Fertility blog information and advice about IVF and more

Latest articles

April 18, 2018

"Don't tell me to relax"

Practice these techniques to help you cope under pressure.
April 11, 2018

Bourn Hall patient Tanya beats cancer and prepares to run in the London Marathon

Tanya is raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust after an emotional and physical...
April 4, 2018

Bourn Hall Wickford - free consultation offer

Free mini consultation with fertility nurse specialist to celebrate Wickford opening soon
March 23, 2018

Jo Sharman running the London Marathon

Our fertility nurse specialist Jo Sharman is running the London Marathon
March 20, 2018

Support for your fertility journey

Fertility treatment is a significant emotional journey and can impact your relationships.
March 16, 2018

FET baby is a miracle on so many levels

He was the only 1 to survive the thaw! read Toni's guest blog
March 15, 2018

Don’t wait seven months for NHS fertility tests

Younger people have more options don't wait for NHS fertility tests
March 13, 2018

Consultation with a Bourn Hall Fertility Nurse Specialist

If you are concerned about your fertility get some expert advice.
March 8, 2018

Why does everyone else find it easy to get pregnant?

You don’t know everyone’s story - your colleague might have been trying for years.
March 2, 2018

Mum with ‘invisible’ condition offers hope to others on Mother’s Day

Paula suffered an early miscarriage and then discovered a link between endometriosis and infertility
March 1, 2018

Endometriosis UK says surgical treatment of endometriosis improves fertility and helps pain

According to Endometriosis UK fertility can be improved with operative laparoscopy
March 1, 2018

Rising Festival: When is the right time to have a baby?

Most women will ask themselves this question, good fertility advice can help.
February 27, 2018

How do you choose an embryo for IVF?

Embryo grading is a skilled job and benefits from experience
February 26, 2018

Improving IVF success for women with BMI of 25-30

New evidence suggests these women have an equivalent chance of success with a specific...
February 16, 2018

Icelandic couple's emotional journey 30 years after IVF with frozen embryos

Nina had two daughters after she and husband Kristian were among the first to...
February 13, 2018

Major causes of female infertility

For many causes of female infertility there may be no symptoms other than a...
February 5, 2018

Overcoming recurrent miscarriage with PGS, new chromosome screening service launched

Pre-implantation Genetic Screening or PGS can detect chromosome mistakes in an embryo, a common cause...
January 8, 2018

NHS IVF treatment may still be available for some Cambridge patients

Referred by your Cambridgeshire GP for fertility testing before 6th September 2017?
January 4, 2018

IVF in Essex - HFEA website puts Bourn Hall ahead

Looking for IVF in Essex? The HFEA website puts Bourn Hall top for its...
January 2, 2018

Could a New Year’s resolution to eat healthily boost your sperm count?

Eating healthily is recommended, but can diet really effect your sperm count?
December 24, 2017

Day 12: A Christmas Stocking miracle in Colchester

Rocco Stocking was a dream come true when he was born on Christmas Day...
December 23, 2017

Day 11: Be in the present

Always thinking about what has been or anticipating what is to come can be...
December 22, 2017

Day 10: Take care of yourself

Self-compassion is a good way to protect against depression.
December 20, 2017

Day 9: Men-only fertility forums found useful according to new research

Getting access to factual information is a key benefit
December 19, 2017

Anne will be missed by her Bourn Hall family

Anne was given a warm send off by her friends
December 19, 2017

Day 8: Coping with friends getting pregnant when you’re not

Your work colleague might have been trying for years to conceive.
December 18, 2017

Day 7: "Don't tell me to relax"

Practice these techniques to help you cope under pressure.
December 16, 2017

Day 6: Writing through crisis

Many people find writing helps to channel anxiety positively.
December 16, 2017

Day 5: Make your own traditions

Big family get-togethers can trigger painful and conflicting emotions.
December 15, 2017

Day 4: Take a deep breath to carry on

Learning to breathe deeply can help you to keep calm
December 15, 2017

Fertility Blog to help you with your journey

Our Fertility Blog will keep you up to date with news, views, opinions and...
December 14, 2017

