Reproductive Medicine in Argentina

Reproductive medicine is a field of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and management of male and female reproductive issues. It encompasses the prevention and assessment, as well as the treatment and prognosis of a wide variety of reproductive conditions. The main goal of reproductive medicine is to improve or maintain the female and male reproductive systems. Reproductive medicine specialists particularly treat and advise on any issues impacting a person’s or a couple’s ability to conceive. They treat issues of puberty, sexual education, family planning, birth control, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive system disease, such as:

• Infectious diseases, such as reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Cancer that affects the reproductive system, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, penile cancer, and prostate cancer.
• Conditions that affect fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism, vasectomy, and retrograde ejaculation.
• Congenital abnormalities, such as imperforate hymen and epispadias.
• Endocrine disorders, such as teratoma, hypogonadism, idiopathic hirsutism, androgen insensitivity syndrome, ovarian cysts, and hypopituitarism.

Tests and treatments that reproductive medicine may perform include:

• Full medical history assessment
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging techniques, such as pelvic ultrasounds
• Investigations of semen samples
• Ovulation induction
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility medication, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer, and frozen embryo replacement (FER)
• Open surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Prescribing medication, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the HIV virus.

Reproductive medicine is a multidisciplinary branch of medicine that combines physiology, endocrinology, and anatomy, as well as some aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology. Reproductive medicine also overlaps with other branches of medicines, such as gynecology, urology, obstetrics, and psychiatry.

How Long Should I Stay in Argentina?

Your length of stay in Argentina depends on your specific condition and the type of test and/or treatment you underwent. In general, it is advisable that you stay in Argentina for at least 1-3 weeks, although you may be able to travel home within 1 to 2 days after some diagnostic tests. During your stay, you will attend follow-up appointments.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your specific condition, the type of test/treatment you underwent, the technique your doctor used, and your overall health determines the recovery time. For open surgery, it may take around 4 to 6 weeks until you are allowed to resume your normal activity and to go back to work. Laparoscopic surgery offers shorter recovery time, usually only 3 to 4 weeks until you can return back to your normal activity level. For non-surgical procedures, such as IVF, you should be able to go back to your normal routine immediately after the procedure.

What Aftercare is Required?

You will be given detailed aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. In most cases, you will attend regular checkups with your reproductive medicine specialist in Argentina or with your local doctor back at home. 

What's the Success Rate?

The advancement of reproductive medicine and a better understanding of the human reproductive system has lead to an increased safety and success rate of the reproductive system’s tests and treatments. The field has allowed the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), resulting in advances in overcoming infertility. ART is also safer than surgical procedures, minimizing the risks that surgical procedures carry.

Are there Alternatives?

Depending on your specific case, you may be able to see a gynecologist, urologist, obstetrician, or even oncologist as the alternative to seeing a reproductive medicine specialist. It is best, however, to talk to your general physician first as they will be able to direct you to the right specialist. 

Reproductive Medicine in and around Argentina

Introduction

Argentina is beautiful and intriguing, the country’s cultural diversity, coupled with its beautiful nature, ensures a wide-ranging natural and cultural experience for tourists. Today, Argentina is emerging as one of the most important destinations in the world for medical tourism. Today, you will find highly-experienced healthcare professionals, medical centers with cutting-edge technology, personalized patient care, and high-quality services. The majority of medical tourists in this country arrive from Latin American countries, the USA, and Canada. These medical tourists travel to Argentina to undergo dentistry, bariatric surgery, breast implants, and ophthalmology.    

Popular Cities and Regions in Argentina

Known as the ‘Paris of South America,’ Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city in Argentina. It is known for its heavy European influence, which makes it diverse and vibrant. In this lively city, you will be welcomed with a dynamic food scene, magnificent architecture, colorful murals, lively nightlife, and glamorous tango. One of the most popular places in Argentina, besides Buenos Aires, in Córdoba, which is a fascinating city with a blend of old and new. In this city, you can find DJs spinning electro-tango next to 17th century Jesuit ruins. Another famous tourist destination is Mendoza. Filled with atmospheric plazas, leady avenues, and cosmopolitan cafes, this city captivates its tourists by its laid-back vibe. Those looking to relax on a beach should definitely visit Mar del Plata or Pinamar, where you can soak up some sun and have a lot of fun.

Transport in Argentina

Ezeiza International Airport is the largest airport in Argentina, located in Greater Buenos Aires. It connects the country with almost every country in the world, such as the US, Mexico, France, the UK, and the UAE. Since Argentina is very large, traveling around the country is easier with domestic flights. However, buses are popular among those who want to appreciate the country’s landscape. The best way to travel inside cities is by renting a car.

Visas in Argentina

Citizens of several countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, and the US, can visit and stay in Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days. Most other nationalities need to apply and obtain a visa to enter the country.

Weather in Argentina

Given the immense size of the country, the weather varies widely from one region to another. Buenos Aires tends to be hot from December to March, but it is very pleasant to visit between July and August. The south of Argentina is nice to visit from December to March, while July and August tend to be very cold. North Argentina has three climate zones and areas around the Iguazu Falls are generally tropical with humid weather.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Argentine peso (ARS) is the official currency. 1 USD is equivalent to 62 ARS. 
2. Money & Payments: You can find ATMs in nearly every city in Argentina. Most hotels, restaurants, and stores in major cities accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard).
3. Local Language: Spanish is the main language in the country. English is also widely spoken as it is obligatory in primary school.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Argentina is an overwhelmingly Christian country. Only a small percentage of the population practices other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. 
5. Public holidays: Public holidays in Argentina usually include Catholic based holidays, such as Christmas, although other religious holidays such as the Islamic New Year is celebrated. The country also celebrates historic holidays, such as Independence Day.