Doctors can help with lifestyle advice as well and more advanced fertility treatments. Getty Images
Doctors can help with lifestyle advice as well and more advanced fertility treatments. Getty Images
Doctors can help with lifestyle advice as well and more advanced fertility treatments. Getty Images
Doctors can help with lifestyle advice as well and more advanced fertility treatments. Getty Images

Changing the fertility conversation: UAE experts on what to know about reproductive health


Hayley Kadrou
  • English
  • Arabic

How do we talk about the rise of infertility without creating anxiety? When is it appropriate to broach topics such as egg freezing? Is it possible to discuss links between lifestyle and the chances of conceiving without appearing to blame or judge? These are challenges that medical professionals are all too familiar with.

“Fearmongering around fertility can create unnecessary anxiety and prevent people from making informed decisions,” says Dr Bharathi Veeraswamy, gynaecology and obstetrics specialist at Dubai's Aster Clinic.

Dr Aarti Javeri, an internal medicine specialist in Dubai, also advocates changing the approach to such discussions. “If conversations could be approached with more compassion, empowerment and education instead of fear, we could start changing the narrative – especially in this region, where fertility remains a huge taboo,” she says.

Issues can also stem from conversations away from medical settings. Examples include myths that infertility is only an issue for women, and that there are no solutions after a certain age. However, that is no longer true, says Ahmed Abo El Fadl, general manager at pharmaceuticals company Merck Gulf.

“Science and technology have advanced significantly, providing tailored treatments at different ages,” reassures Abo El Fadl.

From tackling misinformation to empowering couples and acknowledging advances in treatment options, here's what people in the UAE should know about reproductive health.

Fertility trends have changed

A report by the World Health Organisation in 2023 found that 17.5 per cent of people worldwide have experienced infertility. “It's a number we see rising every year,” says Javeri.

The figure is derived from more than 100 global studies, each using a different methodology, showing that infertility rates vary widely across demographics, locations and socioeconomic status. Likewise, clear trends over time are hard to determine due to the scale and methodology of historical studies, making the worldwide decline in fertility unclear. Some countries have not consistently reported birth rates, for example.

IVF is one of the more popular methods to tackle infertility. Reuters
IVF is one of the more popular methods to tackle infertility. Reuters

The WHO defines infertility as “a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more”, meaning it is something a person experiences that can result from a multitude of contributing factors.

Health is an obvious one, particularly conditions that are undiagnosed for long periods. “Up to one in four women in the Mena region have PCOS and 70 per cent of them are walking around undiagnosed,” says Javeri. PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a leading cause of infertility. Diagnosis can lead to managing symptoms such as irregular ovulation.

How lifestyle affects fertility for men and women

However, health is just one element. In up to a third of couples, neither partner is diagnosed with a medical issue. This means that lifestyle – which is more in the control of the individual – often plays a bigger role.

“Lifestyle, stress and delaying marriage have all contributed to declining fertility rates,” says Abo El Fadl.

Javeri says that both men and women need to be assessed, adding that male infertility accounts for 30 per cent of cases. After a medical examination to check for potential complications, the next step is to understand lifestyle tweaks that can be made. Or, as Javeri calls it, go through “the lifestyle process” with a fertility doctor.

This can include obvious changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, but also psychological factors. “Sometimes, when doctors diagnose infertility, there is no organic or hormonal issue … It's more about psychological stress. We know that stress has raised over the period they have been trying to conceive,” says Abo El Fadl.

The responsibility is not solely on patients. “As a medical doctor, I was never trained to talk about the power of lifestyle medicine,” says Javeri. “Primary care providers need to start working with mental [health] professionals and lifestyle medicine physicians to provide patients with a seamless care pathway, which I think right now is a little bit fragmented.”

Research shows that intensive lifestyle changes can boost ovulation and fertility, but Javeri avoids terms like “holistic medicine”, which she feels are often dismissed.

