Let’s start with the grim statistic; Malta has the lowest rate of fertility in Europe, standing at 1.14 live births per woman in 2019. There are various reasons for this, the main one being that women are delaying pregnancies. 30 and a half is the average age of local women giving birth to their first baby, but delaying pregnancy does not need to be a source of worry that the chances of getting pregnant are diminishing.
Hope is at hand in the shape of HOPE Fertility and IVF Centre, a recently-opened clinic offering the advice and help you might need.
A variety of options
The consultant spearheading this fertility push is Dr Christine Schembri Deguara, the first UK-accredited Maltese specialist in infertility and IVF. For a limited time, free consultations with her are on the cards, but it’s also good to know what’s on offer before getting in touch.
First to consider are the IVF and Infertility treatments. Since treatments are tailored for each person, the chances of a successful pregnancy are maximised. In the case of IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and then fertilised in a lab. The best embryo is then transferred directly into the womb at the correct time, while other embryos are stored and kept safe for future use.
There’s also ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection) and IUI (intrauterine Insemination) and OI (Ovulation Induction) as other options to consider.
Egg and Sperm Freezing is ideal when opting to plan ahead of starting a family. It’s no secret that age can impact a female’s egg quantity and quality, making it more difficult to conceive later on in life. In a male’s case, sperm can also be preserved for future use, especially if fertility is affected following certain treatments, or if a vasectomy is being considered.
Rather than reversing the procedure, it would certainly be easier to use sperm that would have been safeguarded from before. Surgical sperm retrieval is also an option in this case.
Last but certainly not least are the Donor Egg and Sperm Treatments. Female single-sex couples may prefer to use their partner’s eggs with donor sperm, and this is something that HOPE offers too. Of course, all of the above require careful planning between the parent or parents and the HOPE team.
The advantages
The above options provide plenty of advantages, though the most pertinent one is probably timing. Now that it’s in the hands of the person looking to get pregnant, the parent or parents can focus on career advancement, studies or whatever scenario is at hand, and plan the best time to have the child, ensuring the best possible upbringing.
Though this level of scientific talk might make the whole process seem surreal and complicated, the promise that HOPE makes is that they aim for the highest success rates, within the shortest time to avoid unnecessary side effects and costs. When the service provided embraces the latest cutting-edge technology together with individualized treatment plans made with compassion and understanding, then you know you’re in the right hands.
Do you know someone who’s looking to start or grow their family? Share this article with them today!
