The Nation Newspaper

Tag: infertility

  • Staphylococcus and infertility

    I have said severally  and in reference to opinion within and outside Nigeria that 27 species of staphylococcus are majorly identified by medical experts, but the most common and most disturbing specie of these infections are staph epidermidis which attacks the skin leading to boil and skin irritation and staph saprophyticus which attacks the urinary tract leading to painful urination and biting sensation in the urinary tract and staph aureaus which destroys the immune system leading to numerous opportunistic infections as follows; staphylococcus attacks the lung leading to staphylococcus pneumonia which eventually results to difficult breathing and cough condition.

    Staph also leads to meningitis, which is called brain infection leading to brain access and occasional forgetfulness.

    Staphylococcus attacks the blood thereby leading to crawling and and biting sensations on the skin, staph attacks the bones, the muscles, and joints leading to general body weakness, muscular and joint pains and spasm. Staphylococcus also attacks the ovary, the womb and as such leads to tubal blockage, ectopic pregnancy and female infertility.

    Certain Medical analysts believe that this infection and other categories of infection could lead to hormonal imbalances thereby leading to a change in the menstrual cycle, scanty menses, and amenorrhea where there is no menses at all. Analysts believe that staphylococcus affects the sperm mortility and morphology thereby leads to oligospermia or azospermia where there is low sperm count or no spermatozoa at all and therefore leads to male infertility.

    Staphylococcus are now resistant to certain antibiotics.

    Amazingly last year, a secondary school teacher in her late forties who had been married for well over 19 years without ever getting pregnant, she came to my office with her school proprietress who referred her to me. She had fibroid, homonal imbalance and staphylococcal infection for several years without any solution as she had taken different medication to no avail. She had also been on staph treatment from other health centers without any help.

    Within two months of taking the herbs she became pregnant and eventually had twin bouncing baby girls to the glory of God. We have many other testomonies which space in this column will not permit me to share now.

    Let me quote Professor Franklin D. Lowy of the Columbian University who is a professor of medicine and a senior researcher in Staphylococcal organisms. Professor Lowy submitted according to his well founded research that staphylococcus is “uniquely adaptive” it is carried in the nose and can also spread from one person to the other. According to him staph is highly promiscuous” According to certain experts,  Staphylococcus which were not resistant to certain drugs as far back as 1970s has now become resistant to the same drugs, though they were still the drugs which were bactericidal {i.e able to destroy} these organisms in the time past. For the purpose of emphasis and for the benefit of new readers of this column, I will like to define staphylococcus again.

    Medically “Staphylococcus are any pathogenic bacteria, parastic to human that belong to the genus staphylococcus. The spherical bacteria cells (cocci) typically occur in irregular clusters (Gr. staphyle – bunch of grapes) the term staphyloccosi is also sometimes used loosely for the cluster arrangement itself and broadly for any bacteria with such a growth pattern. The pigments produced by staphylocococci are the basis of the names given to the various strains those with colors ranging from orange to yellow are designated Staph aureaus. Staph aureaus is the major specie of these infection which attacks human beings. They produce infection in any organ of the body such as staph pneumonia of the lungs, brain access etc. The most common food poisoning is brought by staph contaminated food.

    The staph organsims also generate toxins and enzymes that can destroy both the red and white blood cells. I will like to submit that British Medical Journal Reported in February that 800 people died from drug resistant staph in 2002 vs 51 in 1993. Cases have also spiked up in most part of the world.

    According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.A, staph resistant  drugs doubled from 1987 to 1997. I decided to cite the above reference to counter the belief in the minds of certain people that staphylococcal infection is an infection for only Africans.  This is absolutely wrong. According to sound knowledge, and information, staphylococcus is a worldwide health issue. We need more enlightenment to a health disaster which is now destroying and killing our people.

    Staphylococcus are not viral infections. Research on certain herbs documented by Dr Hoffman, a former

    Lecturer at the University of Wales and the former president of American Guild of Herbalists are effective remedies in our staphylococcal treatment.

    Call Dr Paul Torty on 08037140368, 08051625888, 08099829832, 08038824033, 08083860575.

