Amanda Jefferys, Fertility Specialist Bristol
Having worked in the field of gynaecology for the past 13 years I knew from an early stage that I was destined for a career in the fertility field. For me the field of fertility combines a number of passions – a fascination with the underlying science, and an enjoyment of the practical side including scanning and surgery but mostly I am driven by the patients I meet and the fulfilment of guiding couples and individuals through their fertility journey, in the hope of achieving the long-held dream of a […]
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Add on treatments for fertility and IVF
A research study published in the BMJ and also the subject of a recent BBC Panorama programme claims that some of the add-on treatments offered to Fertility patients are of no benefit, can be harmful and expensive. We would agree with these assertions to an extent, as well as support the fact that much more research needs to be done to elucidate the benefits of many add-on treatments offered to patients with Fertility problems. In day-to-day practice both patients and healthcare professionals want to do their best to enhance the […]
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Fertility, more than just my career
Its little wonder I ended up as a fertility doctor, when I look back I suppose it was an obvious choice. I decided on a career as a doctor very early. Probably aged 5 whilst trying to intubate my sister with a snorkel on holiday! At medical school, I was interested in women’s health from the start and particularly, the amazing anatomical and physical changes that occur during pregnancy. As a postgraduate, I chose to train in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Coupled with my professional interest, I have […]
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Understanding some of the basic tests for fertility problems
Ovulation problems: The term ovulation implies release of an egg from the egg sac (follicle) of the ovary. This usually occurs mid-cycle i.e. day 14 of a 28 day cycle, but the day of ovulation can vary from month to month. Generally, women who have regular periods are ovulating, however, this becomes more dysfunctional and irregular as a woman gets older. Eggs are released when they are mature and this is dependent on the size of the follicle, which grows from a few millimeters at the start of a period […]
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When should one seek help for fertility problems?
This would vary depending on individual circumstances. Generally if a couple has been trying to conceive for more than a year it is likely that there is a problem contributing to their difficulties, nevertheless, 50% of couples who haven’t conceived after one year will conceive if they wait another year. It is for this reason, that the UK’s National Institute for clinical excellence (NICE) recommends waiting 2 years before undergoing treatment for fertility problems. The problem with this approach is that for older women, particularly those women 40 years or […]
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