Male infertility rise in UAE: Experts

Infertility is a complex condition that demands intense care and expert guidance, according to Dr Panayota Zarmakoupi, medical director of the newly opened Medcare Fertility Centre,

She said male infertility rate here is high.

“It has to do with lifestyle. There is a high incidence of diabetes and obesity. So, all of the above, and it is more unique here,” she explained. “Vitamin D deficiency is also a factor.

“And, so are the steroids used for body-building.”

Contrary to misconception, she informed that male patients do not shy away from undergoing treatment. “It is a stereotype that male patients (here) might be more uptight than in the West, but it is not necessarily true,” she said.

Aysha Al Falahi, head of registration accreditation center in Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA), added that there’s a huge waiting list for patients receiving fertility treatments in the UAE.

“In the government centre, the waiting period runs between five to six months,” she said, adding, “The DHA has only one facility dedicated to this specialty. And the private sector has four (including the latest one). This will help reduce the waiting list.”

Dr Azad Moopen, chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, says IVF treatments are hugely effective, with the success rate touching 45-50 per cent.

According to Dr Panayota, genetic screening diagnosis is what the future will be. “We know that roughly 1 per cent born worldwide (based on WHO) have a genetic disease. So, I think moving forward we have a responsibility to educate the public that this is something they can do. So, if both partners have a genetic condition, we can screen the embryo to choose those that are free of the disease.”

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