Latest news with #fertility
Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The fertility clinic where mothers-to-be can have one of Telegram tycoon Pavel Durov's children - as he promises to leave £17billion fortune to his '106 sons and daughters'
A Moscow fertility clinic claims to offer would-be mothers the chance to conceive a child by one of Russia 's most successful entrepreneurs for free. Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of messaging platform Telegram, has fathered six children with three different partners. But the 40-year-old is believed to have around 100 more after he donated sperm on a mass scale to dozens of couples in 12 different countries. AltraVita IVF clinic - a facility located in Moscow's southwestern Akademicheskaya region known for its high concentration of scientific and educational establishments - boasts not only that it has samples of Durov's sperm, but that the tech tycoon will finance the whole procedure. 'Pavel Durov is willing to finance all the IVF protocols that use his sperm. It is a very generous contribution to society from someone who wants to help those dreaming of becoming parents,' the offer on AltraVita's website reads. Speaking to Russia's RTVI outlet, AltraVita CEO Sergei Yakovenko - also an associate professor of biophysics at the prestigious Moscow State University - confirmed the offer is real and explained he was a long-time friend of the Telegram founder. It comes after an earlier report last July by Russia's E1 news outlet claimed those interested in utilising Durov's sperm would have to shell out some 35,000 rubles (£330), not including the cost of insemination. Candidates would also reportedly have to meet a litany of requirements set out in an intensive questionnaire. In an interview this week with France 's Le Point magazine, the tech mogul declared he plans to leave his £17 billion fortune to all of his offspring, adding that he saw no difference between the children he conceived naturally and those who came from sperm donations. 'They are all my children and will all have the same rights', Durov said. 'I don't want them to tear each other apart after my death.' But none of them will get any cash for 30 years, he added. 'I want them to live like normal people, to build their lives on their own, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create - not to be dependent on a bank account'. The billionaire first revealed that he had fathered several children via sperm donation last year after a Russian woman based in Switzerland claimed that he was the father to her three children. Irina Bolgar, 44, claimed in Russian Forbes that Durov had fathered her daughter and two sons, born in St Petersburg in 2013, 2016 and 2017, and that they carry his name. She also admitted knowing about Durov's sperm donation. In a post to his own Telegram profile last year, Durov addressed the claims he had fathered more than 100 children and said donating sperm was his 'civic duty'. He also explained how he came to be a sperm donor in the first place. 'Fifteen years ago, a friend of mine approached me with a weird request. He said that he and his wife couldn't have kids due to a fertility issue and asked me to donate sperm at a clinic for them to have a baby... 'The boss of the clinic told me that 'high quality donor material' was in short supply and that it was my civic duty to donate more sperm to anonymously help more couples,' he wrote. 'Fast forward to 2024, my past donating activity has helped over a hundred couples in 12 countries to have kids. Moreover, many years after I stopped being a donor, at least one IVF clinic still has my frozen sperm available for anonymous use by families who want to have kids,' he said, likely in reference to AltraVita. He went on to explain that he planned to 'open source' his DNA, enabling his biological children worldwide to find and connect with one another. Durov, whose messaging platform has over one billion monthly active users around the world, has been dubbed the Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk of Russia. His fortune is estimated at up to £17billion and he remains the sole owner of Telegram despite widespread pressure to sell the business. Born in Russia, Durov spent many of his childhood years in Italy before returning to his homeland when his father, a scholar in ancient Roman literature, landed a new job at St Petersburg University. At the age of 21, he set up VKontakte (In Contact), a social media site that came to be known as the 'Facebook of Russia'. When he refused to provide data on Ukrainian protestors to Russian security agencies in 2014, he was effectively forced to relinquish control of VKontakte. This, he said, was the main factor that motivated him to leave Russia for good. It was the Russian government's desire to censor and surveil, and the absence of any secure form of online communication network in Russia, that gave Durov the idea for Telegram. The entrepreneur launched Telegram but struggled to settle in several cities, including Berlin, London and San Francisco, because of 'bureaucratic hurdles' put in his way. He retains dual French and Emirati citizenship, but ultimately decided to headquarter Telegram in Dubai rather than Paris. 'I chose Dubai because I can manage a global company there much more efficiently,' he told Le Point. 'Unlike France, where bureaucracy is heavy, Dubai offers an agile environment. The procedures are automated there, supported by artificial intelligence, and almost everything is done online. Even justice is faster there. 'In France, a simple tax investigation can freeze a company's accounts for years, until it suffocates, even if it is later cleared. This kind of heaviness kills the entrepreneurial spirit,' he said. Last year, the tech mogul was detained and charged by French authorities amid an investigation into crimes related to child pornography, drug trafficking and fraudulent transactions associated with his app. In March, he denied any wrongdoing and recounted his frustration to Le Point earlier this week. 'It's totally absurd. Just because criminals use our messaging service among many others doesn't make those who run it criminals... Nothing has ever been proven showing that I am, even for a second, guilty of anything,' he said.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause reveals her 'last attempt' to start family with Aussie partner G Flip - as she shares IVF 'hell'
Chrishell Stause has revealed she is making one 'last attempt' at getting pregnant via IVF so she can expand her family with partner G Flip. The couple, who tied the knot in Las Vegas in 2023, have been very open about their desire to have children and the painful side-effects of the fertility process. Now, the Selling Sunset star, 43, has confessed in an Instagram post she doesn't wish to go through the 'hell' of IVF injections again, and is giving it one last chance. 'Back on the IVF hell train. I think this may be my last attempt,' she began. 'There are other alternatives, but this route needed to be tried first bc of timing. So if it's meant to be, it will be. If not, pivot.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Along with the caption, Chrishell included a photo of her follicle-stimulating hormone and the pen used to inject it into her body. According to CCRM Fertility, a Follistim Pen is used to induce ovulation and is responsible for stimulating growth and the maturation of the eggs. The post comes after Chrishell revealed a painful side effect of her fertility process with her nonbinary spouse G Flip. Chrishell disclosed in April she and G Flip, 31, are 'actively trying' to expand their family and have taken medical steps towards their goal. 'I'm literally still bleeding from a shot I had to just give myself,' Chrishell shared while speaking to Us Weekly at the Tryst hotel opening in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The development came nearly three years after G Flip, who uses 'they/them' pronouns, openly declared a desire to have children with Chrishell. 'I definitely see children in my future,' G Flip said on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast in May 2022, the month Chrishell announced their relationship on Selling Sunset. 'Right now, me and Chrishell know where we are in the stages of our lives. And we're very transparent about that,' the Australian singer added. 'I love children. I was a music teacher for years before I became a session drummer and then a solo artist. 'So I was like, I've always loved kids and yeah, definitely one day that'll be in the future.' Chrishell and G Flip first met at a Halloween party in 2021, approximately two years after the collapse of Chrishell's marriage to This Is Us star Justin Hartley. G Flip and Chrishell started dating in March 2022 and went public with their relationship that May before getting married in secret the following year.
