Reproductive Medicine in Cairo

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 Cairo?

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

About Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world is next to the Nile River. As home to the amazing Giza Pyramid complex and the ancient city of Memphis, this city is often associated with ancient Egypt. People from all around the world are drawn to this beautiful city, and they normally visit to get a closer look at its magical landmarks. However, aside from its history and culture, people also come to Cairo for its healthcare. The city is believed to have been one of the most popular medical tourism destinations since the Pharaonic era. It also enjoys an excellent reputation as a therapeutic destination and is filled with high-quality hospitals that are ready to handle and care for international patients. These hospitals are armed with innovative equipment, skilled specialists, and amazing services.

Popular Parts of Cairo

Cairo is a perfect combination of modern and ancient. Most people from all over the globe come to see the Great Pyramid of Giza. This awe-inspiring pyramid is one of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world that has been around for nearly 4000 years. Still in the same complex of the pyramid is the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. Another popular attraction is the Egyptian Museum, which has one of the most important collections of ancient artifacts in the world. In this museum, visitors can admire the gleaming treasures of Tutankhamun and other pharaohs, jewelry, toys, and mummies. Museum of Islamic Art and Al Azhar Mosque are other must-visit places within the city. 

Transport in Cairo

Cairo International Airport is the primary international gateway to Cairo. It serves both domestic and international flights to Asia and Europe. Several budget airlines, including Flynas and FlyEgypt, operate flights from this airport. Cairo has an effective and dependable public transport system. Buses and metro are available. Both are relatively affordable and comfortable. Taxis and Uber are plentiful. Taxis are normally metered, but some taxis refuse to use the meters. Therefore, always insist on using the meter or agree on a fare before commencing your journey.

Visas in Cairo

Visa exemption is given to citizens of several countries, such as Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption agreement must obtain a visa. Visa on arrival is available for several countries, including Japan and Australia. Egypt also provides an electronic visa for citizens of 46 countries.

Weather in Cairo

Cairo experiences a hot desert climate. Summer (May to October) is typically very hot with an average temperature of around 35°C. This temperature can sometimes exceed 40°C and comes with high humidity. Winter (November to April) brings pleasant and colder temperatures.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). 1 USD converts to 15.7 EGP.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found easily around the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in the midrange and high-end businesses. Tipping is generally expected.
3. Local Language: The official language is Classical Arabic, but the most widely spoken is Egyptian Arabic. English is also widely spoken in the city.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam is the state religion and it is the biggest religion in Cairo. However, there are also small groups of Jews and Christian in the city.
5. Public Holidays: Several religious and national holidays are celebrated in Cairo, including Eid, Coptic Christmas Day, and Revolution Day.