In Vitro Fertility Goddess

Britain’s poor fertility treatement safety record

.Sunday 7 April, 2008 

Britain has been found to have one of the worst fertility treatment safety records in the EU according to the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology.

The ESHRE says British women are up to four times more likely to experience serious complications as a result of fertility treatment than those living in other European countries.

The UK has the highest levels of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome which is the most serious side-effect of IVF treatment which can lead to kidney failure and in some rare cases even death. 

Britain's poor record has been blamed on the country's emphasis on results. Experts warn that the IVF clinics' push to increase their pregnancy success rates are jeopardising public health.

In response to the findings, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority said that "women considering IVF should have a full and frank discussion with their clinician about the risks involved and about what other treatment approaches might be suitable, such as newer techniques like in vitro maturation or soft IVF using fewer drugs."

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