Reproductive Health Month: Durban couple shares their story
There are many causes for infertility, but there are also several treatments available.
THE month of February is synonymous with all things love, so why not love yourself enough to also learn about your reproductive health?
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This month is Reproductive Health Awareness Month which focuses on important issues relating to reproductive health such as infertility, the freedom to reproduce, and the freedom to choose if and when to reproduce and how often.
In South Africa, numerous couples face infertility. One such couple is Subhash Jagannath and Gemelli Nursoo from Durban.
They shared their journey with infertility, the treatments they’ve tried and the emotional aspect of it all.
“After two years of trying and me not falling pregnant, Subhash and I decided to see a fertility specialist. I learnt that I had smaller eggs than the average size as well as endometriosis and other conditions that are standing in the way of me conceiving. I also have rheumatoid arthritis which is also contributing to me not being able to fall pregnant easily,” said Nursoo.
After starting fertility treatments with the specialist, the couple decided to go the IVF route.
Jagannath’s sperm and Nursoo’s egg were fertilised, and the embryo was planted into Nursoo’s uterus.
“The embryo stuck, and I was pregnant but only for a few weeks. I miscarried. After that, we tried the treatment again a few times but with no success. We then used a donor egg once and still, no success. We have decided to take the surrogacy route as we feel there may not be another option for us. All we want is to have a child of our own,” said Nursoo.
When it comes to reproductive health, it’s important for couples like Jagannath and Nursoo, who are battling to conceive, to also know that there is information and options and treatments available for them to try.
These treatments range from lifestyle changes, medication, artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilisation.
If you are struggling to conceive, it’s a good idea to get an assessment done.
The assessment and treatment of couples with fertility problems are best done by fertility specialists who are registered with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as well as with the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG).
Visit the SASREG website, sasreg.co.za, to check if the fertility clinic you are considering is registered.
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