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A historic milestone has been reached: the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently decided to include MASLD among non-communicable diseases, alongside cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. This recognition is a first and marks a turning point in the global approach to this condition. MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or “fatty liver disease,” is now the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. In Europe, it affects between 25% and 30% of the adult population, and its prevalence continues to rise due to increasing rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.Long underestimated, this condition has become a major public health challenge. Often silent for many years, MASLD can progress to severe liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.A historic milestone has recently been reached: the World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to include MASLD among non-communicable diseases (NCDs), alongside cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. This marks the first time the condition has received such recognition and represents a major turning point in the global response to the disease.This development is supported in part by several international scientific publications in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, to which teams from the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B) have actively contributed. Among them, a recent study highlighted the lack of preparedness of many European countries in addressing the growing burden of MASLD, including the frequent absence of national screening and management strategies.According to Professor Christophe Moreno, Director of the Medical and Surgical Department of Digestive Diseases and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepato-Pancreatology at H.U.B-Erasmus, the WHO’s decision sends a strong message:"MASLD has become one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Its inclusion among non-communicable diseases by the WHO confirms the scale of the health challenge we face and underscores the importance of early detection and multidisciplinary management."This international milestone also reflects the recognition of the expertise developed within H.U.B in the field of liver diseases. Professor Christophe Moreno has represented French-speaking Belgium in several European initiatives dedicated to MASLD and has contributed to the scientific work that helped advance the institutional recognition of the disease.At Erasmus Hospital, patients with MASLD benefit from a specialised multidisciplinary approach involving hepatologists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, nutritionists, and dietitians. This coordinated care model enables early detection, accurate assessment of liver damage, and comprehensive management of associated metabolic risk factors.H.U.B also participates in the development and evaluation of innovative therapeutic approaches, providing patients with access to the most advanced treatments whenever appropriate.As several million people in Belgium are affected by MASLD, the WHO’s recognition highlights the urgent need to improve awareness, screening, and management of a disease that remains insufficiently known. It also underscores the leading role played by H.U.B teams in advancing knowledge and improving liver care at both the national and international levels.

When a patient can no longer eat by mouth, either temporarily or on a more permanent basis, another route must be found... What exactly is a feeding stoma?When a patient can no longer eat by mouth, either temporarily or on a more permanent basis, another route must be found. A gastrostomy is one of these alternatives: it consists of creating a small opening that connects the stomach to the skin through a tube. The procedure is performed endoscopically, using a simple technique that avoids major surgery and allows the tube to be placed safely.Who is concerned?People who require a gastrostomy have very different profiles, but they share the same reality: their body can no longer meet their nutritional needs on its own.“This may be related to neurological diseases that affect swallowing, established malnutrition, certain cancers that weaken the body, or lung diseases that use up all the available energy,” explains Ms Ballarin.When oral feeding is no longer possible or is insufficient, and this situation is expected to last, gastrostomy becomes an appropriate and safe option to ensure a reliable and continuous nutritional intake for the patient.Is it risky?“As with any medical procedure, complications can occur, but they are rare, often mild and, above all, largely preventable,” reassures the head nurse.Everything begins well before the procedure: the team meets with the patient and their relatives, explains each step, answers questions and prepares the return home. Anaesthesia or sedation may be offered to ensure the procedure takes place under the best possible conditions. This preparation phase is not a minor detail: it reduces stress and limits risks for the patient.In the long term: manageable inconveniences“Following good practices reduces the risk of complications, which is why therapeutic support for patients and their caregivers is so important. Education and training have three objectives: ensuring effective tube feeding, preventing complications and improving the patient’s comfort,” stresses Ms Ballarin.The most common complications are skin-related issues, such as inflammation, granulomas, fungal infections or local infections. These skin problems are generally mild and can usually be treated easily with appropriate care.Digestive intolerances may also occur, such as nausea, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. Although these symptoms can be unsettling, they are usually easy to understand and, above all, can be corrected through adjustments to the way the feeding is administered.The most frequent late complications are skin irritations around the tube (redness, inflammation, fungal infections), which can also be treated easily. Digestive problems (a sensitive abdomen, altered bowel movements or constipation) may appear when enteral nutrition is started, meaning when liquid nutrition is delivered through the tube. These symptoms can sometimes worry patients, but they have explanations and, most importantly, can be treated.The right daily habits?Two simple steps every day: clean the area with water and dry it thoroughly. Clean and dry skin helps prevent irritation and limits most complications. The second step is less obvious but just as essential: gently move the tube every day with a small back-and-forth movement. This simple action prevents the tube from becoming embedded in the stomach wall, a rare but serious complication that can largely be prevented thanks to the advice provided to patients.“Each patient leaves with a clear information booklet and a detailed care protocol. Consultations take place twice a week, on Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. A full assessment is organised every six months. And if there is any doubt, a direct helpline is available at any time. Often, a simple phone call or a photo sent from a smartphone is enough to reassure the patient and solve the problem, sometimes without the need to come to the hospital,” explains Ms Ballarin. Discover the nursing team When should you contact us?