Advice | Guides, Developments & Fertility Tips

OVUM: Revolutionising Fertility with Science, Sustainability, and Support

When Jenny Wordsworth, founder and CEO of OVUM, decided she was ready to start a family, she never anticipated the challenges that would come her way. Like many women, she assumed that the path to pregnancy would be straightforward. However, as time passed and her efforts to conceive were met with disappointment, Jenny realised there was much more to fertility than what was taught in school. Navigating the fertility journey can be overwhelming, with a sea of products and advice that often leave women feeling more confused than empowered. OVUM was born out of this very frustration, aiming to redefine the fertility landscape with a focus on scientifically-backed products, ethical practices, and genuine support for those on the path to conception. With 1 in 6 people facing infertility globally, infertility is becoming one of the biggest global health problems of the 21st Century. So let’s explore the two flagship products that set OVUM apart from the crowd: the OVUM Time to Conce…

Think a semen analysis is all you need to do? Think again.

The journey to parenthood isn't always straightforward. Picture this: month after month passes without success, leading to that first appointment with a gynaecologist. Tests are run, and everything appears normal with the female partner. The next logical step? Male fertility testing. While many men hesitate at first, modern men's home fertility tests options have made this process more approachable. When those initial results come back normal, there's a moment of relief - followed by joy when pregnancy is achieved. But then comes the devastating news of miscarriage just weeks later. As couples navigate this emotional rollercoaster, searching for answers, one crucial test often gets overlooked: sperm DNA fragmentation testing. Take this example from a Reddit thread: This real-world example illustrates how DNA fragmentation testing can be crucial in identifying underlying fertility issues [1]. It also demonstrates how high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation are associate…

10 Questions to Ask at Your First Fertility Consultation

By: Mr Edward Coats | 13th May 2024 Mr Coats is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery with 18 years medical experience. He is Medical Director at a West London fertility clinic. He is a member of The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, The British Fertility Society and The British Menopause Society. Ed tailors treatment according to the needs of his patients using an evidence-based but holistic approach. When heading to your first fertility consultation with a specialist, it's helpful to think about the questions you wish to ask in order to have the situation, options and next steps clear in your head. Here Mr Ed Coats lists those questions, some of which only apply to you if you know already that you need IVF, but all of which are helpful to know the answers to so that you have an overview of the clinic, prices and proposed plan. 1. Is my egg reserve normal? A woman’s egg reserve can is either asses…

Fertility check-up: When and where to go?

Unlike what we are made to believe, getting pregnant is not always easy. In fact, 1 in 7 heterosexual couples in the UK faces fertility issues. If you’re planning for a baby, or have been trying to conceive for a while, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. If you are TTC as a couple, prioritising the health of both partners and getting appropriate testing is an important first step. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can check in with your fertility. Hormone tests This is always a great place to start, no matter where you are on your pathway to parenthood. Your hormones regulate your menstrual cycle and fertility (along with many other body functions!), and so it is essential that they are all working in harmony. Any imbalance can throw this song off-key, which can affect your fertility! By looking at your cycle characteristics and measuring the hormones that control your menstrual cycle such as oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising horm…

Metabolic health, Weight Loss & Optimising Fertility – Dr Campbell Murdoch (Episode 17)

“Poor metabolic health is the driver for almost all modern diseases and when I say modern diseases I'm meaning conditions which if you went back 100 years would have been rare but are now common, and these are conditions such as type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, fatty liver, dementia, strokes, some cancers and including some fertility problems.” - Dr Campbell Murdoch

Dr Campbell Murdoch is a GP with a special interest in metabolic health. He is the Medical Director of the Preventative Healthcare Group, an organisation focused on preventing and reversing modern diseases. He is also a clinical director for primary care in the NHS and works with Combe Grove in Bath providing metabolic health retreats. Campbell's focus is on delivering services that enable people to measure and understand their metabolic health, allowing them to make informed choices to achieve rapid health improvement. Benefits include reversal of conditions of such …

Can Pregnant Women Eat Clams?

