FEBRUARY IS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MONTH
For the third year running, Medfem is supporting IFAASA in building awareness around infertility and that ‘you are not alone in your journey’. Visit the following page to register for a 25% discount on your initial consultation with one of our fertility specialists. http://ifaasa.co.za/rhm2017/
Will Your Fertility Stand The Test Of Time?
Most new parents will tell you that meeting their newborn baby for the first time is nothing short of a miracle. But for some couples, the journey to parenthood is a long and painful road, and for many others, it may never happen.
One in six couples are diagnosed with infertility. And according to the WHO, infertility is recognised as a disease that results in the abnormal functioning of the male or female reproductive system. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after 12 months of trying to conceive. If you are over the age of 35, the time of trying to conceive is reduced to 6 months. There are two types of infertility. Primary infertility, where a couple has never had a baby before and secondary infertility, where a couple is unable to conceive, after they have already had a child.
This Reproductive Health Month, 1st – 28th February 2017, IFAASA is putting the disease of infertility in focus, with our theme “Will Your Fertility Stand the Test of Time?”
For years, infertility has been somewhat of a taboo subject, something that people hid from the world and didn’t talk about. As part of Reproductive Health Month 2017, IFAASA not only encourages couples to seek help to ensure a proper diagnosis and make an informed decision, but also for the general population to educate themselves about infertility and to remember that pregnancy is a privilege that not every couple is afforded. The educational initiative is being backed by a number of SASREG accredited clinics who have pledged that consultations booked in the month of February will be eligible for a 25% discount on the first consultation and scan. “Everyone needs to be supportive of these families and couples struggling with infertility, because they are going through a huge emotional and financial challenge” says Meggan Zunckel, CEO of IFAASA. “We are delighted to have the backing and support of South Africa’s leading fertility clinics in driving awareness of infertility”.
For couples struggling with infertility, education and early diagnosis is vital. It is important to see a specialist for a complete fertility work-up and diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made through a Fertility Specialist the couple is then empowered with information to make the best decisions, for themselves, going forward. Be that to go through fertility treatment, pursue adoption or choose to live without children. About one-third of infertility cases are due to female factors; one-third are due to male factors; and the remaining one-third are due to a combination of male and female factor issues. Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 couples of reproductive age in some form. Since infertility strikes diverse groups – affecting people from all socioeconomic levels and cutting across all racial, ethnic and religious lines – chances are great that a friend, relative, neighbour or perhaps you are attempting to cope with the medical and emotional aspects of infertility.
What IF the answer was easier that you anticipated…
In February 2017, IFAASA, South Africa’s only NPC dedicated to educating and advocating for those suffering from infertility, invites you to learn about your fertility status. Learn what steps you need to take to diagnose infertility, understand your reproductive health, and how to bring infertility awareness to your community and network.
This Reproductive Health Month IFAASA is working with the professional family building community, corporate partners, and the media to:
- Ensure that people trying to conceive know the guidelines for seeing a specialist.
- Educate themselves about warning signs for infertility.
- Enhance public understanding that infertility is a disease that needs and deserves attention.
- Educate professionals about the disease of infertility and how it impacts people.
First consultation
During Reproductive Health Month February 2017 Medfem is offering a 25% discount on the initial (first) consultation and scan fee.
To receive your 25% discount on your initial consultation and scan you need to register on our website www.ifaasa.co.za. You will need to choose your particular clinic and will then receive a coupon with which you can book your initial consultation. Please note that the clinic you choose will receive your details and may follow up with you to confirm your booking.
Reproductive Health Month
Reproductive Health Month in South Africa is recognised annually in February but has, to date, mostly been focused on sexually transmitted diseases, with little or no recognition given to infertility Despite the clear definition given to the awareness month: “Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. Implicit in this are the right of men and women to be informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation of their choice, and the right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant.”
IFAASA’s aim is to ensure going forward that awareness projects surrounding Reproductive Health Month, give the disease of infertility the awareness it deserves. Our objective is to encourage couples and individuals to seek diagnosis and possible treatment, at a SASREG accredited clinic, as soon as they start to realise that conception might not be as easy as they thought.
