Fertile ground: exploring the science of human fertility

Sex cells (sperm and oocytes) carry genetic information, and ensuring the fidelity of this DNA is crucial to prevent mutations or abnormalities in babies. Reproductive cells must employ sophisticated DNA repair mechanisms to maintain genomic integrity as they are exposed to many sources of DNA damage over time. Accumulation of DNA damage can compromise fertility, with most genetic risk factors for fertility being associated with the DNA damage response. We will explore why efficient DNA repair is so crucial for maintaining viable sex cells and how this promotes fertility in humans.

Ancient Mediterranean societies were pro-natalists. This pro-natalism is discernible in various types of sources, including historical narrative, legal texts, and medical accounts. In medicine we find numerous remedies to promote fertility and prevent barrenness, as well as aphrodisiacs to encourage people to engage in sexual activities. We do, however, also have a few recipes for contraceptives. Here, I ask who would have used such contraceptives and on what principles they were thought to work. We will also question the boundary between abortion and contraception.

Valentine is an internationally recognised Consultant Gynaecologist, Fertility Specialist & Reproductive Surgeon. He leads the premier Private Fertility Clinic in Bristol – the “Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine” –BCRM, and also sees patients at the Spire Bristol Hospital.

He has been treating couples with Fertility and Reproductive problems since 1995 and has personally helped several hundred fulfil their dream of having a baby. In 2013, he was named as one of the UK’s top 10 Fertility consultants in the prestigious Tatler Doctors Guide. He continually strives to be at the forefront of ongoing training and research to ensure that his patients receive the most up-to-date care, advice and treatment.