The Embryo Capsule

Posted by Joanna Karpasea-Jones Jul 29, 2008

When BioXcell announced their new invention, the Invocell Capsule in which an embryo can be fertilised in the vagina, it was touted by some as the IVF treatment you could take in your lunch break or on the way to the office.

Such a device certainly appealed to me. Research in numerous journals has suggested that IVF increases the risks of miscarriage, birth defects and premature delivery, so anything which mimics natural conception has got to be a good thing for both mother and baby - far gentler than sterile clinics, latex gloves, petri dishes and solution.

The embryo capsule seems like a promising and less invasive idea.

IVF is only free for one cycle in the UK and in other countries is paid for by medical insurance, loans or even by remortgaging your home, so any device which cuts down the running costs of assisted conception is surely welcome.

But come on people, IVF on your lunch hour?

In this fast paced world we are all encouraged to work full time, clean our homes as well as Martha Stewart, raise our families and engage in successful marriages all simultaneously. Usually something has to give and these days instead of being praised to be the mother's of our children, we are told to leave them in Daycare in favour of the office. I'm not against women working, but I think there are times and places for it. I think if we all slowed down, put more emphasis on our families and just relaxed, some of us might get pregnant anyway.

For those that don't, forget your lunch break and take all the time you need to concentrate on your treatment. If your dream baby arrives, take the time off work to revel in mother bliss and remember, there's more to life than the rat race.