Polycystic ovary main cause of infertility in UAE

Experts discuss obesity, infertility among residents

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is among the most common causes of infertility among women in the UAE, according to the Dubai Health Authority’s Twitter clinic held recently. The Dubai Gynaecology and Fertility Centre (DGFC) receives 2,700 cases annually and has had 4,000 successful births after treating couples with infertility problems.

“Polycystic ovarian syndrome and obesity are among the common causes of infertility among women. There is a high prevalence of this syndrome in comparison to Europe and it is not known what the causes are,” said Mary John, Director of DGFC.

According to the World Health Organisation, one in every four couples in developing countries had been found to be affected by infertility.

Dr Wael Medkour, Consultant at the DGFC, said unlike the common perception that women are the sole reason for infertility, in around 40 per cent of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility.

Male factors that include structural abnormalities and sperm production disorders, to name a few, are the main causes of infertility among men, said Estylini Andronikou, Laboratory Director at DGFC.

“Male factors are hereditary and marriage among relatives is a common cause for male factor problems. Smoking and having an unhealthy lifestyle are also a contributor. It always helps to avoid heat in the scrotum area for example avoid sauna and hot baths etc,” she said.

When asked about giving birth after the age of 40 by audience members who engaged with the session speakers via social media, Dr Medkour said that it is rare.

“It is very rare for women to give birth after the age of 40 and according to international statistics, chances of giving birth after the age of 45 is zero per cent,” said Dr Medkour.

Andronikou said the anti-mullerain Hormone, which is related to the fertility ovarian reserve starts to decrease among women starting from the age of 27. “Women reach the peak of fertility at the age of 25 up to the age of 27. It then starts to gradually decrease,” she said.

Andronikou said couples are considered to be infertile if they have been married for one year and actively trying to conceive but have not.