Nordica Hospital has marked its 12th anniversary, celebrating over a decade of fertility care for residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The leading expert in reproductive health and Medical Director of the clinic, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, who was speaking during a virtual press conference, outlined the hospital’s significant achievements, including a remarkable 92.3% success rate in its egg freezing program.
This figure surpasses the 85% viability rate established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, reinforcing Nordica’s position as a frontrunner in fertility services.
In addition, since the launch of the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) machine in July 2024 in Abuja, the clinic has successfully performed 23 procedures for patients.
He said,“I make bold to say our results with egg freezing are globally acceptable. When we freeze eggs, we can tell you that our records show about 92.3% of them are still viable,”
Dr. Ajayi emphasized the importance of egg freezing for women, whether they wish to preserve their eggs electively due to not having a partner or for medical reasons related to conditions such as cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids.
“We have the facilities to help,” he added, reassuring attendees of the clinic’s commitment to reproductive health.
Addressing the issue of egg donation, Dr. Ajayi clarified the differences between egg freezing and donation. He noted, “Donating eggs is a separate issue. In Nigeria, this practice is gaining traction, as women can donate eggs for others, similar to blood donation.” While acknowledging concerns regarding unethical practices in the sector, he stressed the importance of not dismissing the concept entirely due to these issues.
The doctor also discussed advancements in egg freezing technology, mentioning that in some countries, government regulations have changed to allow longer freezing periods.
“In the UK, there used to be a 10-year limit on egg freezing, but that has now been removed, allowing for freezing periods of up to 55 years. This shows that technology can preserve quality,” he explained.
Dr. Ajayi further addressed the topic of fibroids, explaining that many women can conceive despite having them. “A lot of women get pregnant with fibroids, and it does not necessarily affect their pregnancy.
However, if the fibroids are located improperly, there can be higher risks of miscarriage, premature delivery, and malpresentation,” he cautioned. He advised against the removal of fibroids during pregnancy, citing the increased vascularity of the uterus during this time as a potential risk.
Highlighting the importance of early fertility planning, he said, “Many women are getting married in their 40s now. When using eggs after age 40, the likelihood of miscarriage increases.
However, if you freeze your eggs at a younger age, for example, 32, and then get married at 42, the incidence of congenital abnormalities and miscarriage rates will reflect those of a 32-year-old.”
Dr. Ajayi proudly announced that Nordica has successfully facilitated the birth of over 5,000 children in Nigeria since its inception.
Dr. Ajayi emphasized the critical role of accurate information in navigating fertility challenges. “When we talk about infertility, we believe that there is hope for everyone facing this problem. There are methods suitable for each individual; you just need to talk to the right people. We believe no woman should die because of infertility.
The key message is one of hope whatever you’re experiencing, the most important thing is to ask yourself: Where are you getting your information from? Information is key. If you get your information from the right sources, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions.
He addressed common misconceptions about healthcare costs, stating, “Many people confuse price with healthcare quality. Your healthcare is about more than just how much a procedure costs; it’s about who will care for you. It’s vital to research the qualifications and facilities of the professionals you trust with your health. Asking about costs is just the starting point; visiting the clinic and speaking to the staff can give you a clearer picture of the care you will receive.”
Dr. Ajayi emphasized the crucial role of the media in disseminating accurate information about fertility issues. “For people like me, speaking in my own corner without your help is like whistling in the dark.
It’s only when others shine a light on these issues that they become visible.”