    Distance is  not a barrier, wherever you are, call now. Www.drpaultorty.com

  • Fibroids and infertility (2)

    The Prostate gland is the organ that helps in the production of simen, and it stays beneath the bladder surrounding the urethra, the tube that drains urine from the bladder, when it becomes enlarged, the Prostate can put pressure on the urethra and cause difficult urination and  also leads to the following symptoms:

    Weak Urine, stopping and starting while urinating, dribbling at the end of urination, straining while urinating, frequent need to urinate,  increased frequency of urination at night, urgent need to urinate, not being able to empty the bladder, blood in the urine, urinary tact infection, back and lower abdominal  pains.

    In Africa, the rate of prostate enlargement and cancer is presently high.

    Let me  quickly mention that we have developed a herbal remedy that is certified by NAFDAC. The product is known as PROSTALYN herbal a quality herbal preparation that helps to normalise urination where it is excess or difficult, Prostalyn also relieves urinary retention, frequent and urinary  urgency. It is important to note that prostalyn regulates P.S.A where the PSA is excessively elevated. An elevated PSA can lead to prostate cancer. Fpr cases of infections and STDs we have also developed remedies that have been certified by NAFDAC one of which is BATULIN a quality herbal preparation that fights infections, improves the blood, boosts the immune  system and there for effective for general well being.  Batulin is effective against symptoms such as weak erections caused by long term infections, itching, abnormal discharges,  and internal body hotness.

    A week ago, i had  driven out of the office on my way home when i received a call from my secretary that there was an emergency. A man was brought to my office simply because he could not pass out urine naturally. He was under serious pain. I could hear the man screaming in pains even as my secretary spoke to me on phone.

    Immediately i suspected that he had just been hit by prostate enlargement a health condition that can start by blocking the urine passage, causing excess urination and difficulty, as well as urinary urgency and retention. Thank God, ourherbs are ready -made. i asked my secretary to immediately open one of the already made herbal preparation for prostate enlargement which she did and the man took out of it.

    Amazingly, within the next one hour after they got home, the man urinated, however i was told that the pains seized within 10 minutes after he took the herbs.

    When tests was done the following day, i was proved right that his prostate is enlarged. He is presently doing well with our treatment. Once the prostate is enlarged, a lot of pressure can be placed on the leading to difficult or excess urination. Other sysmptoms that can follow are; dribbling urination, inability to empty  the bladder while urinating, stopping and starting urination, abdominal and waist pain, NORMAL P.S.A is 0-4.0ug/l. Prostate specific antigen higher than 4.0 ug/L measurement is said to be elevating and should be monitored to avoid prostate cancer.

    According to U.S Prostate and Cancer Research Institute, in every 6 men, 1 one person will have prostate cancer. Considering this type  of researched information on prostate, i believe the issue of prostate enlargement and cancer should not be taken lightly. It is a serious issue, I write to involve  urologists and other interested health professionals to try out our herbs on their patients and  be able to documents fact and figures  about our herbs especially, where I am  convinced that human lives will besaved. In the past one year we have been able to reach even our elites in this country who  actually took our prostate herbs and confirm that indeed they are very effective. I have on records today that some science  Professors from the nations University took our herbs and testified of its effectiveness. Besides, we have reached other eminent Nigerians who have testified to the originality and effectiveness of our remedy. There are other outstanding testimonies in th areas of infertility/hormonal imbalance, endometriosis, low sperm count , STDs, staph, ecoli, clamydia and other bronchial and pulmonary  Infections, fibroids, prostate enlargement, hypertension, diabetes, ulcer, hepatitis, asthma, constipation and pile problems etc.

    FOR TREATMENT and DELIVERY, enquiries call Dr. Paul Torty, The C.E.O of the Saints Herbals, and The Saints Medical Foundation. Phone Nos.  08037140368,08038824033,08051625888, 08038824033, AND 08083860575. Presently we are in Lagos, and Enugu, call now. Distance is no barrier wherever you are in Nigeria. Integrity, Honesty and Trust are our watchword  Email: paultorty@yahoo.com.

    Website: www.drpaultorty.com.

