Dr Ndhlovu sheds light on infertility and options available for struggling couples
Dr Jackson Ndhlovu, a specialist in gynaecology, fertility and advanced endoscopic surgery, says infertility is a common issue and is not exclusively a woman’s problem, contrary to popular belief.
POLOKWANE – Between 10 to 15% of couples who experience problems conceiving, struggle with infertility.
Dr Jackson Ndhlovu, a specialist in gynaecology, fertility and advanced endoscopic surgery, says infertility is a common issue and is not exclusively a woman’s problem, contrary to popular belief.
He has found that men are the cause of infertility in 50 percent of couples who consult with him. “It doesn’t mean that when a couple is unable to conceive, the problem lies solely with the woman. It is an issue that affects both partners, therefore I prefer a couple who experiences difficulties in falling pregnant, to come together for a consultation. I treat both men and women with reproductive issues,” he says.
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He adds that women have the option of freezing their eggs to increase their chances of conceiving at a later stage if they feel they will run out of time. “If you freeze your eggs at 35-years, you can still use your eggs to fall pregnant at the age of 40. If you freeze your eggs at 35, your eggs will remain 35-years- old, even if it’s 15 years down the line.”
He adds that the older you become, the chances of getting chromosome abnormalities or abnormal DNA increases. The younger you are, the smaller the chance is of getting abnormal babies and the risk of having a miscarriage is lower.
Ndhlovu explains that fertility doctors are, by law permitted to assist patients until the age of 55. Freezing of eggs, however, costs a pretty penny and will set you back around R75 000. “Unfortunately, majority of people cannot afford these services and the government doesn’t see fertility as a problem, it is considered a cosmetic problem, not a disease so medical aids also don’t cover it.”
Reproductive medicine is not used just to treat infertility, it is used to treat other health issues including fetus abnormalities, girls or woman with abnormal menstruation and patients with sexual differentiation disorders. “For example, we have people who are born females but have male hormones,” he said. His practice also involves endocrine treatment with patients who are lactating even though they are not pregnant and patients with thyroid or adrenaline health issues who are trying to conceive. “It is a broad scope,” he said.
The beauty of this is that these services are available in the city. Dr Jackson Ndhlovu shares his life story in next week’s Bonus Review.