Day 3: Support for the journey

Fertility treatment is a significant emotional journey and can impact your relationships.
December 13, 2017

Day 2: “We are working on it”

My husband would answer, “We’re working on it,” which politely limited potential follow-up.
December 12, 2017

Day 1: Taking and setting your emotional blood pressure

There are ways to balance your emotional blood pressure
November 28, 2017

Wickford at Christmas extra special for couple after 6 year wait

Wickford At Christmas extra special for couple who have waited six years to celebrate
November 27, 2017

I felt guilty all the time – a male perspective on IVF treatment

"I felt guilty all the time," says Karl.
November 17, 2017

Wickford at Christmas

With the success of our small satellite clinic and work progressing well on our...
November 3, 2017

Struggling to conceive - hit the gym and carry on!

Kate's advice is to “focus on looking after your mind and body.”
October 30, 2017

How to boost male fertility naturally

Some easy diet and lifestyle changes could increase your chance of conceiving.
October 24, 2017

Reflexology for fertility

We live in a fast paced age and sometimes nature's natural rhythm moves at...
October 17, 2017

New HFEA website makes comparing Cambridge IVF clinics easier

The HFEA website makes it easier to put success rates into context.
October 17, 2017

Adopting a new approach to the future

It came as a surprise to Emma-Jayne that in five years of trying she...
September 27, 2017

Male factor (in) fertility - guest blog from Michael Close

My only regret is not having good information earlier.
September 20, 2017

Bourn Hall responds to NHS cuts to IVF in Essex

There are concerns that other types of fertility treatment and testing are also being...
September 14, 2017

Recipes to help overcome PCOS and improve fertility

In her guest blog nutritionist Amy Huggins provides some great recipes to help overcome...
September 5, 2017

NHS IVF funding in the East of England

NHS IVF funding is a complicated story - our map should help clarify it...
September 5, 2017

Why can't I get pregnant? 6 common reasons

Six common reasons for infertility
August 24, 2017

Southend IVF funding has made the world of difference

Without funding from Southend NHS Sarah and Phil would not have their baby Emma.
August 16, 2017

Could making some simple lifestyle changes be the key to unlocking your fertility?

Boost your fertility with these tips.
August 8, 2017

Male infertility advice, take care who you share with

Speaking about cuts to NHS IVF funding helped Richard Clothier to talk about infertility.
July 17, 2017

IVF is so expensive!

With a refund package or payment installments, Access Fertility is helping to make it...
July 6, 2017

"NHS-funded fertility treatment has been truly life-changing"

Guest blog from Ellie Crane, a recent patient at Bourn Hall and campaigner to...
June 27, 2017

Endometriosis guidelines to be updated

Between 2 and 10% of women have endometriosis.
June 19, 2017

Becoming a trans man and preserving fertility

Keeping his options open for children was a challenge Leo tackled in BBC3 documentary.
June 9, 2017

Family dream comes true for Emily and Debbie thanks to donor sperm

"It was important to us that we used a regulated fertility clinic"...
May 26, 2017

Robert Edwards, co-father of IVF, interviewed by Liz O'Donnell, an early Bourn Hall patient

Liz O'Donnell, a Bourn Hall patient, talked to Robert Edwards in 2007 about his...
May 24, 2017

Adoption after unsuccessful IVF

Counselling can help you move on after unsuccessful IVF
May 24, 2017

Surrogacy helped Amanda have her own child after cancer

Surrogacy might be an option if it is not possible for your to carry...
May 24, 2017

Choosing to become a single mum with IVF

If you waiting for 'Mr Right' isn't an option then a sperm donor might...
May 24, 2017

Having a baby through IVF surrogacy

Surrogacy may be appropriate if you have a medical condition that makes it impossible...
May 24, 2017

When to tell your child about their biological origins

When or if to tell your child they were created through donated eggs, sperm,...
May 24, 2017

Explore different pathways to parenthood

Fertility treatments with donor eggs and sperm, adoption and fostering - talk to experts...
May 23, 2017

Why me? Infertility and the stubborn Yorkshireman

I am honoured to come back to where my family started and to share...
May 22, 2017

Fertility nurse takes on 100 mile Cotswold Way Challenge for Arthritis UK

Our intrepid fertility nurse specialist Rowena Haslett Fossey did London2Cambridge last year.
May 16, 2017

Can re-freezing embryos lead to successful outcomes?