  • Fibroids and infertility (2): Prostate enlargement and urinary problems in men

    Let me start by sharing this testimony, though I hate to share peoples testimony especially those  close to me for some reasons. My younger sister (same parents) after having the first baby in her first pregnancy well over 3 years has not been able to conceive until recently. The story is thus; Precisely two months ago my wife and I invited her to my house so that I will find out if there is any medical issues. Reluctantly she opened up to us that  her menstruation is relatively excess, and that she experiences discomfort in her tummy. However, I asked her to see me in my office the following day. When I checked her I  discovered that she has an abnormally bloated abdomen. I sent her for scan and you know what, my suspicion was cleared. She has fibroids. I immediately referred her for medical tests such as urine culture, blood culture as well as h.v.s (higher vaginal swap and the results proved presence of bacteria infections. Of course the scan she did had already indicated she had P.I.D. (Pelvic inflammatory  diseases). She was on our fibroid remedy for two months and got pregnant while taking our herbal formular for fibroid as well as infection. She has spread the news in the village to her mother in law, my parents and all our relations close to her. She has volunteered to grant interviews on my page in future in order to encourage women facing same challenges. All to the Glory of God.

    The essence of this write up most importantly is to inform my readers about our new research in treatment and handling of fibroid cases. As a matter of fact and  according to research, women in their productive years between the ages of 25 years to 44 years are prone to have fibroids at different  time in their life, though the exact cause of fibroids is not known, but its believed that hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a role in their development. However, some medical analysts also believe in their research that certain lifestyle among women especially women in their reproductive age can also cause fibroid to grow. They are 3 kinds of fibroids that have been  identified by medical experts such as intramural fibroids, sub serous fibroids and submucous fibroids. All these terms connote that fibroids can grow either inside the womb, outside the womb and on the wall of the womb. Intramural fibroids usually can lead to excessive bleeding or excessive menstrual flow which in very bad cases can lead to anaemia among women. My study about the processes and research done in most part of Asia, and South America  showed that certain herbs are effective in helping to fight fibroid growth. However, our experience relying on those studies  conducted in those countries showed high success rate in our practice of natural  medicine.

    We have recently advanced our  fibroid remedies and they are indeed very effective in dissolving, and shrinking excessive fibroid growth and thereby helping women to even conceive where conception becomes a challenge due fibroids. It is important to note that due to astringent action of  some of the herbs, excessive bleeding or menstrual flow can be controlled in matter of days while the patient is on the remedy. We have on record many testimonies of women who took our herbs and eventually conceived  apart from the herbs helping to fight the fibroids, it is also useful and effective against ovarian cysts and other kinds of growth.

  • AFTER FOUR YEARS, I FINALLY GOT OVER INFERTILITY WITHOUT MEDICS

    Finally, I am glad I can say I am fulfilled as a true African woman. Of course, my joy knows no bound as I share this experience with you. But honestly, I can’t hold tears from my eye as I write this because of the panic, worry, and worst of all the shame I have been through in recent past.

    I don’t know what brings you joy but I could say to you that I have been made to believe that only children who are God’s heritage can bring a married couple extreme joy. This is the belief of the family member that surrounded me.

    http://healthchronicles.com.ng/fertile.html I had my wedding on the 23RD of October 2010. It was a church wedding and was celebrated low key since we weren’t that buoyant. I am proud to say that I was a virgin till the eve of my honeymoon, this was one of the respect I got from my husband that made him kept faith in me throughout the period of my fruitlessness.

    Four months after my wedding, I was getting worried that I was yet to conceive, although my husband calmed me down and will turn down the suggestion of a medical examinations. At a point, I concluded that the fault was from him which I presumed was his reason for declining the test. He is a part-time pastor, so he preaches faith a lot to me and would give me consolatory words. I had no one else to run to but him since I have lost my parents. http://healthchronicles.com.ng/fertile.html

    At exactly a year and four months of our marriage, that should be around February 2012, my mother-in-law and one of my sisters-in-law paid us a visit. My mother-in-law asked if I had taken in before but had a miscarriage. I responded “no”. She asked about my present status which I told her was still the same. She felt so concerned and demanded that I followed her to the village for some medication. I couldn’t do that because of my job. She seems to understand but left for the village the following day and returned with a hamper full of herbs and various roots, some to be boiled for drinking and bathing, some to be chewed before sex and others to be prepared for eating. I was choice-less because of my predicament, so I succumbed to doing her wish, with the permission and encouragement from my husband. This lasted for several months with no tangible result. My mother-in-law did not hide her frustration and disbelieve in me after 2 years of our marriage. She told her son to get another that could bear him children. It was after this pressure that my husband subscribed to the idea of going to the hospital for medical check-up.

    On 4th of December 2012, we had an appointment with the doctor. After series of questioning, we were examined. I would not lie to you; it came to me as a shock when the result showed that my husband was 100% normal but there was a problem in my uterus, which had being affecting my ovulation. He asked me series of questions such as; if I was eating regularly if I was drinking, smoking, or undergoing stress.