“Lifestyle medicine is a very evidence-based field of medicine where you focus on pillars like nutrition, movement, sleep, connection and substance abuse. You put all of these together, and we have research studies and evidence guidelines to show that this actually helps with fertility rates,” she says.

Focusing on getting the fundamental pillars right can have a powerful impact on fertility, and it may not require medical intervention, although doctors and fertility specialists can provide guidance.

Empowerment and education at any age

So how does the conversation shift to empowerment rather than alarm? Veeraswamy stresses the importance of open discussions that clarify facts, rely on evidence-based information and avoid overhyping negative statistics.

For example, many women with PCOS are told – and therefore believe – that the condition means they are less likely to bear children. While it can impact ovulation, Javeri insists that “birth rates between women with and without PCOS aren’t very different … they may need more help, but they can still have kids”.

She also advocates people to become more aware of their bodies. “The more you track your symptoms, cycles, food and your movement, the more insight you have. It gives doctors objective data that can help personalise treatment.”

Cycle tracking is one way people can take more control over their fertility health. Getty Images
Cycle tracking is one way people can take more control over their fertility health. Getty Images

Discussing fertility health throughout adulthood – not just when trying to conceive – is essential. For both men and women, this means making positive lifestyle choices early on, though it is never too late to adopt healthier habits.

Abo El Fadl says that for women “the most important part of the decision to preserve eggs or not is empowerment – ensuring people make informed choices about their future”. He adds that, as the father of three daughters, he wants them to understand their reproductive health and have confidence in their choices.

This should not mean pressuring all young women into egg freezing, but it comes back to information and open conversations. “A balance of awareness, empathy and accurate information is key to fostering a healthy, informed conversation about fertility,” says Veeraswamy.

Future treatments are being built on fertile ground

In 2018, the first person born from IVF celebrated her 40th birthday. What was once thought not only impossible but also controversial is now commonplace and openly discussed, showing just how far fertility treatments have come.

There are three primary treatment avenues for couples: pharmacological, surgical and assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Pharmacological focuses on hormonal interventions that can make both men and women (although primarily the latter) more fertile. “The most common ones are clomiphene citrate and letrozole … they help to produce eggs and help ovulation,” says Javeri. Others include bromocriptine and metformin, which are also generally taken orally.

Hormone injections can be prescribed, such as for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), all of which aim to stimulate the ovaries to produce follicles and/or trigger egg release. Men with low testosterone may also be prescribed medication such as HCG, clomiphene citrate and anastrozole, to help boost sperm production.

Risks are involved with all hormone treatments, however, and patients should discuss them with medical professionals before starting.

Surgical treatments can treat structural abnormalities, such as endometriosis, fertility tube blockage and pelvic adhesion. Surgery can also help to ease PCOS, to increase the chances of natural conception. More commonly, surgery is used for egg retrieval for those either freezing their eggs or going through IVF.

IVF is the most common assisted reproductive technique. Reuters
IVF is the most common assisted reproductive technique. Reuters

According to the US National Library of Medicine, assisted reproductive techniques are defined as “any fertility-related treatments in which eggs or embryos are manipulated”, of which IVF is the most common.

IVF treatment can be in response to, for example, tubal factor infertility (blocks in the fallopian tube), diminished ovarian reserve (fewer eggs than typical for a woman's age) and male fertility (low or abnormal sperm production). The embryos (fertilised eggs) can be the biological children of both parents or result from egg and/or sperm donations.

Such treatments are well established, but developments are continuing. “By understanding gene sequencing, we can tailor solutions to make fertility treatments more successful than ever before,” says Abo El Fadl.

Veeraswamy adds: “For males, new sperm selection techniques – even the newer drugs – have come to give better fertility output for the couples.” For example, CRISPR technology (advanced DNA modifying) can impact spermatogenesis – the sperm development process – preventing mutations that can impact fertility.

“Female-ovarian rejuvenating procedures with autologous (from the same person) bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy for poor ovarian reserve women, monoclonal antibodies for implantation failure, and time-lapse imaging of embryos to assess their metabolic functions, thereby improving the selection of embryos to transfer to get a positive result” are some of the other novel treatments in the fertility field, Veeraswamy explains.