Are re-frozen and thawed embryos viable?
May 4, 2017

Egg sharing for free IVF can be a win-win

Egg sharing or sperm donation can make IVF treatment more accessible.
April 18, 2017

#WeAreFamily @Bourn Hall and all are welcome

Family is at the heart of everything we do at Bourn Hall #wearefamily
April 10, 2017

RCN guide to fertility preservation for medical and non-medical reasons launched

RCN guide to fertility preservation gives advice to nurses about the freezing of eggs...
March 30, 2017

Couple become mums with help from Bourn Hall’s sperm bank

Lack of sperm isn't the only reason same-sex female couples may have fertility issues.
March 30, 2017

IVF success rates improved with 5 day blastocyst transfer

IVF success rates have improved over recent years and the increased use of blastocyst...
March 29, 2017

Why can't I get pregnant? Get good advice at Fertility Roadshow

If you are asking ‘Why can’t I get pregnant?' the good news is that...
March 27, 2017

For the first time I felt that pang of disappointment that I wasn't falling...

Amy Brook gives her perspective on the fertility journey.
March 24, 2017

The only way is Wickford for these mums on Mother's Day

Celebrating Mother's Day following successful treatment at Bourn Hall Wickford. We caught up with some...
March 22, 2017

IVF over 40: transparency and different advice needed

Over 35 the chance of having a baby with your own eggs declines rapidly
March 7, 2017

First frozen embryo baby home from the cold

Our first ‘ice baby’ successfully crossed Antarctica to raise money for charity
February 13, 2017

Sarah Pallett discusses plans for Wickford Clinic

“The new Wickford clinic is going to be very special,” says Sarah Pallett
February 10, 2017

Work begins on Bourn Hall’s purpose-built full service clinic in Wickford

Diggers are moving in to start work on a new clinic in Wickford.
January 26, 2017

Test-tube baby goes back to where it began

'Bourn Hall baby' Ian Drake filmed an interview for his film course.
January 5, 2017

Lower dose and higher IVF success from use of AMH test

Tailoring treatment according to AMH levels could maintain success rates and reduce medication.
January 5, 2017

Fertility preservation ahead of gender reassignment

Fertility preservation ahead of gender reassignment requires the support of a multi-disciplinary teams where...
January 5, 2017

Male fertility impacted by SSRIs prescribed for depression

There is evidence that SSRIs create temporary damage to sperm DNA.
December 23, 2016

First Christmas with twins after five years and three miscarriages

After three miscarriages, twins bring a joyful first family Christmas.
December 21, 2016

Happy Christmas with a little help from my friends

“Our IVF boys celebrating their 2nd Christmas together today with an extra addition! Could...
December 20, 2016

Sylvia and Roger fond farewell

We have said a fond farewell to two popular members of staff who have retired...
December 15, 2016

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG presented with misinformation to justify the cruellest cut

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG has opened a consultation on cutting IVF funding for the...
December 9, 2016

Baby, look at you now!

Bourn Hall baby Becca's wedding was a particularly emotional for her mother Anne.
November 16, 2016

Region’s first Fertility Fayre a great success

Fertility Nurse Specialists Rachel Hunter and Leona Crookston “We feel as though we have more...
November 10, 2016

I lost 4 stone to reduce BMI for fertility treatment

Sabrina was told she would need to lose weight to have fertility treatment.
November 4, 2016

#HiddenFaces: Donna lost 2 stone to boost her fertility

It was only after trying for a baby for 10 years and losing four...
November 2, 2016

Infertility was worse than any physical pain I’ve had

It was very isolating. I felt very ashamed of my emotions, which made it...
October 31, 2016

Children for Lucy after 10 years brings hope to those with PCOS

Lucy was shocked at age 18 to be diagnosed with PCOS, which can cause...
October 25, 2016

Common questions men ask about male infertility

Mr Oliver Wiseman answers questions about male infertility.
October 24, 2016

What happened to my eggs?