The Sun
16 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
I'm having a baby with new boyfriend – but he abandoned me then got woman I loathe pregnant
DEAR DEIDRE: DISCOVERING I was pregnant by my new boyfriend was a welcome surprise and I really embraced the idea of becoming a mum. However, he has really shown his true colours by abandoning me and also getting a woman I loathe pregnant at the same time. I'm 36 and have always longed for a baby. I previously tried for years with a previous partner and even went through IVF on my own, but fertility issues left me with little hope. So I was delighted to discover that I am expecting. My boyfriend is 39 and we'd only been seeing each other a short while, but it didn't take long before the excitement set in. And I really thought we had a future together. Then we had a huge blowout because he was being evasive about us moving in together, and I said he would need to share the load of having a newborn. He stormed out — no goodbye, no explanation, he just vanished, leaving me to face everything alone. I was heartbroken. Just as I was beginning to feel excited about the baby again, he got in touch and dropped a bombshell. He'd got another woman pregnant. She's someone I've never liked. We share mutual friends, and she's always been sly — copying me, making passive-aggressive digs, even trying it on with an ex of mine. We've had our fair share of drama and arguments over the years. Now I feel betrayed all over again. I know technically we weren't together, but he knew how I felt about her. He says he wants to be involved with our baby and step up. But how can I trust him, especially when he's having a child with her too? Dear Deidre: Spotting the signs your partner is cheating DEIDRE SAYS: This is a lot to process, especially after everything you've been through to become a mum. Your ex didn't cheat but it's the emotional betrayal and timing that's so painful. Unprotected sex with someone he knows you dislike, so soon after leaving you, feels like a slap in the face. Does having him involved feel supportive or stressful? You have every right to set boundaries that protect your peace and wellbeing. Co-parenting is possible without rekindling a relationship. Talking to a therapist can help you decide what's best for you. Tavistock Relationships ( 020 7380 1960) can help. GIRL MATE IS SINGLE AGAIN AND I WANT TO MAKE A MOVE DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER years of hiding my feelings, the girl I've always fancied is suddenly single – and now I'm wondering what I should do next. The last thing I want to do is overstep, but I'm terrified if I don't make a move I'll be stuck in the friendzone forever. I'm 27, she's 26, and we've always been close, but I never thought she saw me that way. She was with her boyfriend for a long time, so I kept my feelings to myself and stayed just friends. However, she's recently broken up with him, and I'm not sure what to do. I want to make my feelings known, but I'm worried she might just be looking for a rebound, and I don't want to be the one who gets hurt or used. At the same time, I don't want to wait too long and miss my chance. How do I tell her how I feel? I feel anxious even thinking about it. DEIDRE SAYS: It's normal to worry about being seen as a rebound, especially after someone has just left a long-term relationship. Take things slowly and be a supportive friend first. It's likely she'll probably need some time to heal. When the moment feels right, be honest about your feelings without putting pressure on her. While you can't guarantee that she will reciprocate, being genuine and patient gives you the best chance of building something meaningful. SCARED TO LEAVE ABUSIVE PARTNER DEAR DEIDRE: FOR years, I've been trapped in a toxic relationship with a man who controls every part of my life – emotionally, verbally and financially. Now I finally have the means to leave, I'm terrified. I'm 38, he's 42, we've been together over a decade and have two children. The last few years have been a living nightmare. He constantly puts me down, isolates me from friends, and lashes out in anger that sometimes get physical. I spend every day walking on eggshells, terrified of setting him off. I've wanted to leave so many times, but I've had no money, no support network. But recently, my grandmother passed away and left me an inheritance. It's not life-changing, but it's enough to get out. I feel paralysed by fear. What if I can't manage on my own? I want a better life for my children, but I don't know how to take that first step. Help. DEIDRE SAYS: You've shown incredible strength by surviving this long, and now you have a real chance to break free. It's normal to feel scared, but staying may cause more harm in the long run. Reach out to Women's Aid ( or call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, who can help you plan your next steps safely. I'm sending you my pack, Abusive Partner?, which offers further support. PAL IN LOVE WITH A SEX OFFENDER DEAR DEIDRE: MY best friend has fallen head over heels for a convicted sex offender, and I'm terrified she's putting love before her child's safety. We are both 37 and have been friends since school. I've always known her to be a great mum to her ten-year-old daughter. But now I'm questioning her judgement. She met this man online about six months ago. Not long into dating, he told her he had a conviction for a sex offence that happened 'years ago'. He claims it was a misunderstanding and that he's a changed man. She believes him completely. Her family and I have tried to warn her to be careful, especially with her daughter at home, but she says we're being judgmental and that she knows him better than anyone. Now he's moved in with them, and I can't shake the feeling that something's not right. Should I leave her to trust her instincts, or is my sense of duty to protect that little girl the right path? I feel torn. What should I do? DEIDRE SAYS: You're right to trust your instincts – when it comes to a child's safety, it's always better to be cautious. It's deeply worrying that your friend is ignoring your concerns. While people can change, sex offences are serious and not to be dismissed. You need to have a very frank conversation with your friend. Explain, firmly but compassionately, that while you love and care for her, you're extremely worried about her daughter's well- being. Let her know this isn't about judging her relationship but about protecting a child. If, after that, she still refuses to listen, you may need to consider raising a safeguarding concern with your local children's services. I'm sending you my pack, Worried A Child's At Risk?, which has further advice and resources.
