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Summary: Authors' reply to reader's comment
Review: Having seen a reader's comments regarding our book's explanation of the role DES exposure plays in infertility problems, we would like to clarify several issues. First, the reader is not correct in saying that the FDA officially removed DES from the market in 1971. In fact, the FDA has never removed DES from the market. However, it did review the use of DES in pregnancy in 1969. This review was initiated because reproductive abnormalities were being seen in the 1960's in women whose mothers had been given DES while pregnant during the 1940's and 1950's. Following their review, the FDA formally concluded in 1971 that DES was directly related to female fetus reproductive tract abnormalities. From a practical standpoint, that conclusion merely formalized information which had already become common knowledge in the medical community. True, DES has remained available up through the present. But doctors were clearly aware of the problems it caused when used as a treatment for the prevention of miscarriage as early as the late 1950's and certainly by the 1960's, and most had stopped prescribing it during pregnancy. Thus, though it is not impossible that an individual born in 1965 would have had in utero DES exposure, it is extremely unlikely. Second, the reader's remarks imply that our book minimizes the role of DES in causing reproductive problems. This is not correct. The pages of the book which the reader refers to state that "abnormalities related to DES exposure are probably the most common type of congenital cervical problems found in women today." The book then details the types of problems which can be caused by in utero DES exposure. Having detailed these problems, the book goes on to warn readers of the possibility that other drugs, which have not yet been pinpointed, may be causing DES type abnormalities. The point of the clinical example discussed in our book is not to review in depth the issues of DES, but rather to inform the reader that abnormalities similar to those we saw from DES are still being seen today! These are not related to DES and thus need to be investigated to determine if there is another similar etiology. Unfortunately, the reader's reaction is negating the extensive, valuable information which the book provides. We strongly disagree that our book "is spreading inaccurate, potentially harmful information". In fact, the contrary is true.
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Summary: Great Guide to anyone working through infertility
Review: After 6 years of trying to start a family we purchased this book. Two years later we managed to conceive, however we lost the baby at 8 weeks. Although we are lost at the moment we will try again. This book helped us to conceive. It's also helping us with our miscarriage. I have shared this book with others and they have all found it helpful. We have purchased other titles, however non-compare. It is easy to read and understand. Definitely recommend this to anyone trying to understand their infertility and options.
Rating:
Summary: Great Guide to anyone working through infertility
Review: After 6 years of trying to start a family we purchased this book. Two years later we managed to conceive, however we lost the baby at 8 weeks. Although we are lost at the moment we will try again. This book helped us to conceive. It's also helping us with our miscarriage. I have shared this book with others and they have all found it helpful. We have purchased other titles, however non-compare. It is easy to read and understand. Definitely recommend this to anyone trying to understand their infertility and options.
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Summary: More DES info at http://www.desaction.org
Review: An earlier reviewer mentioned DES and it made me curious. Used google search on DES (diethylstilbestrol) and found lots of info, including www.desaction.org. Anyone curious about fertility should educate themselves on this issue. I've not read the book, but could not add this comment without specifying "stars", so i picked the middle. Shoot me.
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Summary: Five stars plus!!! Essential reading!
Review: Dr Marrs' book provides a comprehensive look at reproductive treatments written by one of the most acknowledged experts in the field. He presents the current technologies along with a compassionate approach, answering many thoughtful questions which patients would want to ask if they were actual patients of Marrs. And his guidance is wonderful....we've named one of our twins after him..a true success story!!!
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Summary: Great guide for anyone undergoing infertility treatments
Review: Dr. Marrs' Fertility Book is a handy reference for couples who may be experiencing infertility. Dr. Marrs clearly explains the various procedures used to determain the cause(s) of infertility. He also provides detailed explainations on the various treatments used to try and acheive pregnancy. Dr. Marr's book has answered many of my questions as I work through my own infertility issues. I highly recommend this book as a handy reference for anyone who is being treated for infertility.
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Summary: The best reference book for couples undergoing IF treatment!
Review: Dr. Richard Marrs' book is the most wonderful purchase I've made in a long-time. I have several "fertility" related books, and this book is the most "dog-eared" of the lot. He has a great conversational style, and he explains the "theory" behind the treatments. That way as new techniques are developed, it's easy for the informed patient to understand why treatment plans change because the fundamentals are so well understood. Highly recommended reference book for all IF patients!
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Summary: The best reference book for couples undergoing IF treatment!
Review: Dr. Richard Marrs' book is the most wonderful purchase I've made in a long-time. I have several "fertility" related books, and this book is the most "dog-eared" of the lot. He has a great conversational style, and he explains the "theory" behind the treatments. That way as new techniques are developed, it's easy for the informed patient to understand why treatment plans change because the fundamentals are so well understood. Highly recommended reference book for all IF patients!
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Summary: Thanks Doctor !
Review: I am an Indian residing in United States. I found this book very helpful in understanding my treatment. With the help of this book I could anticipate my doctor's plans and actions and ask intelligent questions from her. I would recommend this book to any couple who is undergoing infertility treatment and wants to have indepth information about what might lay ahead. Last of all, thanks doctor for the wonderful book.
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Summary: Medical Info combined with Emotional Info
Review: I bought this book after 2 years + of infertility, and still learned information from Dr. Marrs. The tone of his book is not condescending, but helpful to the reader, and the patient experiences he puts in the book to discuss the emotional aspects of the disease cover all areas that couples go through. An wonderful resource!
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