• Global estimates of infertility range between 8% and 12% of couples, with women of childbearing age, affecting between 50 and 80 million people.1

• In 2010, primary infertility among child-seeking women was up to 2.6% and secondary infertility was estimated to be 7.2% in the Middle East and North Africa region.2

Amman, Jordan, 11 April 2016: Female infertility or inability to conceive following twelve months of attempt, i is a rising concern across the world. Attributed to risk factors like age, health, lifestyle and ovulation disorders,1 primary infertility (no prior pregnancy) or secondary infertility (inability to conceive after at least one pregnancy), can be a cause of significant psychological distress including feelings of low self-esteem, isolation, feeling of inadequacy and depression.2 To address the issue in advance, Roche Diagnostics Middle East’s Media Talks in Jordan today, saw Dr. Aref Al Khaldi - President of Jordanian Society for Fertility & Genetics (JSFG), recommending fertility checks, like ovarian reserve test, for all women planning a pregnancy.

“Infertility has no outward signs or symptoms and often goes undiagnosed until women face problems in conceiving. You should seek to see a doctor if you have irregular menstrual cycle, in early 30s or younger with unsuccessful attempts for a year; between 35-40 years with unsuccessful attempts for 6 months; and 40 years and above,” 3 said Dr. Aref Al Khaldi. Ovulation disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic dysfunction and premature ovarian insufficiency, are also known to disrupt the ovulation process and requires medical attention.

An ovarian reserve test is a fertility check that helps determine the capacity of the ovary to produce egg cells that are capable of fertilization resulting in a healthy and successful pregnancy. Decreased ovarian reserve is the cause of low ovarian stimulation which is required for pregnancy.

“Although female fertility declines with age, the pace of reproductive decline varies in individuals. Ovarian reserve test or screening is used to counsel women regarding their reproductive lifespan and for those facing issues we can guide them on natural and assisted conception, as well as help prevent potentially life-threatening complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in those under fertility medication/procedure,” added Dr. Aref Al Khaldi.

There are many methods locally available for ovarian reserve tests that doctors can recommend in consultation with patients like measurement of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) or Estradiol or Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) or Ultrasound (Antral Follicle Count). Based on the outcome to be determined, one of them can be recommended.

RDME has taken the unprecedented move of being the first IVD Company to have a Management Centre and a logistics hub in the Middle East. RDME has extended its ownership of the entire supply chain, quality control and customer support all the way into the centre of the region. This base of operations reinforces the commitment to global Roche standards and is driven by a full team of vastly experienced specialists offering a complete portfolio of services. With this regional empowerment, RDME has moved its leadership and decision-making closer to its customers and distributors. These investments allow Roche Diagnostics Middle East to develop from being a supplier into becoming the preferred IVD partner for its customers.

RDME offers a complete portfolio of services in 16 countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Libya and Maldives. For more information, please visit

References:

1. WHO, http://www.who.int/genomics/gender/en/index6.html

2. National, Regional, and Global Trends in Infertility Prevalence Since 1990: A Systematic Analysis of 277 Health Surveys. 

3. Female Infertility by Mayo Clinic: