Infertility and reproductive medicine

According to Dr. Béchir Fourti, Head of the Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics, reproductive medicine in Tunisia is recommended for both men and women who have difficulties in procreating.

In addition, the department also deals with young girls’ puberty disorders, as well as menopause, monthly and hormonal problems.

Female infertility disorders: surgical treatments

In many cases, female infertility disorders are caused by fibroids, obstructed tubes or ovaries, ovarian cysts, uterine problems, etc. Depending on the anomalies that our doctors detect, they will be able to perform the procedure on your tubes:

  • During a laparoscopy
  • During a hysterography. It will help clear the clogged tube.

Fibroids are removed in the uterus through surgery, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy.

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

It is the oldest method practiced in Tunisia and is recommended when sperm cells cannot naturally fertilize or reach the oocyte. To perform this procedure, the doctor introduces the sperm into the uterus with a small tube. Generally, the procedure is likely to succeed in 15% of cases, per menstrual cycle. However, its success rate decreases with age.

The success of artificial insemination is doubled, especially with hypo fertile couples. It can be performed up to 36 hours after ovulation has been triggered. In case of failure after 5 or 6 attempts, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) should be considered.

IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

Also known as IVF, In Vitro Fertilization is performed when the surgeon fertilizes an egg with a sperm to create an embryo. This procedure is conducted in a laboratory, and not in the fallopian tubes. Indeed, it is executed outside the woman’s body, using a test tube; hence the nickname “tests tube babies”.

The tubes used to carry out IVF procedures are made of synthetic material and are for single uses only. It is also important to mention that the process is conducted in an environment and temperature close to those of the fallopian tubes. The success of such a procedure varies and can reach up to 22% per menstrual cycle.

THE INJECTION OF SPERM INTO AN EGG

Also known as ISIE, this procedure consists of introducing or injecting the sperm into the oocyte. This technique is generally recommended in cases of male infertility:

  • When the sperm cells fail to fertilize the egg.
  • When the sperm cells present anomalies or deformities.
  • For couples who cannot use conventional IVF.
  • When, on several occasions, classical IVF has not been a success.

It is performed after ovarian stimulation. The intervention is similar to that of conventional in vitro fertilization. In Tunisia, approximately 500 children are born using this method each year, and the success rate is as high as 45%.