What to know before starting a fertility journey in the UAE

“The country has become a medical hub for fertility tourism, attracting patients from the region and beyond for high-quality reproductive care,” says Veeraswamy.

Home to many advanced fertility clinics, a wide variety of treatments such as basic intrauterine insemination – IUI, meaning inserting sperm into the uterus – and IVF, alongside more advanced techniques which include egg or sperm freezing and genetic screening.

However, there are limitations. “Fertility treatments in the UAE are regulated by the government. Some treatments, such as sperm and egg donation, are not allowed. However, IVF, IUI and egg freezing are available, with certain regulations about how these treatments are performed,” says Veerswamy.

Egg freezing is one of the more recent advances in fertility treatment. Reuters
Egg freezing is one of the more recent advances in fertility treatment. Reuters

Cost is a factor to consider as fertility treatments can be expensive, and many insurance policies in the UAE may not cover these procedures. “Patients should be prepared for out-of-pocket costs or check with clinics to see if they have payment plans or partnerships with insurance providers,” Veerswamy adds.

Overall, experts stress that those concerned about fertility should take comfort in the rapid advancements in treatment. They also emphasise the importance of improving reproductive health through lifestyle changes, emotional support and education, which are just as crucial as medical science.

“Couples should feel empowered to seek help early, make informed decisions, and be proactive in managing their reproductive health, all while navigating the various treatment avenues in a supportive and informed environment,” says Veerswamy.

What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

Crops that could be introduced to the UAE

1: Quinoa 

2. Bathua 

3. Amaranth 

4. Pearl and finger millet 

5. Sorghum

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Day 2 at Mount Maunganui

England 353

Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88

New Zealand 144-4

Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28

Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

Rating: 5/5

Australia squads

ODI: Tim Paine (capt), Aaron Finch (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.

T20: Aaron Finch (capt), Alex Carey (vice-capt), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth.

2019 Asian Cup final

Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

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The five pillars of Islam
The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Winners

Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea

Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona

Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)

Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)

Best National Team of the Year: Italy 

Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello

Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)

Player Career Award: Ronaldinho

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RACE CARD

6.30pm Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.05pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m

7.40pm Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m

8.15pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m

8.50pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m

9.25pm Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m

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%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3ECystic%20fibrosis%20is%20a%20genetic%20disorder%20that%20affects%20the%20lungs%2C%20pancreas%20and%20other%20organs.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIt%20causes%20the%20production%20of%20thick%2C%20sticky%20mucus%20that%20can%20clog%20the%20airways%20and%20lead%20to%20severe%20respiratory%20and%20digestive%20problems.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPatients%20with%20the%20condition%20are%20prone%20to%20lung%20infections%20and%20often%20suffer%20from%20chronic%20coughing%2C%20wheezing%20and%20shortness%20of%20breath.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ELife%20expectancy%20for%20sufferers%20of%20cystic%20fibrosis%20is%20now%20around%2050%20years.%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima


Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650

Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder

Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm

Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km

Results

3pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m, Winner: Lancienegaboulevard, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Fawzi Nass (trainer).

3.35pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Turf) 1,600m, Winner: Al Mukhtar Star, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.

4.10pm: Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.

4.45pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Speedy Move, Sean Kirrane, Satish Seemar.

5.20pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Moqarrar, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy.

5.55pm: Handicap Dh175,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Dolman, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

What is graphene?

Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.

It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.

It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.

Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.

The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.

Joy%20Ride%20
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The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

Tips to avoid getting scammed

1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday

2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment

3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone

4) Try not to close the sale at night

5) Don't be rushed into a sale 

6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour

Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Pension support
  • Mental well-being assistance
  • Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
  • Financial well-being incentives 
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Persuasion
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How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Transmission: ten-speed

Power: 420bhp

Torque: 624Nm

Price: Dh325,125

On sale: Now

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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Updated: March 11, 2025, 1:54 AM`