Reproductive Medicine in Barcelona

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 Barcelona?

Your length of stay in Barcelona depends on your specific condition and the type of test and/or treatment you underwent. In general, it is advisable that you stay in Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona

About Barcelona

Barcelona is a city located on the coast of northeastern Spain. It is the second-largest city in the country. This enchanting seaside city charms its visitors with fascinating history and culture, legendary architecture, unique food, beautiful beaches, and upbeat nightlife. Barcelona is also known as the medical capital of Spain. Healthcare in the city is well equipped with technology and human resources. Various hospitals and clinics have their own specialties and are staffed with highly-trained specialists who truly care about their patients. Most people come from cancer treatment, heart and circulation diagnosis, bone treatment, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, as well as full-body diagnostic. 

Popular Parts of Barcelona

Barcelona offers a plethora of things to do and see. Here, visitors can explore Gaudi’s architecture. Gaudi is the city’s most famous architect and his work can be seen everywhere in the city. His method of blending Art Nouveau and Gothic styles is awe-inspiring and made him legendary. In Barcelona, you can also learn more about one of the most influential artists in the 20th century, Picasso. The Picasso Museum in the city is one of the biggest in the world, housing over 3,000 pieces of art, allowing you to learn more about Picasso’s life and craft. The beaches in the city, particularly Barceloneta Beach, is a must-visit. The wide and long stretch of sand is perfect for sunbathing, the water is warm, and there are a lot of excellent restaurants on the boardwalk.

Transport in Barcelona

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport is the international airport serving Barcelona. It is the second-busiest airport in Spain that connects international flights to numerous cities around the world, such as Beijing, Toronto, and London. Barcelona has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. The metro and tram are fast, cheap, and well-connected. There are many metro stations and it is easy to navigate. The local buses are also great, well-connected, and leave very frequently. Taxis are widely available and are quite affordable.

Visas in Barcelona

Since Spain is a member of the Schengen Agreement, nationals from 62 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, are allowed to visit without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries need to apply for a visa prior to their arrival. 

Weather in Barcelona

Winter (December – February) is mild, but different types of weather can occur. The average temperature hovers around 15°C and it is rainier than other seasons. Summer (mid-June – August) is hot, humid, and sunny, with the temperatures reaching 30°C on the hottest days. However, the sea breezes make it more bearable. Spring and autumn are relatively pleasant, but both seasons can be rainy.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Euro. 1 EUR converts to around 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available in many areas. Credit cards can be used in most businesses. Tipping can be obligatory in some places.
3. Local Language: Spanish is the official language and many people will be able to speak good English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity is the biggest religion. However, other religions, such as Islam and Judaism, are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Barcelona celebrates numerous holidays, including New Year's Day, Day of Murcia, and Christmas Day.