Discussions on the latest technologies in IVF, ovum pickup and infertility treatments in Dubai

Dubai: The 3^rd HealthPlus Middle East Fertility Conference, organized by HealthPlus Fertility, part of United Eastern Medical Services (UEMedical) and a Mubadala Health partner, has kicked off its in-person part at JW Marriot Hotel in Dubai earlier today, 10 September 2021, under the theme “Fertility Without Borders”. The conference attracted a large number of physicians, specialists, embryologists, nurses, technicians, pharmacists and many other professionals from inside and outside the UAE, virtually and physically. The sessions discussed many topics related to fertility, new technologies in IVF, as well as gynecological surgeries related to infertility, genetics and more. On its first day Thursday 9 September 2021, the conference was attended by more than 2000 participants virtually online, and another 250 participants who attended physically on Friday 10 September 2021 alongside with another 1,200 delegates who attended virtually.

Mr. Majd Abu Zant, CEO of UEMedical emphasized during his opening speech on the importance of medical education, and the role that UEMedical group and its physicians play in sharing their knowledge and experiences in all different medical specialties including fertility. He said, “HealthPlus Fertility Conference in its 3^rd hybrid edition attracted today leading experts and speakers from leading universities and IVF centers in UK, Spain, Italy, KSA, Egypt and UAE; aiming to enrich the sessions with the latest innovative technologies and updates related to fertility in women and men. The conference was an opportunity for us and other participating IVF centers in UAE to showcase the capabilities available locally which are on par with international practices and protocols.”

Mr. Abu Zant praised the role of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Health and Prevention in creating and facilitating the proper environment for IVF centers and other healthcare facilities in UAE to grow and develop using the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, while applying the best protocols to achieve the best possible clinical outcomes.

Dr. Bohaira Elgeyoushi, Conference President, and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (IVF) Consultant at HealthPlus Fertility Center in Dubai said, “The participation and attendance rate at the conference is really impressive. We are truly happy that we managed to bring this amazing group of speakers together with the delegates. All COVID-19 precautionary measures have been applied, and we are lucky that virtual platforms are available allowing even more participants to attend.”

“One of the most important features in the conference in its 3^rd edition is showcasing research papers and new important lectures presented by experts from across the globe. Some of these lectures were discussed for the first time, evolving around new technologies that improve the success rates of IVF, genetic testing, new advancements in fertility preservation like ovarian tissues cryopreservation, the use of stem cells in infertility treatments and reproductive health in general,” Dr. Elgeyoushi added.

During his talk, Dr. Walid Sayed, Group Medical Director and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (IVF) Consultant at HealthPlus Fertility spoke about the treatment journey of one of the couples at HealthPlus Fertility Center in Abu Dhabi. “The wife, 35 years old, who was married for 10 years back then, was unable to get pregnant and had unfortunately been diagnosed with cancer. It caused her a lot of distress. She underwent long-term treatment which affected her ovarian reserve. At the same time, her husband had a low sperm count. Following an ultrasound, a small egg was found and she underwent an IVF cycle. With Allah’s will, it was a success and the couple had their first child. In the following years, the couple underwent treatment again which resulted in another 2 healthy children.  This story shows the importance of the long-term relationship we develop with our patients. Due to the nature of these treatments and its privacy, couples seeking our care have not only medical needs, but also psychological needs for support, respect, compassion, clear and transparent two-way communication, continuity of care and more”, Dr. Walid Sayed said.

In his talk from Saudi Arabia that was live streamed to the conference hall in Dubai, Dr. Fawaz Edris, General Manager, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (IVF) Consultant at HealthPlus Fertility Center in Jeddah, KSA talked about a new method with a modified trans-abdominal ovum pickup technique which is performed by a single physician and has several advantages over the traditional abdominal retrieval technique which is used instead of the vaginal method in cases where vaginal method can’t be used due to the location of the ovary or in cases of unmarried women who want to freeze their eggs for the future. The new innovative method is performed without a needle guide and under conscious sedation, while the traditional abdominal technique is done usually under regional or general anesthesia and with a needle guide.

Dr. Sadoon Sami Sadoon, Chief Medical Officer at UEMedical and Danat Al Emarat Hospital, Gynecology & Minimally Invasive Surgery Consultant, discussed a medical paper about the best treatments for uterine fibroids to increase fertility. He also added that uterine fibroid (leiomyoma) is one of the most common benign tumors or lesions of the female genital tract and it occurs in nearly 50% of women according to international studies. “Fibroids can cause many symptoms including heavy mensural bleeding and pelvic pains and have an effect in delaying pregnancy,” Dr. Sadoon said.   

“Considering that Danat Al Emarat Hospital in Abu Dhabi is a Center of Excellence in Gynecological Surgery and a referral center of uterine fibroids, we’ve accumulated significant experience in the management of this condition through laparoscopic procedures. This scientific paper earlier today answered many important controversial questions on the relation between fibroids in the uterus with pregnancy delay and infertility and the best surgical solutions for it including the removal of fibroids through keyhole surgery,” Dr. Sadoon added.

Dr. Wael Ismail Madkour, Medical Director and Reproductive Endocrinology & IVF Consultant at HealthPlus Fertility Center in Dubai chaired a few sessions during the day. He said, “One of the sessions we had was about the overall health of the embryo before transfer, emphasizing on the importance of embryo testing in some special cases like recurrent miscarriages, recurrent failed IVF cycles, genetic problems with the couple or their children or in cases where the wife is older than 35 years. In conclusion, it depends on the couple medical history and their IVF physicians’ decision.”

© Press Release 2021