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***PRESS RELEASE***October 14th 2011:  Contact: Jenni Potter

EARLY PREGNANCY CHARITY WELCOMES RESEARCH INTO MISCARRIAGE DIAGNOSIS AND SUPPORTS CALLS FOR FURTHER STUDIES

The publication of research into methods of diagnosing miscarriage has been welcomed by early pregnancy complication charity, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.

Three new studies into assessment methods for suspected miscarriage appear in the current edition of the medical journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, revealing room for improvement in current guidelines for diagnosis.

The research, carried out by teams at Imperial College London, indicates that current methods could lead to a small number of women diagnosed with miscarriage accepting medical or surgical intervention that would result in the ending of pregnancies that could still be viable.

Experts are now hoping that clinical guidelines will be reconsidered in order to ensure that the risk of viable pregnancies being classified as miscarriages can be reduced, a call that is supported by The EPT – the charity for early pregnancy complications (www.ectopic.org.uk)

Professor Tom Bourne, leader of one of the research groups, said he hoped that the results of their work would lead to a review of guidelines and would prompt funding for further studies in the field.

Director of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, Helen Wilkinson, explained that the charity was heartened by the ongoing research into early pregnancy complications, the publication of which is all the more appropriate as this is International Baby Loss Awareness Week, which culminates in the ‘Wave of Light’ on the 15th October, where families and those affected by pregnancy and baby loss light a candle of  remembrance at 7 p.m.

She said: “The EPT welcomes this research which provides a much clearer definition of miscarriage.  We hope that this data will be used to create more robust guidelines in treating women with a suspected miscarriage.

She added: “It is encouraging for women who have a query over their pregnancy to know that medical professionals are dedicated to ensuring they have the best possible chance of a positive outcome. We know from experience that when women experience complications in early pregnancy it can be a very distressing time for them and their partners – any research which is able to help improve the ability to assess pregnancy viability and remove uncertainty is therefore an exciting development.”

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust can also put journalists in touch with families whose lives have been affected by ectopic pregnancy and baby loss and who can give a firsthand account of the condition and its legacy, as well as being able to share some heart warming stories of hope following ectopic pregnancy please email ept@ectopic.org.uk for further details.
  • The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust was established in 1998, in memory of Sophie Winter, who sadly lost her life due to a misdiagnosis of her ectopic pregnancy. The charity seeks to provide information, education and support to those affected by early pregnancy complications and to the health professionals who care for them.
  • Ectopic pregnancy affects one in 80 pregnancies. There are 32,000 recorded ectopic pregnancies in the UK every three years and approximately five women die each year in the UK as a result of ectopic pregnancy

 

Contact: Jenni Potter:  press@ectopic.org.uk

Press Mob: 07928 387461

***PRESS RELEASE*** January 11th 2011:  Contact: Jenni Potter

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Welcomes Research into Link Between Chlamydia and Ectopic Pregnancy

The publication of research that helps to explain the link between Chlamydia and ectopic pregnancy has been welcomed by The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Reproductive Biology have revealed that the common sexually transmitted infection increases the risk of the condition, where a fertilised egg implants outside of the womb, in more ways than originally presumed.

While doctors have long known that scarring as a result of a Chlamydia infection can be a contributing factor in the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies, studies led by Dr Andrew Horne have now revealed that the condition can also increase production of a protein that can encourage eggs to implant ectopically in the fallopian tubes.

If left untreated ectopic pregnancies can rupture causing internal bleeding, a situation that kills five women each year in the UK alone.

The research, published in the American Journal of Pathology, has been welcomed by UK charity The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust which seeks to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy amongst women of childbearing age, the medical profession and the general public.

Director of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Helen Wilkinson said: “We welcome any research that investigates the causes of ectopic pregnancy, a condition which causes both physical and emotional
trauma for many.

“Having data that explains how chlamydia can cause ectopic pregnancies provides us with greater  understanding of the condition and gives us even more means to raise awareness of the importance of safe sex and sexual health testing for those who are sexually active.

“Any research that can help to reduce the incidence of ectopic pregnancy is extremely valuable”

-ENDS-

***PRESS RELEASE*** 27th September 2010

 

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Welcomes Research Explaining the Link between Smoking and Ectopic Pregnancy

 

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust has welcomed the publication of research that explains the link between smoking and ectopic pregnancy, saying it offers women at risk an opportunity to reduce their chances of suffering from the life threatening condition.