We were born with over a million eggs, so what on earth happens to...
October 11, 2016

‘Super sperm’ from successful couple inspires IVF ‘gifting’ programme

Gifting fertility treatment in exchange for the donation of high-quality sperm
October 11, 2016

10 things I would tell my younger self about infertility

KK Goldberg shares her experiences and tips for surviving infertility.
October 3, 2016

Cystic fibrosis a cause of infertility

Tom didn’t know that he was a carrier of cystic fibrosis...
September 30, 2016

Too young to be infertile? Five questions to ask your GP

We suggest that you explore the following questions together with your GP.
September 23, 2016

Photographer of world’s first IVF egg retires

Vincent Brown took the first photograph of a human egg fertilised outside the human...
September 23, 2016

Sperm bank offers safer option for same-sex couples

More female same-sex couples are seeking fertility treatment...
September 2, 2016

Long-term struggle overcome with donated sperm

Donated sperm can make it possible to be a dad
September 1, 2016

Informed patient choice guides treatment options

At Bourn Hall 8 out 10 patients will become parents after up to three...
August 30, 2016

IMSI improves the odds by selecting the best sperm

IMSI helps IVF embryologists select the best sperm as a high proportion of sperm...
July 22, 2016

PCOS meant 10 year wait for baby

Hospital tests revealed that Toni had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of...
July 19, 2016

Jo Jo Row complete the 100km London2Cambridge ultra challenge

The team completed the London2Cambridge ultra challenge challenge and Rowena has (after a long...
June 24, 2016

Hat trick for Callum thanks to ICSI

The recent Fathers’ Day brings home what Callum might have missed.
June 15, 2016

How to make a test-tube baby

A video about ‘How to make a test tube baby’ has won an international...
June 13, 2016

SpermComet provides insight into male infertility

Poor sperm quality is a major cause of infertility, yet men are frequently left...
May 11, 2016

Pioneering IVF patient returns to Bourn Hall

Ann was one of the first patients to be treated at Bourn Hall back...
April 12, 2016

Jo Jo Row Your Boat prepare for London2Cambridge

In their second blog Rowena highlights the aches and pains the team are currently...
March 15, 2016

IVF injection tips and advice from our patients

We asked our patients on Facebook for their IVF injection tips and advice
March 14, 2016

IVF injection tips

Patients are offered a ‘drug teach’ where we talk through the medications and give...
March 11, 2016

Sperm and egg donors can ‘gift’ free IVF treatment

Eligible family and friends can now ‘gift’ free IVF treatment
January 21, 2016

HFEA visits Bourn Hall, “home of IVF”

Sally Cheshire and Peter Thompson of the HFEA visited Bourn Hall, the world’s first...
January 19, 2016

‘Jo Jo Row Your Boat’ aim for London2Cambridge

Rowena and Jo are Fertility Nurse Specialists at our Cambridge Clinic. They are taking...
January 8, 2016

Getting pregnant with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Kathleen was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries when she was younger
November 16, 2015

Heartbreak of unexplained infertility

Unexplained infertility can be hard to deal with. Sharon, whose partner already had a...
November 13, 2015

Your adoption questions answered

We asked Hugh Thornbery, Chief Executive of Adoption UK, about the process.
November 11, 2015

Reflections on adoption after IVF 3/3

Fiona experienced 11 years of infertility and failed IVF before she and her husband...
November 10, 2015

Beyond IVF - Fiona's fertility journey 2/3

Fiona continues her story about her infertility story.
November 9, 2015

Pain of infertility: Fiona speaks out 1/3

Fiona begins her fertility journey by describing the pain of infertility.
September 23, 2015

Meet our family: “I enjoy everything about my job” – Helen Hutton, Human Resources...

“I’m the new starters first point of contact for arranging their first day..."
September 23, 2015

Meet our family: “Proud to be part of this special team” – Lizzie Dumbelton,...

“Helping patients achieve their dreams makes my job so rewarding...”
September 22, 2015

Meet our family: “A job share was the answer for me” – Claire Sparrow,...

