The Fertility Center at the Al Wattayah Gynecology and Obstetrics Complex, part of the General Directorate of Khawla Hospital, has achieved remarkable success since its opening in February 2024. With 79 pregnancies recorded so far, including nine twin pregnancies, the center has already celebrated 13 births, with 39 more pregnancies expected to deliver in the near future.
Dr. Naema bint Obaid Al Maamari, an IVF and ICSI consultant at Khawla Hospital, shared details of the center’s accomplishments. Since its establishment, the center has treated over 5,000 patients, carried out more than 30,000 laboratory tests, and completed 900 treatment cycles, which include 729 egg retrievals and 224 frozen embryo transfers.
In response to the growing need for sperm extraction, the center has enhanced its laboratory capabilities by introducing specialized equipment, such as a microscope designed for sperm inspection and extraction. This has facilitated numerous direct sperm extraction procedures, with the sperm being frozen for future use in IVF treatments.
To further improve patient care, the center has conducted training workshops for medical professionals from referring hospitals, equipping them with the necessary expertise to assess cases of delayed childbearing and perform initial examinations for patients being referred to the center. Educational materials have also been published to raise awareness about the causes of delayed childbearing and the available treatment options.
A significant milestone for the center is the creation of Oman’s first specialized database documenting cases of delayed childbearing. This database will undergo thorough analysis, enabling the center to enhance its services and guide future advancements in assisted reproduction. Additionally, the data will be utilized to conduct pioneering studies on fertility, providing essential insights into the causes of infertility and informing the development of more effective treatments.
Dr. Al Maamari acknowledged one of the center’s primary challenges – the high percentage of patients over the age of 40, which exceeds 25% of the total referrals. Specialized care strategies are being developed to address the specific needs of this age group.
Dr. Rahma bint Hamoud Al-Ghabshi, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Head of the Fertility Center, highlighted that the center is the first government-run facility in Oman specializing in IVF and assisted reproduction. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art embryo incubators and laboratory instruments, the center’s team comprises highly skilled embryologists specializing in fertility and IVF procedures.
The center focuses on treating couples who face challenges with natural conception or who have been unsuccessful in previous attempts, even after exploring other options for delayed pregnancy.
Dr. Al-Ghabshi outlined the eligibility criteria for treatment at the center, including that the wife’s age should not exceed 42 years, there should be no existing children in the family, no significant genetic conditions, and a body mass index (BMI) of less than 35 to ensure the best chances of success.
Patients of the center have expressed gratitude for the services they have received. Mohammed Al Balushi, a patient, shared his appreciation, saying, “I am thankful for the opportunity to begin treatment at the fertility center, which gives me hope for achieving the dream of fatherhood.” He also thanked the Omani government for providing high-quality healthcare services to citizens.
The Fertility Center at Al Wattayah Gynecology and Obstetrics Complex has become a beacon of hope for couples struggling with fertility issues. The center receives referrals from various medical departments, including gynecology, urology, endocrinology, and oncology centers that specialize in fertility preservation, making it a vital resource for couples across Oman seeking assistance in overcoming reproductive challenges.
