Reproductive Medicine in Madrid

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 Madrid?

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

About Madrid

Madrid is the capital and most populous city in Spain and the city continues to charm its visitors with glorious fashion, amazing food, and lively nightlife. Beyond its culture and beauty, Madrid is also a convenient medical tourism destination, particularly for residents of Western Europe. Many of the best JCI-accredited and high-quality hospitals in Spain are located within this city and these hospitals are well-regarded for high standards, both in terms of staff and facilities. The doctors and medical professionals are highly trained and will make sure to give you the best of care. Furthermore, the city has one of the most affordable healthcare systems on the continent. Popular treatments include orthopedic surgery, dental treatments, and general checkups. Infertility treatments are particularly popular and are attracting medical tourists from all over Europe.  

Popular Parts of Madrid

From amazing masterpieces, upbeat nightlife, amazing local cuisine, to beautiful architecture, there’s plenty to see in Madrid. The most popular area is Plaza Mayor, which is the city’s main square where visitors can stroll around its winding streets to find many churches and tapas bars. This area will give insights into the city’s royal history and architecture. The most popular sites around the plaza are Ayuntamiento and San Pedro. Those who want to learn more about Madrid’s culture should visit the Prado Museum. It is one of the most amazing art galleries in the world displaying the works by the great European masters, such as Raphael, Bosch, Rubens, Goya, and Velázquez. On sunny days, people usually go to El Retiro Park to unwind and relax. 

Transport in Madrid

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is the main airport in Madrid and is the second-largest airport by physical size in Europe. It serves both domestic and international flights to and from numerous major cities around the world. Getting around in Madrid is fairly easy since the city has an effective public transport system. The best way to get around is by the metro, which has an extensive network and will take visitors almost everywhere around the city. Buses are a great option as well, and metered taxis are widely available. 

Visas in Madrid

As a member of the Schengen Area, Spain allows citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, to visit and stay without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries are required to apply for a visa to be able to enter Madrid and It is highly advisable to check at your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate for the requirements.

Weather in Madrid

Spring (March-May) is one of the wettest times in the city, but it does offer pleasant weather. Autumn (September – October) is also quite pleasant, with the average temperatures hovering around 15°C. Summer (June – August) can be very hot, with the temperatures rising to 37°C on the hottest days. Winter is chilly, with the average temperature dropping to 8°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The Euro is the currency and 1 EUR is equivalent to approx. 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: It’s easy to find ATMs in Madrid and credit cards are widely accepted. In some areas, tipping can be expected.
3. Local Language: The official language is Spanish and many people speak good English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The largest religion is Christianity. However, other religions, such as Islam and Judaism, are also widely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: New Year's Day, Day of Murcia, and Christmas Day are some of the most celebrated holidays in the city.