“Patient Services is a fascinating field to be in...”
September 21, 2015

Meet our family: “Flexibility is needed for a range of needs” – Julia Curties,...

“I really enjoy working in the hub of the clinic” says Julia Curties, a...
August 28, 2015

Fertility test can reveal reasons for infertility

Most people don’t know they have a fertility issue until they try to conceive...
July 23, 2015

Louise Brown: “My life as the world’s first test-tube baby” – autobiography launched at...

Louise reveals the impact that being born a celebrity has had on her life...
June 5, 2015

Why some human eggs carry the wrong number of chromosomes

This might be the cause of some types of infertility including recurrent miscarriage.
June 1, 2015

When Is It Time To Move Away From IVF Treatment?

Pamela Mahoney Tsigdinos talks in her guest blog about her decision and how she...
May 15, 2015

Overcoming infertility caused by PCOS

To have a baby, Hanna first had to overcome her infertility caused by PCOS.
May 1, 2015

IVF after ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to rupture
March 18, 2015

I was told at 16 I had PCOS and would never have children

Nicola was just 16 she was told that she had PCOS and that she...
March 16, 2015

Top security announcement: codename ISO 27001

Bourn Hall Clinic has gained ISO 27001 security accreditation.
February 20, 2015

IVF hat trick for cancer survivor

Treatment with chemotherapy can affect your fertility, so John was offered the option of...
February 3, 2015

Three-parent IVF misleading term

The term ‘three-parent’ baby is very misleading according to Bourn Hall Clinic Medical Director...
December 12, 2014

Improving fertility for PCOS patients

Early diagnosis and treatment could improve fertility and long-term health prospects.
November 28, 2014

Egg sharing was a win-win for us and another couple

Lucinda and Matthew decided to donate eggs to another couple while they were having...
November 19, 2014

Free IVF treatment for egg sharing or sperm donation

Free IVF treatment is available for those who choose to egg share or donate...
October 31, 2014

Fertility facts, figures and findings

How do you know what is 'normal'?
October 30, 2014

An ‘IVF single mother’ by choice

‘I have the rest of my life to meet Mr Right, but only a...
October 20, 2014

National Fertility Awareness Week 2014

National Fertility Awareness Week aims to highlight ways in which infertility can impact people's...
October 16, 2014

Egg freezing for employees

Egg freezing is a relatively recent innovation
July 25, 2014

Louise Brown is 36, Bourn Hall remembers IVF pioneers

Bourn Hall remembers its founders, IVF pioneers Steptoe and Edwards and their legacy
June 18, 2014

Zero sperm shock

Adam was shocked to find he had zero sperm
June 17, 2014

Being without a child excluded us from ‘parent’s club’

“It’s really hard when your friends and family are all having children...”
June 12, 2014

Low sperm count? Specialist male fertility treatment at Bourn Hall

Low sperm count is not something men want to talk about ...
May 28, 2014

IVF in Norfolk: Bourn Hall’s Wymondham team celebrates first arrival

Sian and Ryan Chase beamed from ear to ear as they introduced baby daughter...
May 9, 2014

IVF in Peterborough: New clinic is Bourn Hall’s little Prince!

IVF in Peterborough is now closer to home for people living and working in...
March 11, 2014

“Where do babies come from?”: A guest blog by Susan Imrie

Some children are very curious to find out more about where they come from Susan...
March 7, 2014

Beth Warren case: Posthumous sperm storage

The case of Beth Warren and her late husband Warren Brewer has again raised the issue...
March 3, 2014

Endometriosis: time to get women talking

Endometriosis affects 1.5 million women in the UK and causes the tissue from the...
January 30, 2014

IVF in Suffolk: Bourn Hall baby born every 10 hours

Reading the experiences of other couples and attending an event helped Andrew and Nicola...
January 27, 2014

IVF in Essex: Freddie is first baby boy for Bourn Hall in Wickford

Bourn Hall's Wickford Clinic opened in 2013 to provide convenient IVF in Essex
January 14, 2014

Alastair MacDonald: The world’s first IVF boy celebrates 35th birthday

Alastair's birth in 1979 was the best possible start to the year for his...
January 5, 2014

ACE and ICSI treatment for male infertility celebrate 21 years

A breakthrough in male infertility treatment came 21 years ago when the first baby...
November 7, 2013

What can you do if IVF is unsuccessful?

