novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Essen

The novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Essen is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Germany and in the world. The centre was founded in 1981 by Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Katzorke and Dr. med. Dirk Propping. novum is a highly specialised centre focusing exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, in Germany and worldwide. In 1982 the first baby conceived in vitro (IVF) was born, and 1983 was marked by the birth of a baby from a frozen egg cell. Another ten years later the centre successfully performed the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure.

The novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Essen enjoys a well-deserved excellent reputation among patients: its high rate of successful pregnancies speaks for itself. Among women aged 31—40, the pregnancy rate per single transfer is 27—34%.

The novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Essen is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, applies innovative techniques and employs highly experienced doctors. The novum specialists do everything possible — and seemingly impossible — to achieve a pregnancy and see it safely through. The centre also includes a laboratory fitted out to the very latest standards of medical science. Its work follows WHO quality standards and the guidelines of the German Society of Andrology.

novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine. Diagnostics

Comprehensive diagnostic work-up of the possible causes of infertility in men and women includes general tests and specialised examinations aimed at identifying the factors preventing pregnancy. In some of the couples who come to the centre, the cause of infertility cannot be established even after these examinations.

Even so, the specialists at the novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine are able to offer such couples effective treatment with a high probability of achieving pregnancy. Therapy begins with a detailed consultation with the couple's treating doctor. In addition to hormone laboratory diagnostics, the novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine also performs, where indicated, specialised ultrasound scans, testing of fallopian tube patency and endoscopy of the uterus in women using a miniature video camera — without general anaesthesia.

The diagnostic work-up in men includes: semen analysis, scrotal ultrasound, analysis of key laboratory parameters and a check of general health. Where necessary, genetic testing and a specialised consultation with a geneticist are also offered (hereditary risks, a history of recurrent miscarriage). Based on the results of this high-precision diagnostic work-up, the specialists at the novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine draw up an individual treatment programme for the couple that is most likely to lead to pregnancy.

The novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine also carries out supporting procedures designed to maximise the success rate of the treatment methods described above for infertile couples.

Every patient or couple at the novum Centre for Reproductive Medicine is assigned a doctor who personally oversees their diagnosis and treatment. The centre's specialists develop individual treatment concepts, especially in complex and unusual clinical cases. In particular, fertility-preserving treatment of endometriosis and cancer is offered here.