A study by University of Edinburgh Scientists has been published in the American Journal of Pathology explaining why women who smoke could be as much as four times more likely to suffer an ectopic Pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy occurs in around one in every 80 pregnancies and is caused by a fertilised egg implanting outside of the womb. If left untreated ectopic pregnancies can rupture causing internal bleeding – a situation that kills five women each year in the UK.

The new research shows that smokers have an increased level of the protein PROKR1 in their fallopian tubes. The protein is instrumental in helping pregnancies implant in the womb, but when present in the fallopian tubes can hinder the progress of a fertilised egg, increasing the chances of a pregnancy being ectopic.

The study, funded by Wellbeing of Women, was led by Edinburgh University’s Dr Andrew Horne from the Centre for Reproductive Biology who said: “This research provides scientific evidence so that we can understand why women who smoke are more at risk of ectopic pregnancies and how smoking impacts on reproductive health.”

Izzie Oakley, Services and Support Manager for The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust (www.ectopic.org.uk) said: “Understanding the causes of Ectopic Pregnancy is one of the keys to helping reduce the number of women who are affected by this dangerous and devastating condition.

“While previous research has recognised an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy to women who smoke cigarettes, this study helps us to understand the actual physical effects of cigarette smoking in relation to ectopic pregnancy and will enable women to make informed choices about their lifestyle whilst understanding the possible impacts of smoking on their future fertility and general health.

“This research gives those women at risk the opportunity to prevent ectopic pregnancy from
cigarette smoking by better understanding the reasons to quit.”

“The possible prevention of ectopic pregnancy is another good reason for women, who will already be aware of the risks of cancer and heart or lung diseases, to attempt to give up smoking.

“The NHS offers a wide range of support services. Anyone who wants to stop smoking should contact their GP who can offer help and advice or even refer them to an NHS Stop Smoking support service. These services offer the best support for people who want to give up smoking and  studies show that people who take this route are four times more likely to quit. For more information, call the NHS Stop Smoking helpline on 0800 022 4332 (England only). Or visit http://smokefree.nhs.uk”

-ENDS-

***PRESS RELEASE*** 2nd September 2010

Streatham Hill Mum Helping Raise Awareness of Life Threatening Pregnancy Condition

A Streatham Hill mum has been pounding the pavements in preparation to run 5k this weekend to raise awareness of a life threatening pregnancy condition that kills five women each year in the UK.

Fiona Manto, 38, of Streatham Hill will be taking part in the Adidas Women’s Challenge 5k run in Hyde Park on Sunday, September 5, to raise money for The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust (www.ectopic.org.uk).

Fiona decided to take part in the event to say thank you for the help and support she received from The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust when she sadly lost a baby to ectopic pregnancy, a life threatening condition that occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside of the uterus.

Explaining her choice to take part in the event, Fiona said: “In November 2007 I suffered an ectopic pregnancy.

“Through the acute medical emergency, methotrexate injection, then rupture and surgery to remove my right tube, I was supported by The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust forum and helpline.

“All my questions were answered and I felt really looked after. In the immediate aftermath it was the only place I could find help and understanding.

“In the three years after my ectopic, and having lost another baby, it is still the place I know I can go and ask for advice, for help and just to have a chat with other women who have been through the same thing. I have made some wonderful friends through the EPT and I wanted to give something back. It is a fantastic charity.”

Fiona, who claims not to have run at all for the last two decades, has been training for the event in recent weeks and is hoping to be able to run for the whole 5k on the day.

“My running is actually slow jogging,” she joked.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Fiona’s fundraising efforts or sponsoring her attempt should visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FionaManto.

***PRESS RELEASE*** 15th April 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Consett Woman Makes Marathon Effort to Raise Awareness of Life Threatening Condition

A Consett woman who lost two babies to ectopic pregnancy is running the Virgin London Marathon to raise awareness of this life threatening condition.

Amanda Barsby, 43, from Consett, lost two babies to ectopic pregnancy – a condition where the fertilised egg implants outside of the womb – in the 1990s.

Following traumatic treatment for the condition, which affects one in 80 pregnancies and kills around five women each year in the UK alone, Amanda found that there was a lack of support for those affected by the condition.

Since that time, bank worker Amanda has discovered the work of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, a charity established in 1998 to raise awareness of the condition and provide information and support to those affected by it.

Amanda explained: “I chose The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust as my charity for the marathon as I had two ectopic pregnancies in the 1990s. My second ectopic was very traumatic and I needed a blood transfusion. At the time I found there wasn’t any support for “sufferers”.