"Patients need to allow themselves time to grieve over the fact that they will...
October 28, 2013

Coping with infertility - Vicki Hibbert’s story

“There’s only one thing more painful than having a baby…..and that’s not being able...
September 5, 2013

What are the IVF waiting times in Cambridge?

Bourn Hall offers short IVF waiting times for NHS funded treatment.
July 25, 2013

The Bourn Hall Legacy – 35 years of IVF

Happy Birthday Louise Brown, the world’s first IVF baby!
July 10, 2013

Local families celebrate official opening of first Norfolk IVF clinic

Bourn Hall Clinic’s new IVF centre near Norwich, has been welcomed by Infertility Network...
June 7, 2013

Top tips for dealing with infertility: A guest blog by Kate Brian

Editor of the Journal of Fertility Counselling and author of four books about infertility...
April 12, 2013

Tributes to Professor Sir Robert Edwards

"Father of IVF" will always be remembered as one of our greatest scientists.
March 28, 2013

Want to know more about IVF drugs?

IVF drugs play an important role in fertility treatment.
March 26, 2013

Pregnancy ultrasound scans at Bourn Hall Clinic for reassurance

Unborn babies can be seen in remarkable detail using 3D and 4D ultrasound scans.
March 4, 2013

Endometriosis Awareness Week

The link between endometriosis and infertility is not well understood.
February 28, 2013

Bourn Hall Clinic Wymondham opens its doors

Brand-new facility with state-of-the-art equipment will benefit patients across Norfolk
February 4, 2013

Good results for ICSI with SpermSlow

Good results from a small trial have justified a change in procedure in the...
December 12, 2012

Bourn Hall Clinic celebrate ONE THOUSAND babies born as a result of NHS-funded IVF

That’s equivalent to one baby a day since May 2009!
December 10, 2012

Pride and no prejudice: A guest blog by Sarah Juggins

The magazine editor, freelance journalist and enthusiastic blogger writes about the launch of the...
October 3, 2012

Male Infertility: Micro-TESE offers new hope for men with a low sperm count

A new procedure offers hope to men who have no sperm in their ejaculate.
August 30, 2012

Fertility, pregnancy and the biological clock

If you’re concerned about your biological clock, Dr Mathews has some comforting news.
August 13, 2012

Intralipids may offer hope for those affected by repeated IVF failure

Patients with recurrent miscarriage have benefited from intralipids.
June 20, 2012

Sad Loss Of Lesley Brown – First IVF Mother

It is with sadness that we hear that Lesley Brown, the first woman in...
June 1, 2012

IVF after cancer: The importance of sperm banking

Around one third of men who undergo chemotherapy will be left infertile.
May 9, 2012

Australian Study Into Implications of IVF Treatment

No significant difference found in the risk between IVF and natural conception.
April 5, 2012

Fertility after 35: What happens to our eggs as we age?

By the age of 35 about 95% of a woman's eggs have been lost...
February 15, 2012

New range of pregnancy scans at Bourn Hall Clinic Colchester

Our Colchester clinic is to extend its ultrasound scanning service ...
January 19, 2012

Egg Donation After Premature Menopause

For women that wish to get pregnant the news of premature menopause can be...

Focus on

Causes of infertility

If you are asking 'why can't I get pregnant?'...
Arriving Soon at Wickford

Our new full service clinic in Wickford...
Fertility insights

Interesting scientific and medical developments
IVF is 40

The world's first IVF clinic is celebrating 40 years...
International Women's Day

An opportunity to review your options
Routes to Parenthood

Your fertility journey is unique
Men Talk

Male infertility and how men are affected by fertility...
Funding for treatment

We provide both NHS and self-funded treatment.
IUI, IVF and ICSI

Every patient has a personalised treatment plan
Coping with Christmas

Festive times are milestones that can be difficult for...