Reproductive and Endocrine Unit

Contact numbers and address

Telephone: 012 354 6045
Facsimile: 012 354 6093

E-mail: krushmee.singh@gauteng.gov.za

Steve Biko Academic Hospital
Level J8
Room 82290

Who do we see?

  • Referrals and self referrals
  • State or private patients – everybody welcome
  • Married couples. In the case of traditional marriages, patients need to provide proof i.e. an affidavit.

Procedures

  • Infertility work-up
  • Laparoscopic surgery where indicated
  • Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) procedures:
    • Intra-uterine insemination (IUI)
    • In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
    • Intra-Cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
    • Intra-uterine insemination with donor sperm
    • In-vitro fertilization with donor sperm
    • In-vitro fertilization or ICSI with an oocyte (egg) donor
    • In-vitro fertilization or ICSI with a surrogate mother.

Please note: patients will need to arrange their own oocyte donor and surrogate mother.

Criteria for new patients

Patients with fertility problems and recurrent pregnancy losses

Who works here?

Clinic

  • Dr A de Bruin – consultant
  • Dr R Joubert – consultant
  • Dr M A Trouw- consultant
  • Dr K Singh – full time medical officer
  • A registrar from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria.
  • Clinic SistersClinic Secretary

Reproductive Biology Laboratory

  • Dr C Huyser (Head of the Laboratory)
  • Embryologists i.e. scientists and technologists

Clinic times

  • Monday to Thursday 07h00 – 15h45 and
  • Fridays 07h00 – 12h30
  • Last appointment given is at 11h00. This is to ensure that couples have enough time to visit our Reproductive Biology Laboratory for semen evaluation.

Endometriosis

We specialize in consultations, counselling and surgical treatment of patients with any stage of endometriosis.

Endocrinology

Any patient with:

  • Amenorrhoea (patients not menstruating)
  • Female patients with acne and skin problems without a dermatological cause
  • Female patients with abnormal chromosomes
  • Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Ovarian failure in patients younger than 40 years

Patient attending the Reproductive and Endocrine Unit at the University of Pretoria: First visit

  • A full history is taken.
  • Systemic as well as the gynaecological examination is performed.
  • A pelvic ultrasound is done.
  • Possible problems are identified and solutions offered.
  • The basic assisted reproduction procedures are explained.
  • The procedure of choice can only be discussed once all the results are available
  • A semen analysis will be done at our Reproductive Biology Laboratory. This is important, as our laboratory will be handling the sperms and embryos.

Investigations to be performed:

Blood tests:

  • HIV on husband & wife
  • Syphilis (RPR) on husband & wife
  • On women:
    • TSH
    • Prolactin
    • Rubella IgG
    • Hormone profile on Day 2 or day 3 of menstruation (Estradiol, FSH & LH)

X-Rays - Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)-if indicated

Surgical procedures - Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy-if indicated.

Aim of the laparoscopy and hysteroscopy

  • Evaluation of the inside of the uterus by means of the hysteroscopy.
  • Evaluation of the tubes, ovaries and possible pelvic pathology by means of the laparoscopy.
  • Effort will be made to correct all abnormalities within the informed consent agreement between the surgeon and the patient at the time of the operation.

When is a laparoscopy necessary?

  • If the last laparoscopy was done more than 12 months ago and there was pathology found during that operation.
  • If there is a history of endometriosis.
  • If any pathology noted on ultrasound examination
  • If in the opinion of the treating doctor this will be beneficial to the patient.

Patient attending the Reproductive and Endocrine Unit at the University of Pretoria: Follow-up visit

  • This is done ± 3-4 weeks after the initial visit.
  • The results are discussed and the final procedure that is relevant to the couple will be explained in detail.
  • The procedure, success rates, approximate costs, risks and complications will be explained.
  • The couple must sign the consent form.
  • A consultation with the social worker will need to be arranged with regard to assisted reproduction procedures involving oocyte donors and surrogate mothers and their partners.

Requirements for the first visit

  1. Two(2) ID photos each of husband and wife
  2. ID documents of husband and wife
  3. Marriage certificate / affidavit as proof of traditional marriage
  4. Proof of income (payslip) for both husband and wife
  5. Referral letter and previous results
  6. Please confirm your appointment (Tel: 012 354 6045) at least one (1) week beforehand
  7. Consultation fee: R 172.00 (private/medical aid) or as determined by joint income.
  8. Accounts of the investigations performed will be forwarded to you for payment. Private and foreign patients will need to pay in cash on the day of the tests.
  9. A semen analysis will be performed. A period of three (3) days abstinence is required i.e. no sexual intercourse or masturbation for 3 days prior to the visit.