Amanda, who has one son born before her ectopic pregnancies, hopes that her efforts will help prevent other families suffering as hers did.

She said: “I would love it if research could save families going through what we went through”

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust’s service and support manager Izzie Oakley said: “The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, like many specialist charities, relies entirely on donations from its supporters, sponsors and third party fundraisers. In the absence of government funding, it’s entirely due to the efforts of people like Amanda that we are able to continue to deliver the information, education and support that our service users ask us for.”

…continues

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NOTES TO EDITORS

  • Amanda is available for interviews and pictures and can be contacted directly on ############
  • Ectopic Pregnancy affects one in 80 pregnancies. There are 32,000 recorded ectopic pregnancies in the UK every three years and approximately five women die each year in the UK as a result of ectopic pregnancy
  • The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust was established in 1998, in memory of Sophie Winter, who sadly lost her life due to a misdiagnosis of her ectopic pregnancy. The charity seeks to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy amongst women of childbearing age, the medical profession and the general public.
  • A downloadable press pack containing further information on both the condition and the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust is available by visiting www.ectopic.org.uk/press/press_pack.htm

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***PRESS RELEASE*** 15th April 2010

DRAFT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yorkshire Man Makes Marathon Effort to Raise Awareness of Life Threatening Condition

A Cleckheaton husband is to run the Virgin London Marathon in order to raise awareness of a life threatening condition that has touched his life.

Mark Johnson, 32, of Green Bank, Cleackheaton, will take on the gruelling 26.2 mile course in the nation’s capital on Sunday, April 25,in memory of the baby he and his wife Suzanne lost to ectopic pregnancy – a condition that occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside of the womb.

Ectopic pregnancies affect one in 80 pregnancies and kill five women each year in the UK alone.

And in an effort to raise awareness of the condition, Mark, a mail order manager, is running in aid of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust – a charity that provided his family with invaluable information and support when his wife was diagnosed as suffering from an ectopic pregnancy.

He explained: “I have chosen to support The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust because it is something that has affected my family directly and at the time it happened something my wife and I knew very little about.

“We were desperate to find out as much as we could about this condition but there was no information in the hospital and the nurses and doctors either wouldn’t or couldn’t answer many of our questions.

“We then found The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust website which was helpful, informative and answered all of our questions.  We also found comfort and support from others who had been through similar experiences.

“I would like to be able to give something back to The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust and by running the marathon I hope to play my part in raising awareness of this potentially life threatening condition while at the same time raising funds towards the continued work of the trust. I know that my wife and I would have been very much left in the dark without their help and support and for this I will always be very grateful.”

…continues

 

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The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust’s service and support manager Izzie Oakley said: “The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, like many specialist charities, relies entirely on donations from its supporters, sponsors and third party fundraisers. In the absence of government funding, it’s entirely due to the efforts of people like Mark that we are able to continue to deliver the information, education and support that our service users ask us for.”

Anyone wishing to donate, or to find out more about Mark’s fundraising efforts, can visit www.bmycharity.com/markjohnson

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • Mark is available for interviews and pictures and can be contacted directly on ######### or by email ###########
  • A Picture of Mark for publication is available upon application
  • Ectopic Pregnancy affects one in 80 pregnancies. There are 32,000 recorded ectopic pregnancies in the UK every three years and approximately five women die each year in the UK as a result of ectopic pregnancy
  • The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust was established in 1998, in memory of Sophie Winter, who sadly lost her life due to a misdiagnosis of her ectopic pregnancy. The charity seeks to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy amongst women of childbearing age, the medical profession and the general public.
  • A downloadable press pack containing further information on both the condition and the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust is available by visiting www.ectopic.org.uk/press/press_pack.htm

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***PRESS RELEASE***  23rd February 2010

DRAFT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fordham Woman Will Jump to Raise Awareness of Life Threatening Condition

 

Helen Tedman, 22, from Fordham, Ely, will leap from a plane this weekend in an effort to help raise awareness of a pregnancy condition that sadly touched her life.

Ms Tedman will to take part in a sponsored skydiving event at Beccles Airfield near Lowestoft on Saturday after losing a baby to ectopic pregnancy – a condition which occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside of the womb.

The environmental health technical officer, of Station Road, Fordham, decided to attempt the daunting task in order to help raise funds for The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust – a charity aimed at raising awareness of the life threatening condition that affects around one in every 80 pregnancies and kills five women each year in the UK – after suffering an ectopic pregnancy herself.

