Spotlight on infertility

UP TO 20% of South African couples suffer from infertility, ranked as the fifth highest serious global disability by the World Health Organisation.

The WHO has classified infertility as a “disease of the reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected intercourse”.

The Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa has advised that couples see a fertility specialist if they were under 35 and have been trying to fall pregnant for over a year, or were over 35 and been trying for six months.

Urogynaecologist at The Urology Hospital Pretoria Dr Frances Paterson said not all coupleswho experience fertility problems are infertile.

She said that in about 80% of couples, the cause was either ovulation issues, blockage of the fallopian tubes, or a sperm problem.

“Couples struggling to fall pregnant should consult an obstetrician, gynaecologist, urologist, urogynaecologist or they should contact The Urology Hospital.”

“A consultation may involve discussing your general health, medication, sexual history and a physical exam.

“For men, we may conduct a sperm analysis and for women testing may include a physical examination, blood tests, an ultrasound and X-rays,” she added.

Additionally, infertility may be treated with assisted reproductive technology, which may include intrauterine insemination of sperm, in vitro fertilisation or other laboratory procedures. |