As part of the ninth edition of the regional "Profemina 2025" conference, an inspiring panel dedicated to the topic of fertility and the path to parenthood was held. Doctors from Acibadem Sistina Hospital spoke about this extremely sensitive, but also important topic – Dr. Aleksandar Bojadziev, MSc, specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics, and Dr. Aleksandar Mickovski, specialist urologist and subspecialist in male infertility.

The path to parenthood does not always begin with joy. Sometimes it begins with silence, uncertainty and fear, with countless questions that remain unanswered. Building on this, Dr. Aleksandar Mickovski, explained that in Macedonia, in about 20% of marriages, couples face the problem of infertility. He pointed out the partners' lifestyle, career ambitions and the postponement of becoming parents as the most common reasons.

Dr. Aleksandar Bojadziev, MSc, emphasized that infertility is not a disease, but a condition, comprised of several stages – hope, possible disappointment, followed by struggle and hope again. He added that the average age of giving birth to the first child in Macedonia has increased from 25 to 31 years, with the highest pregnancy rates being observed to be from 25 to 30 years of age.

He also emphasized that in vitro procedures are most successful up to the age of 30, while after the age of 40 the success rate drops to about 15%.

Dr. Mickovski, pointed out that the quality of sperm can be affected by hormonal changes, temperature differences, sexually transmitted diseases and other factors.

For his part, Dr. Bojadziev explained why female and male fertility differ. Women are born with the entire number of eggs they will have in their lifetime, and their number gradually decreases over the years. In men, however, new sperm are produced every three months.

In women, infertility is most often associated with the absence of ovulation, which most often occurs as a result of polycystic ovaries.

Dr. Bojadziev emphasized that the greatest stress for couples is caused by unsuccessful attempts, which inevitably bring disappointment.

Regarding prevention, the two doctors emphasized that the most important factor affecting fertility is lifestyle. They recommended that partners eat healthily, practice physical activity, and in rare cases – if necessary – receive hormone therapy to establish balance in the body.

Finally, the doctors sent a powerful and encouraging message: “Life is a struggle, but never give up on your goal. Above all, do not give up on your desire and dream – to become parents.”