And now she wants to give something back to the charity that proved an invaluable means of support as she recovered physically and emotionally from the experience

Ms Tedman explained: “I have chosen to support The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust because I recently had an ectopic pregnancy.”

After undergoing treatment, Ms Tedman found she had a number of questions about the condition, her recovery and the implications for her future fertility.

Turning to the internet for information she discovered the website of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust (www.ectopic.org.uk)

She said: “At the time, I had heard of ectopic pregnancies but didn’t really know all the implications and how emotional the whole experience would be.

“The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust helped me through the forums and information on the website and made me realise that it is actually quite common, and that all who experience it feel the same way.”

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust’s service and support manager Izzie Oakley said: “The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, like many specialist charities, relies entirely on donations from its supporters, sponsors and third party fundraisers. In the absence of government funding, it’s entirely due to the efforts of people like Helen that we are able to continue to deliver the information, education and support that our service users ask us for.”

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Anyone wishing to donate, or to find out more about Helen’s fundraising efforts, can visit https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/Helensskydive

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • Helen is available for interviews and pictures and can be contacted directly on ###########
  • Ectopic Pregnancy affects one in 80 pregnancies. There are 32,000 recorded ectopic pregnancies in the UK every three years and approximately five women die each year in the UK as a result of ectopic pregnancy
  • The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust was established in 1998, in memory of Sophie Winter, who sadly lost her life due to a misdiagnosis of her ectopic pregnancy. The charity seeks to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy amongst women of childbearing age, the medical profession and the general public.
  • A downloadable press pack containing further information on both the condition and the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust is available by visiting www.ectopic.org.uk/press/press_pack.htm

***PRESS RELEASE*** 17th September 2009

DRAFT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Buckhurst Hill woman in South American mission to raise awareness of life-threatening pregnancy condition.

Charlotte Caley, 30, has today set off for Peru where she plans to trek Machu Picchu to help raise awareness of Ectopic Pregnancy, a life-threatening condition that affect 1 in 80 pregnancies in the UK.

Charlotte, of Hornbeam Road, Buckhurst Hill, will complete a sponsored trek () in aid of The Ectopic Pregnacy Trust (www.ectopic.org.uk).

The charity account handler was asked to join the trek as part of her work, but decided to turn the trip into a fundraising opportunity for a charity that has touched her life.

In May of this year, Charlotte was diagnosed as suffering from an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside of the womb. As ectopic pregnancies are sadly not viable, she underwent keyhole surgery at Whipps Cross Hospital to remove the pregnancy and her left fallopian tube.

While Charlotte received great care during her stay at the hospital, on discharge, she found she was left with questions about her fertility and the implications of her treatment, “I needed to know what the future held for me now,” she explained.

Hoping to find out the answer to her questions, Charlotte turned to the internet, and quickly discovered the website of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.

She said: “It had all the information I needed and, while it was very emotional to read about other people’s experiences on the site, it was also encouraging to see that the majority had had positive outcomes.”

So it was with this experience in mind, the Charlotte decided to dedicate her upcoming trek to The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, a charity that works to raise awareness of the condition, which kills five women each year in the UK, both among the general public and in the medical profession.

She will spend the next 10 days trekking through the Andes, visiting traditional Peruvian villages and tackling remote mountain trails on her way to Machu Picchu – one of the worlds most important and inspiring archaeological finds.

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust’s service and support manager Izzie Oakley said: “The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, like many specialist charities, relies entirely on donations from its supporters, sponsors and third party fundraisers. In the absence of government funding, it’s entirely due to the efforts of people like Charlotte that we are able to continue to deliver the information, education and support that our service users ask us for.”

Anyone wishing to donate, or to find out more about Charlotte’s fundraising efforts, can visit http://www.bmycharity.com/V2/Charlottecaley.

 

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • Charlotte can be contacted directly on #######  or by emailing ####### She will be back in the UK on September 30th 2009 and available for follow up pieces.
  • A picture of Charlotte for publication is available upon application
  • Ectopic Pregnancy affects one in 80 pregnancies. There are 32,000 recorded ectopic pregnancies in the UK every three years and approximately five women die each year in the UK as a result of ectopic pregnancy
  • The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust was established in 1998, in memory of Sophie Winter, who sadly lost her life due to a misdiagnosis of her ectopic pregnancy. The charity seeks to raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy amongst women of childbearing age, the medical profession and the general public.
  • A downloadable press pack containing further information on both the condition and the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust is available by visiting www.ectopic.org.uk/press/press_pack.htm

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