    It was obvious I didn’t have excessive weight. The only cause for worry was my extreme brief menstrual cycles. I was told that there was the need to address my short menstrual cycle by taking some antibiotic or supplements. After this, I was made to undergo a minor surgery, since he said there was a blockage in my uterus.

    To cut the long story short, all these efforts proved abortive, as I remained barren. My husband was no longer having the patience he used to have for me any longer. Though, he could not send me parking because of his position in the church.

    On 20thMarch 2014, I was at a seminar talk for expecting mothers when the speaker spoke about the benefits of some supplements. I was so interested that I raised question pertaining to my condition. He suggested I get some help from this site http://healthchronicles.com.ng/fertile.html With reluctance, I gave it a trial. Well, I was proven wrong as the very choice I took that day will always remain the best I have ever taken in my life. After taking the supplements for about two and half month to the glory of the Lord, I became pregnant. My husband was so happy when we found out on the 14th of June 2014 that I had taken in.

    Today I am a proud mother.

    Please, I encourage women, with my condition, to patronise natural supplements (visit http://healthchronicles.com.ng/fertile.html  It has worked for me. I believe by God’s grace it will work for you.

     

  • AFTER FOUR YEARS, I FINALLY GOT OVER INFERTILITY WITHOUT MEDICS

    AFTER FOUR YEARS, I FINALLY GOT OVER INFERTILITY WITHOUT MEDICS

    Finally I am glad I can say I am fulfilled as a true African woman. Of course, my joy knows no bound as I share this experience with you. But honestly, I can’t hold tears from my eye as I write this because of the panic, worry, and worst of all the shame I have been through in recent past.

    I don’t know what brings you joy but I could say to you that I have been made to believe that only children who are God’s heritage can bring a married couple extreme joy. This is the belief of the family member that surrounded me.

    http://evergreenhealthtreat.com.ng/fertility.html I had my wedding on the 23RD of October 2010. It was a church wedding and was celebrated on a low key, since we weren’t that buoyant. I am proud to say that I was a virgin till the eve of my honeymoon, this was one of the respect I got from my husband that made him kept faith in me throughout the period of my fruitlessness.

    infertility

     

    Four months after my wedding, I was getting worried that I was yet to conceive, although my husband calmed me down and will turn down the suggestion of a medical examinations. At a point I concluded that the fault was from him which I presumed was his reason for declining the test. He is a part-time pastor, so he preaches faith a lot to me and would give me consolatory words. I had no one else to run to but him, since I have lost my parents. http://evergreenhealthtreat.com.ng/fertility.html

    At exactly a year and four months of our marriage, that should be around February 2012, my mother-in-law and one of my sisters-in-law paid us a visit. My mother-in-law asked if I had taken in before but had miscarriage. I responded “no”. She asked about my present status which I told her was still the same. She felt so concerned and demanded that I followed her to the village for some medication. I couldn’t do that because of my job. She seems to understand but left for the village the following dayand returned with a hamper full of herbs and various roots, some to be boiled for drinking and bathing, some to be chewed before sex and others to be prepared for eating. I was choice-less because of my predicament, so I succumbed to doing her wish, with the permission and encouragement from my husband. This lasted for several months with no tangible result. My mother-in-law did not hide her frustration and disbelieve in me after 2 years of our marriage. She told her son to get another that could bare him children. It was after this pressure that my husband subscribed to the idea of going to the hospital for medical check-up.

    mom

    On 4th of December 2012, we had an appointment with the doctor. After series of questioning we were examined. I would not lie to you; it came to me as a shock when the result showed that my husband was 100% normal but there was a problem in my uterus, which had being affecting my ovulation. He asked me series of questions such as; if I was eating regularly, if I was drinking, smoking, or undergoing stress.

    It was obvious I didn’t have excessive weight. The only cause for worry was my extreme brief menstrual cycles. I was told that there was need to address my short menstrual cycle by taking some anti-biotic or supplements. After this I was made to undergo a minor surgery, since he said there was a blockage in my uterus.

    To cut the long story short, all this efforts proved abortive,as I remained barren. My husband was no longer having the patience he used to have for me any longer.Though,he could not send me parking because of his position in the church.

