SPECIALTY

“The last quarter of the 20th century has witnessed several major advances in reproductive medicine. One of the most widely publicized, celebrated and at the same time controversial landmarks in this area was the birth in 1978 of the first human baby resulting from IVF. Since then, IVF has become a routine and widely accepted treatment for infertility. However, IVF is but one of many procedures in the increasingly complex and sophisticated field of assisted reproduction” (Vayena et al., 2001).

Apart from IVF there are other options such as ICSI, GIFT, ZIFT and even lUI.

Many have questioned the essence of fertility treatment in developing countries because most are already burdened with treating diseases such as Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. The bulk of this criticism has stemmed mostly from the high cost of these services and the perception that the setting up of fertility clinics is to enrich the pockets of practitioners.

However, research has shown that infertility affects both the physical, mental and reproductive health need of couples and couples in developing countries have to deal with isolation, stigmatization, low - self esteem and violence.

With Assisted Reproduction Technology, couples’ reproductive health needs such as the ability to conceive, when and how often to engage in safe and satisfying sex. Through Assisted Reproduction Technology, fertile couples can have healthy babies as a result of pre-genetic implantation diagnosis and it will also help infertile couples conceive naturally. There will also be a reduction in polygamous marriages especially in Africa and ultimately, infertile couples will be able to overcome the stigmatization and public ridicule associated with childlessness.

SERVICES

Medifem Hospital specializes in infertility diagnosis and treatment for couples having problems conceiving naturally. The Hospital has a number of well-trained professionals including three gynaecologists in addition to the Medical Director, an Andrologist / Assisted Reproduction Technologist and other experienced and qualified staff. Medifem Hospital has a state-of-the-art ultrasound facility (3G), a theatre, labour suites, a dispensary, a laboratory facility and ultra-modern consulting suites. Our semen analysis reporting (the golden standard for diagnosing the male fertility potential), is unparalleled.

Services include:

• Pediatrics / child welfare
• Gynaecological solutions
• Infertility Treatments
• General medical consultations 
• Medical laboratory services 
• 3G ultrasound (scan) services 
• Surgery 
• Pre and post-natal care 
• Pre-marital Medical Examination 
• Counselling 
• Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear) 
• Hepatitis B immunization