A case study of assisted fertility strives in Nigeria

Sir: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics have shown that two per cent of all births worldwide are attributed to assisted reproductive technology due to In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or alternative methods of fertility treatment.

However, in Nigeria, assisted conception is still strongly misunderstood and this is why Lily Paelon Fertility Centre, a subsidiary of Paelon Memorial Hospital, strives to educate women about the opportunities and possibilities of becoming parents.

This is in line with its commitment to redefining the medical ecosystem in Nigeria as the fertility clinic has continued to provide a roadmap for couples through their journey of managing infertility.

The technology available at the clinic allows the clinical research team to provide solutions that can enhance the patient experience, fertility services and positive outcomes. From preconception counselling to treatment, the Lily Paelon Fertility Centre Team prioritises patient welfare.

Beyond conventional IVF, the center also offers other related fertility services such as Gestational Surrogacy, Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA), Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE), Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA), Gestational Surrogacy, Donor Gamete, Sperm Preservation and Embryo Freezing.

The clinic has helped over 20 women experience the joy of becoming mothers. Although it’s not been an easy journey, the health workers of this clinic make it their mission to create a seamless and pleasurable experience for patients.

The target is to expand reproductive medicine in the country by providing affordable infertility diagnosis and family-building care. This would allow couples to be in control of their journey to achieve pregnancy in a most friendly environment and at an affordable price.

While eligibility criteria differ and vary among patients, seeking consultation with a specialist whether surgical and non-surgical, will allow patients more insight into their general reproductive health after investigations.

According to one of the success stories by a patient (name withheld),  “I can say now that being a mother is an absolute joy that I cannot quite put into words. Thankfully, God used the wonderful team at Paelon to make my motherhood dreams come true. Everyone’s journey to motherhood is different and at the end of the day, when you are holding your baby in your arms, that is all that will matter in that moment. The journey you had to take to get there will be a distant memory, it will be well worth it and it will be a testimony to inspire others.”

• Dr. Louis Alekwe is head consultant, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (OBGYN), Lily Paelon Fertility Centre.