     

    On 20thMarch 2014,I was in a seminal talk for expecting mothers when the speaker spoke about the benefits of some supplements. I was so interested that I raised question pertaining to my condition. He suggested I get some help from this site http://evergreenhealthtreat.com.ng/fertility.html With reluctance, I gave it a trial. Well, I was proven wrong as the very choice I took that day will always remain the best I have ever taken in my life. After taking the supplements for about two and half month to the glory of the Lord, I became pregnant. My husband was so happy when we found out on the 14th of June 2014 that I had taken in.

    images-2

    Today I am a proud mother.

    Please I encourage women, with my condition, to patronize natural supplements (visit http://evergreenhealthtreat.com.ng/fertility.htmlIt has worked for me. I believe by God’s grace it will work for you.

     

  • AFTER FOUR YEARS, I FINALLY GOT OVER INFERTILITY WITHOUT MEDICS

    AFTER FOUR YEARS, I FINALLY GOT OVER INFERTILITY WITHOUT MEDICS

    Finally I am glad I can say I am fulfilled as a true African woman. Of course, my joy knows no bound as I share this experience with you. But honestly, I can’t hold tears from my eye as I write this because of the panic, worry, and worst of all the shame I have been through in recent past.

    I don’t know what brings you joy but I could say to you that I have been made to believe that only children who are God’s heritage can bring a married couple extreme joy. This is the belief of the family member that surrounded me.

    http://www.evergreenhealthtreat.com.ng/fertility.html

    I had my wedding on the 23RD of October 2010. It was a church wedding and was celebrated on a low key, since we weren’t that buoyant. I am proud to say that I was a virgin till the eve of my honeymoon, this was one of the respect I got from my husband that made him kept faith in me throughout the period of my fruitlessness.

    crying-woman

    Four months after my wedding, I was getting worried that I was yet to conceive, although my husband calmed me down and will turn down the suggestion of a medical examinations. At a point I concluded that the fault was from him which I presumed was his reason for declining the test. He is a part-time pastor, so he preaches faith a lot to me and would give me consolatory words. I had no one else to run to but him, since I have lost my parents. http://www.evergreenhealthtreat.com.ng/fertility.html

    At exactly a year and four months of our marriage, that should be around February 2012, my mother-in-law and one of my sisters-in-law paid us a visit. My mother-in-law asked if I had taken in before but had miscarriage. I responded “no”. She asked about my present status which I told her was still the same. She felt so concerned and demanded that I followed her to the village for some medication. I couldn’t do that because of my job. She seems to understand but left for the village the following day and returned with a hamper full of herbs and various roots, some to be boiled for drinking and bathing, some to be chewed before sex and others to be prepared for eating. I was choice-less because of my predicament, so I succumbed to doing her wish, with the permission and encouragement from my husband. This lasted for several months with no tangible result. My mother-in-law did not hide her frustration and disbelieve in me after 2 years of our marriage. She told her son to get another that could bare him children. It was after this pressure that my husband subscribed to the idea of going to the hospital for medical check-up.

    pregnant-woman

    On 4th of December 2012, we had an appointment with the doctor. After series of questioning we were examined. I would not lie to you; it came to me as a shock when the result showed that my husband was 100% normal but there was a problem in my uterus, which had being affecting my ovulation. He asked me series of questions such as; if I was eating regularly, if I was drinking, smoking, or undergoing stress.

    It was obvious I didn’t have excessive weight. The only cause for worry was my extreme brief menstrual cycles. I was told that there was need to address my short menstrual cycle by taking some anti-biotic or supplements. After this I was made to undergo a minor surgery, since he said there was a blockage in my uterus.

    To cut the long story short, all this efforts proved abortive, as I remained barren. My husband was no longer having the patience he used to have for me any longer. Though, he could not send me parking because of his position in the church.

    On 20th March 2014, I was in a seminal talk for expecting mothers when the speaker spoke about the benefits of some supplements. I was so interested that I raised question pertaining to my condition. He suggested I get some help from this site http://www.evergreenhealthtreat.com.ng/fertility.html. With reluctance, I gave it a trial. Well, I was proven wrong as the very choice I took that day will always remain the best I have ever taken in my life. After taking the supplements to the glory of the Lord, I became pregnant. My husband was so happy when we found out on the 14th of May 2014 that I had taken in.

    baby-twins-2

    Today I am a proud mother of twins.

    Please I encourage women, with my condition, to patronize natural supplements (visit http://www.evergreenhealthtreat.com.ng/fertility.html). It has worked for me. I believe by God’s grace it will work for you.

