Dr Charles Muteshi, Consultant Fertility Expert at Aga Khan University Hospital holds a consultation session with a couple.
Male-related factors account for an estimated 40 to 50 per cent of infertility cases globally, highlighting the need for couples to undergo fertility assessments together.
The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, has opened a specialised Fertility Centre in Westlands to expand access to infertility testing and treatment for both men and women.
The new facility, located at the hospital’s Peponi Specialty and Executive Clinic, will provide a range of services for individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving, as well as those seeking to preserve their fertility for the future.
The launch comes amid growing recognition that infertility is not exclusively a women’s health issue, with male-related conditions contributing to a significant proportion of cases worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in six people of reproductive age experience infertility at some point in their lives.
In Kenya, an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of couples have reported difficulties having children, according to the Kenya Association of Urological Surgeons.
Dr Charles Muteshi, Section Head of Fertility Services at the hospital, said assessing both partners is important in identifying the possible causes of infertility and determining appropriate treatment.
“Difficulty conceiving can result from factors affecting either partner, which is why our assessments involve both women and men,” he said.
In women, fertility challenges may be linked to age, ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.
In men, possible causes include low sperm count, poor sperm movement or function, hormonal disorders and blockages in the reproductive tract.
Dr Muteshi said examining both partners helps specialists develop a clearer understanding of the underlying challenges and recommend suitable treatment.
Fertility services available at the new centre
The facility will offer a range of fertility assessments and treatment options, including ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
The services are designed to support couples at different stages of their fertility journeys, from initial investigations to specialised treatment.
Dr Elkanah Omenge, Chair of the hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said fertility challenges can affect individuals and families emotionally and socially, making access to reliable medical information and professional support important.
“Fertility challenges can have a significant impact on individuals and families, and couples deserve access to expert care, accurate information and treatment options within a supportive healthcare environment,” he said.
He added that the hospital aims to support patients with dignity, compassion and clinical expertise.
The new centre brings together a multidisciplinary team of fertility specialists and forms part of the hospital’s wider efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare in the region.
The hospital says its services will be guided by standards of quality, patient safety and ethical medical practice.
