Muscat: The Fertility Centre located within the Al Wattayah Gynecology and Obstetrics Complex, which is part of the General Directorate of Khawla Hospital, has achieved remarkable success since its launch in February 2024. So far, the center has facilitated 79 pregnancies, including nine instances of twins, with 13 births recorded and 39 additional cases pending delivery.
Dr. Naema bint Obaid Al Maamari, an IVF and ICSI Consultant at Khawla Hospital, emphasized the center's accomplishments. Since its establishment, the center has welcomed over 5,000 patients, conducted upwards of 30,000 laboratory tests, and completed 900 treatment cycles, which include 729 egg retrievals and 224 frozen embryo transfers.
In response to the pressing demand for sperm extraction procedures, the center has outfitted its laboratory with a specialized microscope designed for inspection and extraction. This advancement has facilitated the successful execution of numerous direct sperm extraction procedures, with the harvested sperm being preserved for future IVF applications.
To further improve patient care, the center has initiated training workshops for physicians at referral hospitals, equipping them with the necessary expertise to assess cases of delayed childbearing and perform initial evaluations for patients sent to the center. Moreover, the center has produced educational and informational materials aimed at increasing awareness regarding the causes of delayed childbearing and the treatment options available.
A notable milestone for the center is the creation of the first specialized database in the Sultanate of Oman, dedicated to gathering and documenting extensive data on cases of delayed childbearing. This critical information will undergo scientific analysis and precise statistical evaluation to enhance the quality of services offered by the Fertility Centre.
This data will be employed to facilitate innovative scientific research in the areas of fertilization and assisted reproductive technologies within the Sultanate. The findings from these studies will offer essential insights into the underlying factors contributing to infertility, assess the prevalence of infertility among both men and women, and aid in the formulation of more effective treatment approaches.
Dr. Naema Al Maamari noted that a significant challenge for the center is the high percentage of patients over the age of 40, which accounts for more than 25% of referrals. In response, the center is in the process of developing tailored strategies to meet the unique needs of this demographic and ensure they receive suitable care.
Dr. Rahma bint Hamoud Al-Ghabshi, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Head of the Fertility Center, highlighted that this facility is the first government-operated center in Oman dedicated to fertilization and IVF services. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced embryo incubators and laboratory instruments, and is staffed by a team of highly skilled embryologists who specialize in fertilization and IVF techniques.
The center is dedicated to addressing cases where natural conception is challenging or has not succeeded after other treatment options for delayed pregnancy have been explored.
Dr. Al-Ghabshi specified the criteria for eligibility for treatment at the center: the wife must be 42 years old or younger, there should be no healthy children in the family, there must be no significant genetic disorders or severe obesity, and the body mass index should be below 35 to achieve optimal treatment results.
The Fertility Center has garnered significant acclaim from its patients. Mohammed Al Balushi, one of the individuals receiving treatment, expressed his heartfelt appreciation, saying, "Thanks to God and His grace, I have embarked on my treatment journey at the fertility center, which, God willing, will pave the way for me and others to realize the dream of fatherhood." He also conveyed his deep gratitude to the government of His Majesty the Sultan for offering such high-quality healthcare services to the citizens of Oman.
Located within the Wattayah Gynecology and Obstetrics Complex, the Fertility Center serves as a symbol of hope for couples encountering difficulties in conceiving. The center receives referrals from a variety of sources, including gynecology and obstetrics departments in government hospitals and health complexes, urology clinics, reproductive glands clinics, endocrinology clinics, and oncology centers that focus on fertility preservation.