  • ‘Infertility has solution, don’t patronise baby factories’

    ‘Infertility has solution, don’t patronise baby factories’

    Why don’t people talk freely about Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) even when they have benefited from it? The paradigm is shifting as beneficiaries at the Nordica Fertility Centre have launched the Fertility Awareness Advocate Initiative (FAAI) to support fertility-challenged couples and demystify IVF intervention, writes OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA.

    The launch of any product comes with  excitement and hope. So it was with the launch of Fertility Awareness Advocate Initiative (FAAI) recently.

    The Civic Cente, Victoria Island, venue of the event, was filled to capacity with beautifully-dressed kids: boys and girls, in orange and blue T-shirt. They numbered over 300. They are some of the 1, 500+ kids conceived through IVF provided by the Nordica Fertility Centre. Their parents were also in attendance; they beamed with smiles.Their faces once displayed bitterness and frustration. Those feelings have been replaced with joy and fulfilment.

    With confidence, the parents declared that they came out to encourage fertility-challenged couples to seek Assisted Reproductive Therapy (ART), especially IVF, a tested and proven option for achieving their desire – children.

    FAAI President Omoz Evborokhai said as the name suggests, FAAI is a support group formed to help couples who were yet to have their own children to stay positive and hopeful through the waiting period, having understood that infertility could be tough on couples.

    Evborokhai said the decision to establish  FAAI was borne out of the desire to ensure continuous awareness, education and enlightenment on the myths and misconceptions surrounding assisted conception and infertility in the country.

    “FAAI also aims at promoting enforcement of regulatory standards in the treatment of infertility in Nigeria and collaboration with organisations with similar objectives,” he stated.

    Evborokhai pointed out that many child-less couples have been taken advantage of by quacks because of ignorance, saying: “We at FAAI believe that people should get to know that there is hope at the end of the tunnel and that they can have  babies through legitimate processes.

    “By offering counseling support, we let couples on the fertility journey know that others have gone through this same route and achieved successes. We also share our experiences which goes a long way to inspire them. This is a sure way of ending the plethora of baby factories in our society. I did IVF along with my wife some 14 years ago. I am through with procreation. And have no need for same again. I am spearheading this along with some other beneficiaries so many more couples out there can be supported and benefit to access IVF based on informed decisions”, said Evborokhai.

    He advised child-less couples not to patronise baby factories and get into trouble, “rather, seek options in assisted conception which abound in the country and are legitimate by all standards”.

    Medical Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos and Asaba, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, said although no accurate data existed in the country on the exact number of couples battling infertility, experts were of the opinion that for every couple that could conceive within a year of marriage, four others are making frantic efforts to achieve pregnancy.

    Leading other fertility experts and beneficiaries of the invitro fertilisation (IVF) at the event, which attracted many couples who came to know more about the initiative and become partners, Ajayi said the prevalence of infertility was put at between 20 and 25 percent among married couples.

    He said no less than 45 percent of consultations in most gynaecology clinics across the country were infertility related, advising couples not to shy away from seeking immediate help once they are unable to achieve conception within a year of continuous sexual relationship.

    Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof Folashade Ogunsola, called for sustained research into ways of reducing the burden of infertility.

    Prof Ogunsola decried the rate at which the population snared at couples with infertility challenge who opt for IVF. She said: “We have come a long way in infertility treatment, and we need to continue to demystify infertility, while also encouraging couples that have benefited from the treatment procedures to come out and share their stories”.

    Going down memory lane, Ogunsola recalled how patients in the past visited the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for treatment options for infertility without success saying: “It was such a miserable time and I was really moved. We felt that even if we could do the O (Obstetrics), without the G (Gynaecology), it would not be enough. At the infertility clinic (LUTH), the same people were there year after year; there was no solution”.

    She urged beneficiaries of the IVF treatment to be free and open in sharing their success stories to encourage many more who are child-less, “and help restore hope that it is possible to carry their bundles of joy with assisted conception and delivery”, she added.

    She urged the FAAI group to collaborate with universities and research institutes in finding ways to reduce the burden and cost of treating infertility.

    Before the launch came to a conclusion, the children sang two songs, which theme was that: “they are healthy children just like any other child and not robot or artificial/man-made children.

     

  • Doctor warns against female genital mutilation

    Doctor warns against female genital mutilation

    A former Director of Public Health, Enugu Ministry of Health, Dr Uche Ene, has urged parents to desist from female genital mutilation as it could lead to infertility.

