Infertility treatment is no more a taboo in Dubai

DUBAI - An estimated 100,446 men and women are facing infertility problems in the UAE. Of these, 27,276 are based in Dubai, according to a report that estimates the demand for new fertility services in the emirate.

Of the total infertility cases in the UAE, 50,223 are women and of the total number in Dubai, 13,638 are women, said the report.

Titled ‘The demand for fertility services in Dubai’, the report was prepared by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in 2010 and projected the need for the services until 2030. It aimed at giving a scientific judgment on the need for extra fertility services in Dubai and an estimate of the number of centres needed. The estimated numbers for the UAE and GCC countries were based on the USA prevalent infertility rate.

The projected number of infertile women in Dubai seeking medical care is estimated at 5,975 in 2015 and 9,139 in 2030. The projected number of treatment cycles required is estimated at 6,796 in 2015 and 10,395 in 2030, as per the report.

The need for new fertility centres in Dubai has been calculated as of ‘medium range’ by the authority’s Policy and Strategy Department but concluded that there has been a definite need for more fertility services since large families are encouraged in the Emirati culture while white-collar expatriate workers also tend to bear their children while working in the UAE. Recommendations pointed out to the need for two more centres to meet the growing needs in the coming few years.

During the study, the Dubai population was approximately 1.2 million. Labourers were excluded which meant the UAE nationals and white-collar workers largely accompanied by families were part of the study.

Obesity, smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption have been cited in the report as the main lifestyle risk factors that affect fertility worldwide.

“Obesity is prominent in the UAE in general among both UAE nationals and white-collar expatriates. The consumption of caffeine is also high due to the traditional consumption patterns of UAE nationals to their Arabic coffee and added to that the high consumption of all kind of western coffees as well as soft drinks rich in caffeine,” read the report.

“Although cigarette smoking is not very popular among UAE females, traditional shisha is, and both cigarette and shisha consumptions are extremely higher among UAE males,” it said.

“If we assume that white-collar expatriates would maintain their original lifestyle while residing in Dubai, high percentage of them will have one or more of the risk factors mentioned above,” it added.

Currently, there is only one semi-governmental fertility centre in Dubai namely Dubai Gynecology and Fertility Centre (DGFC). The report also added it will be essential to establish a strong regulatory foundation for fertility services in Dubai.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

Perceptions change, more opt for Dubai Perceptions on infertility treatments are changing rapidly among men in the country, said a doctor, attributing the change to easy access to information and education. Despite cultural and traditional reservations, talks and tests on infertility options with men are 90 per cent successful now as compared to 10 years ago, said Dr Mohamed El Kalyoubi, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Dubai Gynecology and Fertility Centre. “Ten years ago, even 10 per cent men visiting the centre did not allow semen assessment… it is not considered a shameful stigma anymore,” he said. “This is because when male patients research the Net, they find that it is not only them who are suffering from a particular condition but there are others as well and it is a common problem.” Dr El Kalyoubi also said that with advancement in infertility treatments, newly married young couples are benefitting the most. The majority of the patients visiting the centre require treatment for infertility ranging from tablets to injections and IVF procedures if required, he said. “We have gender selection process as well but it is on a case to case basis,” said Dr El Kayoubi who has an international experience. However, the number of patients visiting the centre has increased considerably over the years. “The increase in the number of patients visiting the centre in Dubai is at par with global numbers,” he said, adding that 30 per cent of the patients visiting the centre are male. “Generally speaking, there is an increase in the number of infertile population due to a number of factors such as stress, pollution, unhealthy lifestyle, smoking etc… “Interestingly, men are more sensitive to these changes…they have more bad sperm now as compared to women with infertility problems.” The centre’s gender selection services are among the main attractions for couples from the world over. A large number of people come from abroad for treatment at the centre since sex selection is costly and is not allowed in some countries such as Belgium, other Gulf states and India,” said the doctor. Over 250 babies were born during 2010-2011 due to the centre’s assisted reproductive treatments. asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com