News

The recent outbreak of measles is continuing with an increase of cases in Auckland. The Ministry of Health recommends that people born between 1969 and 1990 have an MMR booster as they probably only received one MMR vaccination instead of two when they were children. Measles symptoms include a respiratory-type of illness with dry cough, runny nose and headache. Temperatures can be over 38.5C and people feel very unwell. A red blotchy rash starts on day four to five, usually on the face before moving to the chest and arms. The time between exposure and the first symptoms is about 10 days. People are considered infectious from about five days before to five days after rash onset.

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, there are two options recommended by the Ministry of Health:

• Have an MMR vaccination and wait a month before trying to become pregnant, OR
• Have a blood test to measure IgG antibodies to Measles. The results of the blood test are usually available within 48-72 hours. If your antibody levels are sufficient, you should have enough immunity. If they are low, then you should consider MMR vaccination.

See the Ministry of Health information webpage for more information about measles: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/measles

If you are currently in treatment with us and have any concerns, please call your nursing team on 0800 483 105 and they will be able to help.

If you are already pregnant and worried, please go to your G.P and ask for immunity testing.

Should information about the optimal fertility age be taught at school? Our Medical Director Guy Gudex strongly believes so. Read his recent article that featured in Stuff.co.nz to find out more.

Wednesday 7th August 2019, 6-8pm
Repromed Clinic, 105 Remuera Road, Auckland

Going through fertility uncertainty and treatment can be an emotionally challenging time. This free seminar for Repromed clients, will provide you with valuable resilience and life skills to support you through the highs and lows of the fertility journey. Presented by Sarah Friis, this session ‘Compassionate Coping Through Fertility’ will help you handle difficult situations and emotions with greater ease. Find out more here.

Email zn.oc1568941786.demo1568941786rper@1568941786noslo1568941786hcinh1568941786 at Repromed to register, as numbers will be limited.

Repromed Medical Director Dr Guy Gudex talks to Stuff about how the current rules have created a dilemma for people with unexplained infertility who started trying to get pregnant in their late 30’s.

Read the full article here.

 

When: Saturday 4th May from 2 – 3.30pm
Where: Anglican Church of St Columba & Community Centre, 92 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland

Winnie Duggan, experienced counsellor and celebrant from Wellington and Keeley Jenkins, Fertility New Zealand Committee Member in Auckland and celebrant from Auckland are leading a ceremony to acknowledge the losses connected with infertility.

The same ceremony will be held in Wellington and Auckland on Saturday the 4th of May 2019 from 2.00pm to 3.30pm at the address details below.

Both Winnie and Keeley have been on an infertility journey of their own and therefore personally understand the many facets to a fertility journey and are extremely empathetic to the emotions that can accompany the many stages.

Those struggling with infertility can feel they have nothing tangible to grieve and it can also be a lonely journey.  Ceremony can help by offering the chance to acknowledge losses, by being able to put words to feelings thereby recognising that their loss and grief is real.  Having a public ceremony makes a statement that people are not alone on their journey and can be an extremely powerful experience.

The ceremony has been designed and created to assist in the healing process and to provide hope.  The ceremony will acknowledge the losses connected with infertility – childlessness, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, acknowledging embryo loss, secondary infertility, and loss of dreams.

During the ceremony, those attending will be provided the opportunity to participate, if they feel comfortable, by symbolic activities such as lighting of candles.  It is also hoped that a tree may be planted in Auckland.

The ceremony in Auckland will be held at the Anglican Church of St Columba & Community Centre, 92 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland from 2.00pm to 3.30pm, in the grounds if the weather permits.  There will also be an opportunity for those present to walk the labyrinth and light refreshments will be provided.

The ceremony in Wellington will be held at Johnsonville Uniting Church, 18 Dr Taylor Terrace, Johnsonville from 2.00pm to 3.30pm.  There too will also be an opportunity for those present to walk the labyrinth and light refreshments will be provided.

For more information click this link.