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Cheltenham woman, 28, donates her eggs to help families
A woman who donated her eggs before having a family of her own said she wanted to give other people the chance to have Ward, 28, from Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, decided to donate her eggs to a fertility clinic in London. Ms Ward said: "I know how much it means to me to one day have kids of my own and I thought - why not? If it means that much to me I know it means that much to other people, too."Research shows that fertility challenges are increasing, with one in seven couples now struggling to conceive. Ms Ward said: "I've always wanted kids but haven't found the right person yet."It's a donation, if I don't ever meet the child that is fine. "For me, I know this child is wanted and they're going to have a great life."The support was really good, the hormones they gave me, I'd take home. "At the end of two weeks I'd go in for a procedure. I'm receiving support after too, getting blood tests to make sure everything is okay." 'We don't have endless fertility' This comes after a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN agency for reproductive rights, warned that hundreds of millions of people are not able to have the number of children they surveyed 14,000 people in 14 countries about their fertility intentions. One in five said they have not had or expect they will not have their desired number of Forster, senior fertility counsellor at London Women's Clinic, said people think differently about family planning today than they might have in the past."Family planning is something we think about a lot, particularly as women," Ms Forster said."Every decision we make in our lives has to be rooted around that decision, we don't have endless fertility."People don't just get into a romantic relationship anymore and assume having children is the next step. "Young people are amazing now because they are thinking about these things in a bigger way." Becky Kearns was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency in 2014, meaning she did not have enough eggs to get pregnant."I was 28, the same age Marianne is now, when I was essentially heading into early menopause," she said."We eventually decided to explore egg donation. It wasn't an easy decision to make, there was a lot of grief around losing my genetics and fear around not being seen as the real mum," she Kearns and her partner went through the donation process 10 years ago and now have three daughters."There was a beautiful moment when my daughter said to me I think I know where my curls come from," Ms Kearns said."She said 'I think my donor put a little bit of blue and some curls into the egg and that's why I have curls and blue eyes'."
BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
Plan to cut free IVF to one-cycle across Greater Manchester
The number of NHS-funded IVF cycles available in parts of Greater Manchester could drop to one under new plans for a "consistent approach" across the cycles are currently available for women in Tameside, while two are on offer in Salford, Wigan and remaining six boroughs - including Oldham where the first "test tube baby" Louise Brown was born due to in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 1978 - already only offer one cycle for region's residents are being urged to take part in a six-week public consultation on the proposed changes, which the NHS said would make it "fair for everyone" and "affordable" for the health service. NHS Greater Manchester is proposing one full IVF cycle to eligible women aged 39 and under - plus an additional attempt if the first cycle is cancelled or said the "inconsistency stems from historic commissioning arrangements" and it was reviewing the policies to "ensure a consistent and fair approach for everyone, regardless of where they live".The planned measure was "affordable for the NHS now and in the future", it added. 'Deeply personal' There are no changes planned to the eligibility criteria or the current offer of one cycle for women aged Sheerin, chief commissioning officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said "fertility is a deeply personal and often emotional topic, which is why this consultation is so important"."Whether you've had experience with IVF, are considering fertility treatment, or simply want to share your perspective, please take part and share your views."The consultation is available online and sessions will be held locally until the consultation ends on 29 July. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
