testing times: IVF and the quest to conceive

IVF and the quest to conceive | help and info

help and info

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organisations

British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA)
69 Division Street
Sheffield S1 4GE
Tel: 0114 263 1448
E-mail: info@bica
Website: www.bica.net
A professional association for infertility counselling in the UK. It is committed to the well being of people with fertility problems – before, during and after treatment – and of those who choose not to undergo any kind of medical intervention. Please telephone on the number above for answers to any queries regarding infertility or look at the website to access details of a local counsellor.

Infertility Network UK (I N UK)
Charter House
43 St Leonards Road
Bexhill on Sea TN40 1JA
Advice line: 08701 188 088 option 2
Evening counselling line: 08701 188 088 option 1 (Mon-Fri 7.30pm-9.30pm)
Website: www.infertilitynetworkuk.com
A national network for those experiencing fertility problems, offering face-to-face and telephone support and information at regional and national level. By writing to I N UK (with an SAE to the address above) members can request a medical opinion on their condition or treatment received. Various factsheets and other sources of information are available on the website.

More to Life
Tel: 08701 188088 option 3
Website: www.infertilitynetworkuk.com/3f.php
Part of I N UK, this is a national network dedicated to providing a support service to couples who, involuntarily, will remain childless. The vision of MTL is that people who have a life without children, whether they have had unsuccessful treatment or have never had treatment, should not feel isolated and alone. More to Life has a lending library of useful books, factsheets and a regular newsletter. There is a network of members throughout the UK, some who link up in person or over the telephone offering mutual support.

Relate
Herbert Gray College
Little Church Street
Rugby CV21 3AP
Tel: 0845 456 1310 (to find your nearest Relate)
Relateline: 0845 130 4010 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm)
Relate Direct appointments line: 0845 130 4016 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
E-mail: enquiries@relate.org.uk
Website: www.relate.org.uk
The largest relationship counselling organisation in the UK. Offers counselling, psychosexual therapy, and other services to help those experiencing difficulties in any adult couple relationship. Some branches of Relate offer individual counselling to young people. Relateline is for couples experiencing emotional crisis who wish to talk things through with an experienced Relate counsellor. Relate Direct is a telephone counselling service (see website for more details, including costs).

websites

Fertility Friends
www.fertilityfriends.co.uk
Aims to help people through the difficult process of assisted conception by sharing thoughts, experiences and knowledge with others. Membership is free, and members have access to a message board system, chat room and private email system.

IVF Hints
www.fertilityplus.org/faq/ivfhints.html
A page of hints about all aspects of IVF treatment, compiled from the author's and others' experiences of IVF (US based).

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)
www.hfea.gov.uk
A statutory body that regulates, licenses and collects data on fertility treatments such as IVF and donor insemination, as well as human embryo research, in the UK. Contains useful leaflets and an extensive glossary. Their Guide to Infertility and Directory of Clinics will answer questions patients may have about choosing a clinic and the treatment that will follow. It is available free of charge through the website or by e-mailing admin@hfea.gov.uk.

IVF-infertility.com
www.ivf-infertility.com
Designed by infertility specialists primarily for couples who are experiencing difficulty in having a child and who think that they might need medical help. Contains information on infertility, including treatments, legislation plus helpful addresses.

One in Six
www.one-in-six.co.uk
Designed and written by someone who understands the frustration that infertility can cause, this site contains information on infertility and IVF, features details of UK clinics and support groups, looks at funding and insurance and has useful links.

reading

	In Pursuit of Parenthood: Experiences of IVF by Kate Brian (Bloomsbury, 1998) This account of IVF treatment chronicles the joy and pain of couples who embark on IVF. Their stories cover a range of circumstances, from couples who had early successes to a lesbian couple. Advice on coping with the stresses of the treatment is also offered. Get this book
	Your Essential Infertility Companion by Anna Furse (HarperCollins, 2001) A comprehensive guide to IVF treatment with information on the different causes of fertility problems; drug and treatment options; the medical technology and how it works; details of self-help groups; and complementary medicine to help with fertility. Also provides a guide to every UK clinic and hospital offering IVF. Get this book
	The IVF Revolution: The Definitive Guide to Assisted Reproductive Techniques by Robert Winston (Vermilion, 1998) A guide from a leading British expert on the practice and ethics of assisted fertility techniques. Subjects include the latest in vitro fertilisation and gamete intra-fallopian transfer techniques, egg donation and embryo freezing. Winston also looks at the possible causes of infertility and offers advice on the emotional and practical angles. Get this book

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