    Ene in Enugu on Thursday that “female genital mutilation is the removal of genital tissue which involves removing necessary glands leading the vaginal environment to become unfavourable to sperm.”

    He said that female children who undergo such practice were at risk of infertility.

    According to him, genital mutilation often results to painful intercourse, inability to have intercourse, infections and frigidity.

    The doctor who said that the lips that surround the vagina could be narrowed, added that the narrowing of the vagina often makes it difficult for the penis to penetrate into it for the release of sperm for conception.

    He further explained that female genital mutilation also included the partial or total removal of the clitoris and possibly the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris, removal of the labia minor and the labia major, among others.

    Ene said that appropriate institutional frameworks for advocacy and plans against the practice should be established in rural areas where this practice was most prevalent.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised female genital mutilation as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

  • Stress is leading cause of infertility – Expert

    Mr Emmanuel Akpe, a medical laboratory scientist and a stress coach, says stress is one of the leading causes of infertility in both male and female.

    Akpe disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Jos.

    According to him stress destroys the body without the individual knowing it.

    He said that due to the fast lifestyles of some individuals, “their bodies pump out cortisol almost constantly”.

    Akpe said that stress could also be responsible for some ailments like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

    “Elevated cortisol relating to prolonged stress many a times results in the disruption of the normal ovulation and menstrual cycle of a woman which brings about infertility because if eggs are not produced then the semen has nothing to fertilise.

    “Similarly in the male folks, elevated cortisol due to stress can cause erectile dysfunction,” he explained.

    The stress coach said that androgenic sex hormones were produced in the same glands that produced the cortisol, so excess cortisol production might hamper optimal production of sex hormones.

    Akpe described cortisol as a steroid hormone which is normally released in response to events and circumstances and in acute stress it is best known for its involvement in the “Fight and Flight” response.

    He said that over production of this steroid hormone could result in biochemical and hormonal imbalances and advised that people should ensure that they reduced stress in their lives.

    “Reducing the stress in your life is so important at all levels as it will not only help your fertility and health, but also the quality of your life,’’ he said.

    He also advised that people should embrace positive ways of reacting to stressful situations.

    “When going through a stressful situation there is only one thing you have control over which is how you react”.

    The coach further urged that people should inculcate healthy habits and practices that would help to reduce stress.

  • Stem cell therapy good for infertility, NCDs

    Stem cell therapy good for infertility, NCDs

    Adult Stem Cell Therapy is new in Nigeria. David Ikudayisi of Glory Wellness and Regenerative Centre, Lagos, says it has many benefits. In this interview with OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA, the medic urges Nigerians suffering from non-communicable diseases and infertility to go for the therapy.

    It is believed that Stem Cell Therapy involves the use of embryos, hence, peoples’ reluctance to accept it. Is this true?

    There are two main types of stem cells – embryonic stem (ES) and adult stem cells. The former involves the use of embryos as source of cells while the latter involves the use of cells harvested from an individual or adult. Others, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are produced in the laboratory by reprogramming adult cells to express embryonic stem cells characteristics. The type of stem cell therapy that we are talking about here is the adult stem cell therapy, and this uses a patient’s own body fat or bone marrow as the source of stem cells, unlike the controversial embryonic stem cell therapy. Regenerative medicine aims to restore normal function by repairing or replacing damaged or malfunctioning cells and tissues in patients who have lost tissue or organ function due to age, disease or congenital defects. With PRP therapy, the growth factors in the blood activate the healing process at a faster rate. And with adult stem cell therapy, the stem cells in adult fat/bone marrow can differentiate into any tissue where they find themselves. Adult stem cell therapy is new in the country but the Nigerian doctors are aware of the use of bone marrow transplant for blood disease called leukemia. In the past, PRP therapy has been used in at least one of our teaching hospitals in Lagos; some doctors are now using the therapy. PRP therapy is very popular among orthopaedic doctors in Nigeria, but there are still drawbacks due to the cost and logistics for the state- of-the-art technology, and affordability by patients. Meanwhile, adult stem cell therapy is new in Nigeria, but not in Europe, United States or India.

    You mean Stem Cell Therapy can  treat many ailments?