Introduction Pregnancy is a transformative and vital period in a woman's life, demanding utmost care and attention to ensure the health and well-being of both the expectant mother and her developing baby. One of the key factors influencing a healthy pregnancy is maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. In this regard, clams, a delectable seafood option, have sparked curiosity among expectant mothers due to their potential nutritional benefits. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the importance of a balanced diet during pregnancy and explore the safety of clam consumption for pregnant women. Let's explore the nutritional value of clams, potential risks and concerns, safe handling and preparation methods, mercury levels, specific health benefits, healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids content, delectable clam recipes for pregnant women, expert opinions, and relevant studies to help expectant mothers make informed decisions about including clams in their diet. Underst…

At-Home Sperm Test: Best Alternative to Clinic Analysis

Get 15% off Mojo Home Fertility Tests adding the promo code 'TOTAL15' at checkout Male fertility assessment is a critical step for couples trying to conceive. Traditional methods involve visiting a fertility clinic for a comprehensive sperm analysis, which can be time-consuming, costly and may cause embarrassment. However, advancements in AI technology in the fertility care space have made it possible to perform certain tests in the comfort and privacy of your own home. At-home sperm analysis kits offer a convenient and accessible option for men to gain insights into their reproductive health. In this article, we will explore the benefits of at-home sperm tests, how they work and why choosing a reputable provider is essential for accurate results. What Does a Sperm Test Measure? Sperm parameters are the fundamental factors that determine the quality and quantity of sperm and they play a significant role in male fertility. These parameters include sperm…

10 Most Common Questions at a Fertility Consultation

By: Mr Edward Coats | 12th June 2023 Mr Coats is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery with 18 years medical experience. He is Medical Director at a West London fertility clinic. He is a member of The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, The British Fertility Society and The British Menopause Society. Ed tailors treatment according to the needs of his patients using an evidence-based but holistic approach. Seeing new fertility patients every day, I meet a range of people in different situations with different requirements. From those investigating their fertility for the first time, perhaps with the intent of having children later down the road, to others who have undergone fertility treatment before both successfully and unsuccessfully. As a result of these years of consultations in clinic, I have found these are the 10 most common questions asked at a fertility consultation by patients and the answers that I…

A Comprehensive Guide to Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) for Fertility Treatments

Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a powerful tool that can in some circumstance help improve IVF success rates and reduce the risks of miscarriage. It enables our embryologists to analyse cells from embryos before they’re transferred to the womb, giving us up to a 98% chance of identifying any abnormalities. By selecting only those embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, PGT-A can sometimes help couples have a baby faster and more safely. However, the HFEA, rates PGT-A for day five embryos RED because there is no evidence as of yet, from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to show that it is effective at improving the chances of having a baby for most fertility patients. Overview of Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) PGT-A (also known as pre-implantation genetic screening or PGS) is a sophisticated technique that can be used to analyse embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). It allows us to check the number of chr…

What are Women’s at-home Fertility Tests & How Do They Stack Up?

Are you looking to find out if your fertility levels are as good as they should be? If so, you may have heard about at-home fertility tests. These tests use simple urine, saliva or blood samples that can tell you a lot about your reproductive health without having to go through the hassle (and cost) of an in-office visit. In this blog post, we'll take a look at what these kits actually do and how reliable the results really are compared to more traditional clinical methods. Overview of Women’s At-Home Fertility Tests With the advancement of technology, fertility tests are now available in the comfort of your own home. These fertility tests allow women to track their fertility and help determine when they’re most likely to conceive. The process itself is simple: women collect hormone levels through a saliva or urine sample and then mail it off to laboratories for testing. After the analyses are complete, results are sent directly back to the women, often with helpful…

What is Time-lapse Embryo Imaging?

If you're considering IVF fertility treatment, you may have heard of time-lapse embryo imaging. This technique is used to capture images of embryos at regular intervals during their development. Time-lapse imaging can help doctors select the best embryos for transfer, and it's becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve IVF success rates. Here's what you need to know about time-lapse embryo imaging. Time-lapse embryo imaging is a process where embryos are monitored throughout their development Time-lapse embryo imaging provides a special look into embryos’ growth and development. As embryos grow, movement is captured every 10 minutes of their journey from the beginning of life to the start of their first days outside the womb. Through this process, embryos can be carefully monitored by fertility specialists who use this data to assess embryos and make informed decisions on behalf of their patients. The entirety of embryos’ growth can be tracked using time-laps…

Best At-Home Sperm Test for Men in the UK of 2023

Test and improve your sperm quality, from home Whether you're trying to conceive or thinking of trying soon, we'll help you increase your chances of conceiving with Mojo's premium, fast and clinical-grade sperm care services. Order your Mojo sample collection kit today, get it in under 72h Your sperm sample is analysed by fertility experts assisted by Mojo's WHO-and-CE compliant AI technology Receive easy-to-read results in 48h Get a detailed report on 22 biomarkers, recognised by IVF clinics and fertility specialists Access expert consultations Get tailored scientifically proven treatment plans Get 15% off using the code 'TOTAL15' at checkout Buy Now How it works Get 15% off using the code 'TOTAL15' at checkout From: £126.65 (with our discount) Buy Now