Fertility treatment: Linked to higher risk of autism?
By Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh
Two very interesting studies were presented on May 20th at the International Meeting for Autism Research in Philadelphia.
The first study showed that 34 percent of 111 moms with an autistic child used fertility drugs compared to 24 percent of 3,900 mothers without an autistic child. Another Israeli study reported that about 10.2 percent of 461 children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder were conceived using IVF, while about 3.5 percent of children in the general Israeli population are conceived that way, according to the study.
How can fertility doctors knowingly put patients at risk for autism? As a fertility expert, there are several reasons why I think that women conceiving with fertility drugs may have a higher risk of having an autistic child. I think the increased risk is likely unrelated to the treatment and due to other factors. Here’s why:
- Women who are carriers for Fragile X syndrome can suffer from infertility. Fragile X syndrome may cause autism in some children. These studies demonstrate how important it is to screen infertile women for Fragile X syndrome pre-pregnancy. Ask your doctor if screening is right for you. It isn’t clear if the moms in the studies were also screened for Fragile X.
- The combination of older paternal age with younger maternal age has been shown (recent UC Davis study) to increase the risk of autism. Many women who use donor eggs are using the eggs of women in their 20s. Eggs from women under 30 combined with paternal age >60 may increase autism risk. The studies have not been published yet so we don’t know whether they accounted for whether donor eggs were used or not.
- Studies have shown that older women are at risk of having a child with autism. Older women tend to use fertility treatments more often than young women. So perhaps we are seeing an age effect. This is definitely something that we need to take very seriously as more and more women are delaying childbearing.
Learning more about the relationship between autism and fertility treatments is very important to me and Laurel Fertility Care. We continue to do our best to give our patients their highest chances of a having a healthy baby.
Laurel Fertility Care Sponsors Choice Moms Networking Workshop
Friday, May 21 – San Francisco, Calif. - Laurel Fertility Care served as a sponsor at the Choice Moms networking workshop in downtown San Francisco on Sunday, May 16. The workshop included small group discussions focused on the fertility and health, finance, stress of a single mother.
The event kicked off with an open group discussion on building a non-traditional family. Many women in the group addressed concerns regarding how to discuss their choice to be a single mom with family and friends – especially with those who do not understand the woman’s decision to be a single parent. Alice Ruby (The Sperm Bank of California), Anne Bernstein (author “Flight of the Stork”) therapist Jean Benward, and Carla Pedrussian (California Cryobank) answered a plethora of questions.
Following the open group non-traditional family conversation, attendees were invited to open roundtable discussions about enhancing fertility and health. On behalf of Laurel Fertility Care, Medical Director Dr. Collin Smikle served as part of the fertility panel discussing fertility options along with fertility specialist Kristin Kali, LM CPM (MIAI Midwifery and Fertility Services LLC). Fertility questions ranged from “what are my options after forty?” to “for me, it’s either IVF or IUI – which do I choice? How should I choose?” Dr. Collin Smikle urged these women to consider what their goals truly are and to remember factors besides their age, including their financial status, emotional state, and supportive environment. Overall these women’s concerns amplified the need for more fertility support among trying and waiting single mothers.
Choice Moms attendees shifted gears to discussing financial options with financial planner, Jennifer I Napper and estate planner Melinda Osterloh. The discussion was led by an overwhelming amount of financial questions by Choice Mom attendees. Speakers provided financial resources – some which are posted on ChoiceMoms.org.
A full group discussion followed up the workshop with stress relief discussions and organizational tips from Judy the Organized Woman and A Clear Vision Organizing. Advice magnified the importance of balancing and how to unload your schedule to help prepare to be a single mother.
The workshop ended with a raffle and giveaway. Among the contributors, Laurel Fertility Care surprised one lucky Choice Mom’s attendee with a $1500 care plan from Laurel Fertility Care. All attendees were invited to complimentary services at Laurel Fertility Care following their participation at the workshop.
Many thanks to Choice Moms founder, Mikki Morrisette for inviting Laurel Fertility Care to meet the Choice Moms of the Bay Area. As a returning networking workshop, Choice Moms is a worldwide community serving all women who are thinking, trying, waiting, becoming, or being a single mother.
Laurel Fertility Care
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley, Laurel Fertility Care is a renowned fertility practice led by highly respected reproductive endocrinologists. Our practice combines cutting edge science and holistic mind body practices to help you achieve your dreams of parenthood. Join us for a free seminar Understanding Fertility & Achieving Results by calling 1-888-442-3888 or visiting http://laurelfertility.com.
For more information or media requests contact:
Carlie Hanson
415.673.9199