    The benefits of adult stem cell therapy are enormous, and there is much more to be discovered. The basic way to understand who will benefit is simply knowing that if there is need to repair and/regenerate any part of the human tissue/organ, then adult stem cell therapy with/without PRP therapy may be an option. An exception is the treatment of cancer. Adult stem cell therapy can be used for shrink prostate and brain cancer the same day the stem cells are harvested from the patient, but not for the rest of the cancers without first doing tissue engineering of the stem cells in the research laboratories. Another exception is sickle cell anaemia treatment, which requires stem cells transplant from another person unlike adult stem cell therapy because in adult stem cell therapy, the stem cells are taken from the same patient that will be the recipient of the stem cells and all this is done the same and in the presence of the patient.

    For some of the common treatable ailments, they are in two categories: Local and systemic applications. Under applications, you have ailments, such as multiple joint pain, back pain, meniscal tears, ligament tears, avascular necrosis of the hip joints, facet arthropathy, plantar fasciitis, post-surgical hip pain, chronic non-healing wounds, dental procedures, hair thinning, erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, female urinary incontinence and cosmetic/aesthetic applications (vampire facial, vampire facelift, vampire breast and nipple lift.

    The ailments treatable under systemic applications  include diabetes, hypertension, aging (generalised treatment), fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, spinal cord injury, leukemia, COPD (lung disease), Crohn’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and infertility, etc. As for the infertility treatment, it increases the chances of becoming fertile and/or the success rate of Invitro Fertilisation (IVF).

    But the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has its regulation on Stem Cell Therapy.

    MDCN regulates all practices of medicine in Nigeria. Although adult stem cell therapy may be new, PRP therapy is not new as it is common among doctors in Nigeria. Embryonic stem cell is not being practiced in Nigeria to the best of my knowledge, and that is not what we are currently talking about anyway. Also, I am not aware of any research going on or being conducted by the Nigerian government or a hospital about induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) therapy.

     Are there side effects in this therapy?

    No.The stem cell treatment we are talking about is autologous, i.e. taken from the same patient that will be the recipient. Therefore, there is no risk of rejection of the transplant.  Let me also say that the PRP in Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has antimicrobial properties.

    If the therapy has so many benefits, why are people not partronising it?

    Adult cell therapy is relatively new in Nigeria. Unfortunately, and unlike in the USA, most Nigerians do not believe in preventive medicine. They only go to doctors when it is almost too late or at the precarious stage of their conditions. I do not blame them because the main reason for delaying health care is the financial cost. I hope that, one day, we will get to that level of health care system that is available in developed countries. We are just trying to create awareness on regenerative medicine in Nigeria. Nigerians keep travelling to India to get some of the procedures done, including the ones involving adult stem cell therapy. It will be great if many of the Nigerian doctors in USA, U.K. and other advanced countries, who practise regenerative medicine, will consider bringing their practice and knowledge home for the larger population of Nigerians to also benefit. I am not asking them to do pro bono because I understand the cost implication of my request, but, at least, let us start from somewhere. Nigeria, too, can become a centre for medical tourism in Africa because of regenerative medicine. There is a future for Nigeria in the medical world. For example, open heart surgery was performed in 2015 at Babcock University, and there are some world- class Intensive Care Units in Nigeria that I am aware of.

    What edge does stem cell therapy has?

    Stem cell therapy is not for everyone. It can reverse the symptoms of some diseases; it aims at regenerating and/or repairing the damaged tissue in the body which conventional treatment does not do. There is limited life span for surgical and other procedures; there is a limitation for surgery for spinal problems. For example, not everyone with bad knee joint wants to go for knee surgery, if it is treatable by another means, especially if the patient prefers to use his  body to heal himself. Conventional treatment does not last as long as the effect of adult stem cell therapy or PRP therapy in conditions/ailments where regenerative medicine is applicable and effective. Intravenous application of Adult Adipose (Fat) Stem Cell Therapy is also good for Anti-Aging. Not everyone wants to take pain medication on daily basis if that can be avoided. There are situations where conventional medicine has no suitable answers. For example, no one time or single dose medication for hair thinning, no medication can regenerate kidney cells to prevent them from deteriorating, no medication for female sexual dysfunction affecting married women, no medication reverses the symptoms in patients with severe multiple sclerosis, just to mention a few.

    Where can this therapy be procured?

    There are centres in Ikeja GRA, Lekki, Ikoyi, Abuja. I believe there may be more where patients can be treated using adult stem cells and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy without having to travel abroad.