Thursday, August 24, 2006

Researchers find faulty fertility gene behind failed IVF attempts

SCOTLAND on SUNDAY, Sun 25 Jun 2006 -

SCOTTISH scientists have discovered a "fertility gene" that makes IVF treatment unsuccessful in one in 10 women who undergo the procedure.

The findings help explain why some women suffer cycle after cycle of failed treatment, which can cost up to £3,000 a time.

It also dispels the idea that infertility is mainly due to physiological problems such as poor egg quality and ovulation difficulties.

Researchers at Aberdeen University found that women carrying a faulty version of the gene were 76% less likely to have a baby during fertility treatment. The faulty gene, which was carried by 11% of the 600 women studied, is thought to affect women's ability to produce healthy embryos when they are implanted into their womb.

Full article:
http://news.scotsman.com/health.cfm?id=927692006

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