Fertility

Infertility is a significant challenge in South Africa, with as many as one in four couples not being able to conceive. Fertility also decreases significantly after the age of 35 and even further around the ages of 42-43.

When should I see a fertility specialist?

If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than a year and have not been able to fall pregnant, it’s important to see your doctor. A fertility specialist will evaluate what could be the cause, such as an underlying condition like polycystic ovary syndrome in women or abnormal sperm production in men.

Which fertility clinic services do we offer?

We have a team of fertility specialists, including obstetricians who use advanced medical technology and their expertise to offer the following treatments:

Ovulation induction
Hormonal therapy is used to stimulate egg development, ovulation or egg release. This treatment is usually used to treat conditions related to irregular menstruation cycles. It usually involves oral or injectable medication, usually administered at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.

Endoscopic surgery
There are two kinds of endoscopic surgery, called laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. This procedure aims to improve fertility and may include surgery on the uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes and pelvic area. A thin tube (endoscope) is inserted into the uterus to examine it for any abnormalities.

Hysteroscopic surgery
A doctor examines the uterus to diagnose and treat abnormal bleeding. This is done with a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube that is inserted into the vagina. The cervix and uterus are examined for infection or disease.

Artificial insemination using husband’s sperm (AIH)
A procedure where a catheter is inserted through the cervix (the opening of the uterus) into the uterus (womb). A sperm sample from the woman’s partner is inserted directly into the uterus. This procedure may also be done with a sperm donation for single females, surrogates or same-sex female couples.This is called artificial insemination using donor sperm (AID).

In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
Eggs are surgically removed from a woman’s ovaries and then combined with sperm and fertilised in a lab. This forms an embryo, which is either transferred to a woman’s uterus or frozen for future use.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)During the ICSI process, a tiny needle called a micropipette is used to inject a single sperm into the centre of an egg. Once the egg is fertilised (an embryo), it’s grown in a laboratory between one and 15 days before being transferred to a woman’s womb.

Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)
Multiple eggs are collected from the ovaries and placed into a catheter along with sperm to create gametes (male and female sex cells). The gametes are injected into the Fallopian tubes using a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy.

Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)
This procedure includes a combination of in vitro fertilisation and GIFT. The eggs are stimulated and collected, then mixed with sperm in a lab. Once the zygote has formed, it’s transferred to the Fallopian tubes and implanted in the uterus.

We also provide the following fertility-related assistance:

  • surrogacy advice and assistance
  • oocyte donation (egg donor programme)
  • apoptosis (DNA fragmentation)
  • counselling services
  • dietitian services
  • adolescence contraception services
  • treatment for endometriosis and menopause management
  • female endocrinology services

Find a fertility clinic near me

Hospitals offering fertility clinic services

Our patients, our priority

Rest assured that your successful treatment is our prime concern. If you suspect you have an underlying fertility issue, visit one of our fertility clinics, where an expert can help you.