Beyond infertility: New challenges demand a broader vision of reproductive medicine

This Fertility Medicine Addressing the rising prevalence of infertility globally, critical challenges have been faced in recent decades. This World Health Organization (WHO) An estimated 17.5% of the adult population, equivalent to 1 in 6 people, experiences infertility, “a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of intercourse.” “Regular unprotected sexual activity”, is defined by the International Health Organization itself.

In Argentina, these figures are not foreign to us. The Argentine Society of Reproductive Medicine (SAMeR) estimates that between 15 and 20% of the population face reproductive problems.

However, difficulties that come from problems in the male or female reproductive system New challenges are added which arise from changes in social dynamics. Today women postpone motherhood and It is very common for fertility problems to be more of a matter of time.

Thus, in a trend, increasingly, Reproductive medicine must deal with the process of social evolution And the changes predicted from it, which led to organizations and experts in the field never before, More willing to accept and approach problems with an open mind and sensitive to changes in environment. New concepts of family, a review of the idea of ​​couples, monogamy being called into question, among other emerging concepts, are increasingly on the agenda.

Historically, couples sought to have children, and if they faced difficulties, they came to the doctor in search of a solution. now, Different forms of family emerge and reproductive desires. At Procrearte we have always been open and attentive to the evolution of various social demands, understanding that change is constant.

In fact, in our center Fertility preservation was one of the services that saw the largest increase, with significant post-pandemic impact. It has increased by 177%, reflecting the growing trend of women wanting to freeze their eggs. Although this trend has stabilized to some extent, they currently show a 30% year-on-year growth in 2022-2023.

However, our performance is not an isolated case: in a recent report, the Argentine Society of Reproductive Medicine (SEMAR) estimates Increase by 20% annually in case of egg freezing In various reproductive centers. According to data from the same medical institute, 60% of women want to conceive for the first time after the age of 35.

Fertility preservation is a technique that involves vitrifying oocytes, which can freeze eggs to preserve them until the moment they are used to become a mother. At age 40, most women retain only 3% of their ovarian reserve. Our Maternity Bank business unit allows a woman to maintain good fertility by leaving pregnancy for as long as she deems fit.

All this reveals the course How reproductive medicine is constantly challenged to reinvent itself From its original conception.

This dynamic of change works in real time. The proof of this is that, as we write these lines, Reproductive medicine has already undergone a new paradigm shift, In this case, we are now taking genetics as a fundamental basis for providing individualized and preventive treatment to the general population, not just those facing fertility problems.

Let us bear in mind that the pharmaceutical industry is already immersed in the development of personalized medicine based on genetics, which represents a significant change in the way we approach health. For this We have established a genetics area in Procrearte As a comprehensive service, not only for patients but also for health professionals. This service provides interpretation of genetic studies performed outside the country, adapting the results to personalized treatment. Thus arises the vision of the ‘prefamily’, which seeks to provide a preventive and genetic approach to the entire reproductive-age population, taking genetics to a broader scale.”

A vision of “pre-family”. It takes the form of offering study to anyone of reproductive age, regardless of their relationship status. This analysis assesses the genetic mutation present in each individual and the associated risk in having offspring.

We are all carriers of genetic mutations. He problem It occurs when these mutations are shared in a couple, increasing the risk of affecting their offspring. ‘Pre-family’ studies offer assisted conception treatments focused on carrying out preventive medicine, identifying potential genetic risks and, if necessary, avoiding genetic complications in the offspring.

One of Procrearte’s strengths lies precisely in its use of advanced genetic studies, such as genetic analysis of embryos. This allows the process Determine the genetic normality of the fetus, Improving success rates in in vitro fertilization treatments.

In 2016, approval of Medically Assisted Reproduction Act An important milestone was marked by establishing the inclusion of assisted reproduction treatment within the PMO. This change has not only changed the dynamics of treatment, but has also led us to expand our value proposition, developing agreements with over 70 health funds.

Law 26,862 establishes that every person of legal age, regardless of their sexual orientation or marital status, whether they perform social work, receive care prepaid or in the public health system, can have free and equal access to techniques and procedures performed with assistance. . Medical to achieve pregnancy.

This expansion allowed not only the possibility for patients to directly access the center through their medical coverage booklet, but also the integration of doctors from the network who can now provide care at Procreart or in outside offices. Flexibility and freedom of choice for the professionals and patients involved.

In conclusion, reproductive medicine is in a constant process of adaptation not only to the classic challenges of infertility, but also to social and technological changes. ‘Pre Family’ focuses on vision and genetics Bold steps Towards a future where reproductive medicine not only treats existing problems, but also prevents them from having a genetic basis. This comprehensive approach reflects our commitment to continuous evolution to provide advanced, personalized options to everyone on the parenthood journey.