This archive report was first published on 27 December 2019.
As we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus, a topic that often gets overlooked is the reality of conception for some men. While the immaculate conception of Jesus is a revered event, some men may find themselves in a different situation, where conception isn't so immaculate.
Dr. Sarita Sukhija, a senior IVF consultant and fertility specialist at the Fertility Point IVF clinic in Nairobi, sheds light on the various fertility procedures available to help couples conceive. According to Dr. Sukhija, eggs can be retrieved from the fallopian tube and stored in the clinic's labs, making it possible for women to conceive even if their partner has a low sperm count or is impotent.
The cost of these procedures is not as prohibitive as one may imagine, with prices starting at around Sh250,000. This is a relatively affordable option compared to other fertility treatments.
For women who are barren, the situation can be even more challenging. In some cases, a woman may discover that her husband has fathered children outside of their union, leading to feelings of shame and indignity. In extreme cases, she may even be cast out of the house and replaced by a more fertile partner.
However, with the advancement of fertility technology, women can now take control of their reproductive health. Dr. Sukhija explains that eggs can be frozen and stored for future use, allowing women to delay childbearing until they are ready.
As Dr. Sukhija notes, 'As barren as the Gobi Desert!' may be the insult that is added upon the injury and indignity. But with the help of fertility clinics like Fertility Point IVF, women can now take charge of their reproductive health and conceive even if their partner is unable to do so.
