OPINION: How fertility clinics help couples identify, address fertility issues

Kenya’s fertility rate has been gradually declining over the past two decades. In 2022, the fertility rate was 3.311 births per woman, reflecting a 1.55% decrease from 2021.

This decline has led to a growing demand for fertility treatment services, highlighting the essential role that fertility clinics now play in our healthcare system.  

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of trying if you are under 35, or after six months if you are over 35. 

Fertility clinics help couples identify and address fertility issues, offering valuable solutions.  

Infertility is one of life’s most difficult challenges, as the desire to have a child is deeply ingrained in human nature. 

Fertility clinics provide support to those seeking to achieve their dreams of parenthood. Many patients struggling with infertility also experience significant emotional stress, which can affect their personal lives and relationships.  

Fertility specialists are highly trained professionals who provide a wide range of services designed to help individuals conceive safely and effectively. 

They diagnose the causes of infertility and offer treatments such as IVF, IUI, ICSI, and egg freezing to help individuals achieve their goal of having a child. 

Here are some key benefits of visiting a fertility clinic:  

Comprehensive Consultation

If you’ve been struggling to conceive, you know how frustrating and disheartening the process can be. By visiting a fertility clinic, you will receive care from a specialist who is an expert in the field.

Reputable clinics offer comprehensive services, including fertility treatments, testing, and support from highly trained professionals with experience both locally and globally.  

Accurate Diagnosis

Infertility can result from a wide range of conditions. The key to effective treatment is an accurate diagnosis. 

Without proper diagnosis, you risk spending time and money on treatments that may not work. 

Many conditions can cause infertility, so once a fertility specialist identifies potential issues, appropriate tests can be conducted.  

Infertility risks increase with age. In women, common causes of infertility include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and thyroid disease. Men may face infertility due to low sperm count or testosterone levels. 

Sometimes, infertility is unexplained, meaning both sperm and egg appear normal, and there are no implantation issues. In such cases, factors like hostile vaginal pH or infections may be the underlying cause.  

Once all necessary tests are completed, an accurate diagnosis is made, which saves time and guides your treatment plan. The fertility expert will recommend the best course of action based on the findings.  

Personalized Care

Few people understand the emotional challenges of infertility as well as fertility specialists, who work with patients facing these struggles daily. 

Reputable clinics provide a personalized service with compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff who are committed to helping you through every step of your fertility journey. 

You can trust that the care you receive will be tailored to your needs, with solutions focused on helping you build your family.  

Multiple Treatment Options 

Infertility is complex, influenced by many factors, which makes diagnosis and treatment a detailed process. 

A skilled fertility specialist will offer customized treatment plans designed to meet your unique needs and fertility goals.  

The specialist considers factors such as:  

- Your age, overall health, and lifestyle  

- Your mental health and the emotional impact of infertility and treatments  

- Your fertility history, including menstrual cycles, previous pregnancies, and how long you’ve been trying to conceive  

- The financial impact infertility may be having on you  

Based on this information, a fertility doctor can design a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and budget.  

Fertility clinics provide a wealth of resources to help you understand infertility and available treatments. 

Educating yourself about fertility is an important first step. While infertility may not be entirely preventable, taking practical steps toward addressing it can make a significant difference.  

The author, Dr. Ayman Mostafa is an IVF doctor at The Nairobi West Hospital