To investigate the questions that Muslim patients, embryologists, paramedics, clinical counsellor and doctors may have pertaining to the compliance of Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) to Shari’aa. Methods: As a preliminary study, an open-ended survey was administered to participants. Participants for the survey comprised of 21 patients, 2 embryologists, 2 doctors, 4 paramedics and 1 counsellor. Results: Data analysis showed that most of the participants posed questions that fall into six classifications which are: Munakahat (Family Law), social Hukm, Fiqh Ibadah, Fiqh Qadha (Islamic Hukm), General Fiqh and Usul Fiqh. Conclusion: It is clear that even though the participants were rather familiar with some of the existing Fatwas pertaining to ART and IVF in Malaysia, there are still remaining doubts which need to be clarified. This indicates that there are challenges faced in seeking and providing ART treatment to Muslim patients. This needs to be addressed perhaps in the form of Shari’aa-compliant guidelines to provide a clear explanation of each process and procedure in fertility treatment.

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is associated with subfertility. Despite efforts to induce ovulation, success rates are low. We report a case of POF spontaneously conceiving twins while on hormone replacement therapy.
Ovarian Failure, Premature ; Spontaneous ; Twin Multiple Birth ; Pregnancy ; success

To analyze the ART outcome and factors associated with successful ART treatment for infertile couples in a newly set up medical university IVF centre. Methods: A six-month cohort study of patients undergoing their first assisted reproductive technique cycle was conducted at IIUM fertility centre, Kuantan (from 15th June until 31st Dec 2009). Outcome measures include clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, take home baby rate and complications rate. Results: Fifty-five first cycles of IVF/ICSI were studied. Mean embryo per transfer was 2.1±0.8. Four patients were pregnant (23.5%) from a single embryo transfer (SET). Clinical pregnancy rate was 30.9% (17/55). Ongoing pregnancy rate was 23.6% (13/55) and take home baby rate was 21.8% (12/55). There was only one twin pregnancy. Nine patients (16.4%) had OHSS whereby 77.8% were mild and 22.2% were moderate. Conclusion: Take home baby rate at the IIUM fertility centre is comparable to most established ART centres in Malaysia considering that this is only the first year of operation.

A one year study was carried out to determine the outcome of the seminal fluid parameters collected via masturbation and coitus interruptus in 151 patients who were undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) and patients who came for seminal analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of volume, concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology from specimens collected via coitus interruptus compared to specimens collected via masturbation. Pregnancy outcomes were also comparable.