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Vitalab is a leading fertility clinic in South Africa.

The First Dedicated Blood Borne Viral Disease IVF/ICSI Laboratory in Gauteng
Many years have passed since the diagnosis of HIV was first made. Subsequently, research has addressed many of the fears and myths surrounding the disease and today, with the correct responsible treatment and lifestyle changes, HIV patients and their partners can lead a normal life with a normal average life expectancy. Having HIV that is well controlled and having a baby is now possible with the correct team approach and care without the risk of transmitting the disease either to the partner or unborn baby. With the advent of HAART (Highly Active Anti- Retroviral Treatment), assisted reproduction in couples affected by HIV is now ethically justifiable with no risk of vertical transmission to the unborn baby as long as certain criteria are being met during the treatment process. With a normal life expectancy child rearing has therefore now become possible. By having strict patient selection for treatment and adhering to strict criteria, Vitalab offers couples affected by HIV assistance with safe conception. By having a team approach and a separate dedicated laboratory dealing with blood borne viral diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, we can now assist couples in fulfilling their dream of having a family. For further information please make an appointment by calling +27 (0)11 911 4700 or send your queries to info@vitalab.com

SMOKING & IVF
Q - How big of an influence does smoking really have on the outcome of IVF? A - Overall, the literature strongly supports an association between cigarette smoking and infertility and therefore the outcome of IVF.Available data indicate that up to 13% of infertility may be attributable to cigarette smoking.

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE ON METFORMIN:
-Metformin is currently used to treat Diabetes Mellitis and there is considerable interests for its use in the treatment of PCOS patients. -It is not without a considerable bad side effect profile such as extreme nausea, vomiting diarrhea and in severe high risk patients with a history of liver disease, keto acidosis. -It does not lead to weight loss contrary to popular belief. There is currently no evidence as to the safety of metformin in the long term use of patients which are non diabetic and should therefore be used with caution. Due to the above mentioned factors, the use of metformin in PCOS patients should be restricted only to those patients with PCOS whom has had proven glucose intolerance as diagnosed by having had an abnormal Glucose Tolerance Test.

LAPAROSCOPIC OVARIAN DRILLING:
-Ovarian drilling should be done with the patients prior knowledge and written consent and should only be employed as a �last resort� option and not as the first option in treatment of the PCOS ovary. -Indications: 1) Patients having ovaries that are resistant to ovulation induction with medication. 2) Patients with a normal body mass. 3) Patients with an abnormal FSH:LH ratio of more the 1:2 4) Patients with a normal Glucose Tolerance Test. -Complications associated with ovarian drilling: 1) Dense adhesion formation in 27% of cases done. 2) Premature menopause due to over aggressive drilling.

WEIGHT LOSS/LIFESTYLE:
-Weight loss and lifestyle changes is and will always be the cornerstone of the management of PCOS. -It is clear that by reducing the body mass by only as much as 5-7% one can make a huge difference in the conception rate as well as reducing the miscarriage rate significantly. -The recommended diet for obese patients suffering from PCOS is a hypocaloric diet with reduced glycemic load with a 500Kcal/day deficit. This can be easily achieved the help of a qualified dietician.