In May 2025, Kenya will commemorate 20 years since the birth of its first test-tube baby, conceived at Nairobi IVF Centre in 2005. Despite this milestone, the country continues to face significant challenges in the realm of assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly in the areas of IVF and surrogacy. This is largely due to the lack of a robust legal framework for reproductive health in the country. Nevertheless, globally, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as a widely accepted solution for couples struggling with infertility, offering new hope for those facing reproductive challenges.
IVF, commonly known as the “test tube baby” procedure, involves fertilizing a woman’s egg with a man’s sperm outside the body. The resulting embryos are cultivated in the lab before being implanted into the woman’s womb. For many couples, IVF becomes the next step when natural conception proves difficult.
Dr. Ayman Mostafa, a fertility specialist at Nairobi West Hospital, advises that IVF should be considered if conception does not occur after 12 months of trying, or after six months for women over 35. Several medical conditions may also make IVF a viable option, including blocked fallopian tubes, a history of tubal ligation, advanced maternal age, low egg count, severe endometriosis, multiple failed ovarian stimulation cycles, male infertility, or unexplained infertility after unsuccessful insemination attempts.
The emotional toll of infertility treatments can be overwhelming, which makes choosing the right fertility clinic especially important. Dr. Mostafa emphasizes the need for patients to carefully evaluate the qualifications and expertise of the fertility specialists and medical teams they choose to work with. At Nairobi West Hospital, patients benefit from personalized evaluations and treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
Since the first IVF birth in 1978, the procedure has advanced in both its effectiveness and availability. Today, IVF accounts for over 1% of all births in the United States, with success rates influenced by factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the quality of the eggs, sperm, and embryos. Younger patients tend to experience higher success rates due to better egg quality.
A new trend emerging in the fertility field is the increasing number of women choosing to harvest and store their eggs for future use. Dr. Mostafa points out that with years of experience, cutting-edge medical technology, and a compassionate approach, Nairobi West Hospital’s fertility team is committed to offering hope and support to individuals and couples on their fertility journey.
As IVF continues to evolve and provide solutions for couples facing infertility, it remains crucial for patients to seek expert guidance, explore treatment options, and make informed decisions to maximize their chances of success.
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