Thomas, who still has female genitalia, decided he’d carry their baby himself. And thus became the world’s first pregnant man.

Really? I think so. www.Guanabee.com goes on to say,

Now five months pregnant, Thomas hopes his story will help foster dialogue about the nature of family and our bodies.

There are a lot of comments connected with this post and I encourage you to go check it out. In addition to the usual debate around IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART), throw in issues around definitions of gender, transgender, and what makes us male, female, good parents…..And you’ve got quite a interesting discussion.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

Post from: Blisstree

The Wonders of Male Pregnancy – Part II

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.

Wow. Elaine has more details over at Genetics and Health.

Anna, the blogger and new mom from Right vs. Easy is one woman who chose to use donor eggs and assisted reproductive technology not because she was infertile, but because she had no interest in passing along her genetic mutation (Adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD). Perhaps this new technique could help others in her predicament have their own biological child without the fear of passing on any debilitating genetic disease.

Post from: Blisstree

A Quick (yet Interesting) Post