"We have had many more requests since the bioethics law": Marmande hospital introduces a new infertility test

A spermogram, a trained biologist and a new PMA specialist allow the health establishment to be comprehensive in the detection of infertility which affects 3 million people of childbearing age in France

In January 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned a major plan to combat infertility for the country's "demographic rearmament." For the past year and a half, healthcare professionals have clearly not seen much of a sign of this, but are trying to make things happen, like the staff of the gynecology department at the Intercommunal Hospital Center (CHIC) in Marmande-Tonneins.

"Since the bioethics law opened access to medically assisted procreation (MAP) for single women and women in couples, requests have exploded and university hospitals are overwhelmed. The idea, in collaboration with the Bordeaux university hospital, is to relocate specialized consultations within the region to have more reasonable appointment times," adds Dr. Myrtille Renard. The gynecologist consults part-time at Chic, just like Juliette Renaud, who has just joined the establishment, after the departure of Doctor Marie.

Another newcomer has appeared in the corridors of the care center. "For two months in Marmande, we have been fortunate to benefit from a spermogram, a test designed to assess male infertility, and biologists who are trained in spermiology, which helps us a lot and allows us to sort out the causes of infertility," the healthcare professional continues. But since the medicalized procreation process is highly codified, Marmande biologists do not yet have accreditation, so they still have to go through the Agen laboratory Cerballiance before proceeding with insemination in Marmande.

Infertility has long been taboo, but it is becoming less stigmatized.

"In Marmande, we don't have a reproductive biologist for retrievals and embryos. That's the only thing we're relocating to the Gironde capital, without leaving patients in the lurch, as we continue to follow them throughout their care. For everything else, we're now completely independent with the biologists in Agen," insists Dr. Renard, who sees two to three couples a week in his office. "I'm seeing more and more of them coming for an initial consultation. Infertility was taboo for a long time, but it's becoming less and less stigmatized," explains the young woman.

"Couples should not hesitate to make an appointment with us if they are unable to have a child after trying for a period of one year before the age of 35 and after six months after the age of 35," explains Dr. Juliette Renaud.

"All infertility assessments can be performed here: ultrasounds to assess the uterine cavity and fallopian tube patency, blood tests for hormonal assessment and to assess ovarian reserve. The tests are performed in the morning and the results are given in the afternoon. Another advantage for Marmande patients is that the contrast agent used for hyfosy (test for fallopian tube patency) is covered here," reveal the two doctors, assisted by Margot Chatelle to perform the ultrasounds.

Information: 05 53 20 32 20.