Healthcare | Saturday 29 July, 2017 12:05 pm |

Cases of infertility in both men and women are on the rise in Oman. A study conducted by UN has revealed that average birth rates have dropped from 5.23 children for each woman in 1980 through 1985, to 1.97 in the 2005-2010. The UN has also projected that this is expected to drop to 1.62 by 2025 through 2030 overall.

In addition, studies have shown that couples from Oman travelled to various parts of the world to seek medical assistance for IVF treatments. These couples travelled to countries like the UK which can cost 2515.32 OMR,  US where the costs can run anywhere from 6160.80 OMR (including medication) but does not include genetics tests, frozen embryo transfer and storage of eggs and embryos and Saudi Arabia where the cost of the treatment is 2502.82 OMR upwards.

“Infertility treatment is a time taking process which requires the couple to make frequent visits to their overseas doctor. The frequent visits for varied treatment stages can impact the couple emotionally, financially and also physically as it also affects overall health. However, the set - up of IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic in Oman has addressed this challenge. IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic provides individuals seeking fertility treatments with international standards of medical facilities that are not only affordable at a competitively low cost of 1800 OMR per IVF cycle, but accessible in the region itself,” said Dr Frank Ruiz, IVF Specialist at IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic, Oman.

 

Although unhealthy lifestyle, poor food habits, obesity, excessive smoking, genetic pre-disposition and stress are said to be the leading causes of infertility globally, studies prove that there are other specific causes which lead to high infertility rates in the Omani population.

Three of these factors which have a significant impact on the ability to conceive amongst the Omani and wider Middle East population are - Higher prevalence of consanguinity. Cousin marriage is the leading factor that serves as a major threat to the ability to conceive naturally in the Middle East. In addition, Vitamin D deficiency is another factor that leads to high infertility. Vitamin D is known to prevent a lot of diseases, including cancers, and it activates the hormones that facilitate the process of childbirth in women. Studies show a relation between vitamin D and oocyte reserve as well as oocyte quality. Furthermore, obesity caused due to sedentary lifestyle hampers dreams of parenthood for couples in the Middle East as it causes menstrual irregularities and problems in ovulation, reducing chances of having a baby. It also leads to poor outcomes from the fertility treatments due to inadequate response to ovarian stimulation, lower embryo implantation rates and increased miscarriages.

“With the introduction of IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic in Oman, couples now have access to high-quality, global standard In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatments. Several couples – both Omani nationals and expats living in the region are already seeking consultation with us we’re happy to support them combat this challenge,” added Dr Frank Ruiz, IVF Specialist at IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic, Oman.

IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic is the world leader in delivering fertility treatments with 70 clinics worldwide. It offers a comprehensive range of infertility treatments, including genetic testing, backed by advanced technology and a team of highly experienced specialists. The friendly patient - care staff ensures that couples seeking IVF treatments are walked through all possible details on their treatment and expected results.

“The Middle East has a broad progressive attitude towards modern medicine, and with some of the most advanced facilities like IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic being set up, the region has become the leading provider of advanced medical treatments. At IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic, we attribute our high success rate of almost 70 per cent successful cases to an in-depth understanding of region-specific causes of infertility amongst couples and a personalised treatment approach delivered at all clinics,” said Prof. Dr. Human Fatemi, Subspecialist Reproductive Medicine & Reproductive Surgery, Medical Director, IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic.

From determining the root cause of infertility to investigating the simple and visible problem of cyst, fibroid or hormonal imbalance, IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic is well – equipped to provide the best-in-class services.