Reproductive Medicine in Georgia

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 Georgia?

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

Introduction

Georgia is located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia and it is the most visited country in South Caucasus. From its green valleys and vineyards to its old watchtowers and old churches, this country will never disappoint. Over the last 5 years, Georgia has been visited by an increasing number of medical tourists. These foreign patients, mostly come from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Russia, are attracted to Georgia’s high-quality and affordable medical care, as well as the medical center’s first-class services. Most of these patients come for dental treatments, cosmetic surgery, oncology, radiology, liver and kidney transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, orthopedics, infertility treatment, and bariatric surgery.

Popular Cities and Regions in Georgia

Georgia’s vibrant capital, Tbilisi, offers picturesque Old Town, outstanding architecture, dramatic valley setting, and terrific cuisine. Home to 30% of the country’s population, this city is lively and filled with hipster culture and techno scene. One of the most famous monuments in the city is Kartlis Deda, which is a 20-meter tall aluminum symbol of Tbilisi. Another popular city is Batumi, which is the country’s most charming seaside destination. Its synthesis of the mountain and the sea is truly unique and interesting. The most popular attractions in this city, besides its beach, are Batumi Boulevard, Batumi Botanical Garden, Medea Monument, Ortajame Mosque, and Batumi Archeological Museum.

Transport in Georgia

International tourists will arrive in Tbilisi International Airport. It serves flights to and from several cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. There are numerous budget airlines that operate flights from this airport, including IndiGo, Ryanair, and AirAsia X. To travel around the country, domestic flights, buses, and trains are available. To get around major cities, several public transportation options are available. The most common way to get around is by local minibus and buses. Taxis are widely available, but make sure to agree on the fare before getting on.

Visas in Georgia

Georgia allows citizens of 98 countries, including all European Union countries, the US, Japan, and Australia, to stay for a year. Holders of passports issued by 66 countries, such as Bolivia and Egypt, are eligible to apply for e-Visa. The e-Visa is valid for 90 days per 180-day period and 30 days per 120-day period. Citizens of other countries, such as Sudan and Morocco, need to apply for a visa in advance.

Weather in Georgia

Winter in Georgia is usually very cold, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 6°C, and sometimes dropping below 0°C at night. Summer, from June to August, is pleasantly warm with average temperatures of 20°C to 30°C. However, some coastal areas are humid during this season. Spring and Autumn are delightful as the weather is not too hot, nor too cold. Both of these seasons see frequent rainfalls.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Lari (GEL) is the official currency of Georgia. 1 USD is equivalent to 2.7 GEL.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, shops, and hotels. However, if you travel outside of Tbilisi, it’s best to bring plenty of cash. Tipping is expected.
3. Local Language: Georgian is the official language. Russian is common, while English is becoming more widespread.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The majority of Georgia’s population is Christian. Other religions, including Islam, Judaism, and Bahá'í Faith are present.
5. Public holidays: Some of the most celebrated public holidays are New Year’s Day, Orthodox Christmas, Great Saturday, Day of Victory over Fascism, and Independence Day.