A new report in Time magazine reveals the U.S. is the world’s top exporter of sperm. But why? It’s largely due to America’s reputation as the gold standard in sperm, Time magazine senior editor Jeffrey Kluger said Thursday on “CBS This Morning.”
Month: April 2012
African American women are more likely to experience infertility
In honor of National Minority Health Month (April), we wanted to bring a bit more awareness to the fact that more African American women are experiencing the heartache of infertility compared to women of other races and ethnicities. According to a release issued by Georgia Reproductive Specialists and Desiree McCarthy-Keith, a doctor with the clinic, “black women have twice the odds of infertility compared to white women. 11.5% of black women report infertility compared to 7% of white women.”
The release goes on to note that black women are less likely to seek the help of a fertility specialist or assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Possible reasons, says Dr. McCarthy-Keith, are that the cost of treating infertility may be prohibitively high — for black couples as well as those from any ethnic background — and that limited awareness of treatment options and/or access to fertility specialists may hinder black women getting help that would allow them to conceive, carry, and deliver a healthy baby.
Black women may be more medically challenged, too, owing to much higher rates of uterine fibroids, which can impair a woman’s odds of conceiving.
Parliaments urged to scale up efforts in securing the health of women and children
KAMPALA, UGANDA – Leaders of nearly 120 national parliaments attending a major meeting here this week resolved to prioritize action and resources for improving the health of women and children.
Should Women Freeze Ovarian Tissue To Have Babies Later In Life?
A doctor at an infertility clinic has performed “ovary transplants” on a small number of infertile women who have gone on to have healthy babies. Though the procedure sounds futuristic, it’s definitely possible (it freezes a piece of ovary, not the whole organ), and not so bizarre as the other suggestion in his new study: That the procedure might help women avoid menopause altogether. Before you ask your doctor to toss a piece of your ovary in the freezer, know that there are many caveats, and it’s not likely to be used as a method for having babies very late in life, or to dodge the symptoms of menopause altogether.
Sperm and Egg Donation ‘Should Be Like Giving Blood’
Lisa Jardine, chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), said clinics should improve their “customer service” amid fears male donors are being made to feel neglected or unimportant.
I Have What? Your Guide to Endometriosis
What is endometriosis, anyway? To understand endo, you first need to understand menstruation.
What You Need to Know About Breastfeeding After Infertility
For women who have struggled to conceive, the experience of pregnancy and early motherhood are often more challenging than anticipated. This informative blog gives concerete information about the emotional, physical and practical challenges as well as the rewards of breasfeeding after infertility.
Global Illumination Initiative: Shedding light on premature birth
4 APRIL 2012 – Worldwide, one baby in 10 is born premature: Every year, about 13 million children are born too early. Despite this high number, the public is hardly aware of how to prevent preterm birth and the problems and risks involved in the development of a preterm infant.
How Eggs Fight Off Tardy Sperm Intruders
During human (or any mammalian) fertilization, if more than one sperm manages to get inside an egg, there are typically no survivors. A violent competition between the two sperm brings the whole kit and caboodle to a tragic end.
So Who’s The Daddy? Ethics Dilemma Over UK Sperm Donor Boom
The gift of life is not immune to pecuniary incentives. Charities working with sperm and egg donors report a boom in inquiries from potential volunteers as new regulations allow fertility clinics to make more generous payments..