“It is essential to inform us as soon as an adverse event occurs, whether or not it is related to the tube. Some signs, even if they seem minor at first, can quickly become troublesome for the patient and compromise the continuation of nutritional treatment. Our role is precisely to intervene early to prevent these small problems from becoming more serious,” she explains.Any redness, irritation, discharge or unusual pain around the tube should be reported immediately. These problems are common but can be treated easily when managed quickly.Digestive discomfort is often misunderstood. A bloated abdomen, nausea, constipation or pain does not necessarily mean that “the nutrition is not being tolerated”. In most cases, it simply means that an adjustment is needed: the feeding rate may be too fast, the timing may not be suitable, hydration may be insufficient, or there may sometimes be a cause unrelated to the tube itself (gastroenteritis, medication, stress, etc.).Difficulty flushing the tube and/or an inability to administer the nutrition should be reported without delay. An early blockage can usually be resolved easily; a later obstruction may require the tube to be replaced.What about the patient’s social life?A gastrostomy never occurs in isolation. It enters lives that have already been disrupted by illness. A stroke that changes everything overnight, motor neurone disease that progresses, cancer that gradually drains the body. In these challenging journeys, every new medical step can feel like an additional burden. This is precisely where the healthcare team plays a key role: helping transform a tube that may initially be perceived as a burden into a genuine source of support.A feeding stoma cannot replace what a meal represents, because eating is about much more than nutrition: it is about sharing a moment, sitting at the table with the people we love. For some patients who can no longer eat by mouth, this loss creates a deep sense of absence that can sometimes be difficult to express.“It is essential to acknowledge this loss, to listen to it and to provide support. Tube feeding does not claim to fill this void. However, it can provide the energy needed to continue experiencing these moments in a different way: being present, taking part, and staying connected with others. Feeding is not only about calories: it is also about meaning, connection and dignity,” emphasises Ms Ballarin.A word for someone who has just learned they will need a gastrostomy?For many people, gastrostomy can feel like one more difficult step in an already challenging journey with an underlying illness. These are diseases that disrupt everything: the body, independence, social life and identity. So yes, hearing that a feeding tube will be placed can be frightening. This is a normal reaction. The aim is to help patients find meaning where there is fear, and to restore a sense of perspective when everything seems to be becoming more complicated.A gastrostomy is not a failure. It is a treatment. Just as a broken leg requires rehabilitation, a weakened body may need support to receive adequate nutrition. It is not giving up; it is providing help.In an already difficult journey, being told that a gastrostomy is needed may feel like another sign that things are getting worse. This reaction deserves to be heard and acknowledged, not dismissed.And then, the way we see it changes.“A gastrostomy is not a defeat but a form of support. It is a practical way to take care of yourself when your body needs it,” concludes Ms Ballarin. Asuncion Ballarin Head Nurse, Stoma Care Nurse, Head of the Clinical Nutrition, Wound Care and Stoma Therapy Unit at H.U.B Contact our stomatherapy team Read also... “With a stoma, my body is different, but life is still possible.”It is often imagined as something impossible to overcome. A “hole in the abdomen,” a distressing image, a life turned upside down, intimacy forever changed. And yet…Read more

Contact the Fertility Clinic Are you a doctor and wish to obtain the medical results of your patients, refer a patient, or request a (second) opinion?Contact our clinic by phone at +32 (0)2 555 36 89 (weekdays between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm) or by email at secmed [dot] FIV [at] hubruxelles [dot] be.Would you like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists for yourself or a loved one?Contact us by phone at +32 (0)2 555 48 57 or by email at cons [dot] PMA [at] hubruxelles [dot] be.Opening hours on weekdays: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.Outside opening hours, or if you prefer to avoid waiting, our virtual AI assistant is available 24/7, both in writing and by voice. It answers your questions and forwards your request to our teams. Click here to start the conversation.Do you have an administrative request?Contact our medical administration by phone at +32 (0)2 555 36 89 or by email at secmed [dot] FIV [at] hubruxelles [dot] be.The Secretariat of the Fertility Clinic is open on weekdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. For a Multidisciplinary Approach to Fertility Issues Our clinic is committed to addressing fertility issues using a multidisciplinary approach, aligned with scientific society recommendations. Because these difficulties often occur in a broader health context, including the psychological dimension, we offer comprehensive support, both medical and human. Our team accompanies you throughout your journey toward parenthood.Integrated into an academic hospital, our clinic also contributes to medical advancements through numerous research projects, continuously improving fertility care. Image Image Image A Clinic Dedicated to Supporting Infertile Couples Our fertility clinic is dedicated to supporting infertile couples on their path to parenthood. We offer personalized care, focused on solutions tailored to each situation. After a complete evaluation, we provide options such as intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and alternative parenthood options, including sperm and egg donation. Solutions to Preserve Fertility and Prevent Genetic Disease Transmission We provide preimplantation genetic diagnostics for couples who wish to avoid passing on genetic disorders to their children. Our team is fully committed to fertility preservation, whether due to cancer, endometriosis, or age-related infertility. We also manage various menstrual cycle disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian insufficiency, including Turner syndrome.Our multidisciplinary approach combines rigor, humanity, and expertise, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate follow-up. Our Fertility Care Services Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD/PGT)Preimplantation genetic testing is a technique to detect genetic abnormalities in an embryo created in vitro before uterine implantation. It is earlier and less invasive than genetic tests performed during pregnancy and allows couples carrying serious genetic disorders to significantly increase the chances of having a healthy child.Sperm DonationDonor sperm may be recommended in cases of total or near-total absence of sperm, or to prevent passing a genetic disorder from a male carrier to offspring. It is also a solution for female couples or single women wishing to conceive via medically assisted reproduction (MAR).Egg DonationEgg donation has been offered since 1984 at Erasme and has helped thousands of women worldwide become mothers. It is offered when infertility is due to very low egg quality despite ongoing menstrual cycles, or when the ovaries no longer contain follicles and are nonfunctional. Some patients also use it to prevent passing on a genetic disorder to their child.Fertility Preservation for Medical ReasonsFertility preservation is recommended when a disease or its treatment may impair fertility. Treatments such as ovarian or testicular surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or certain genetic conditions can damage ovaries or testes. This is particularly relevant in cancer treatment. Fertility preservation should ideally be considered before treatment begins. The discipline assessing these risks and providing solutions is called oncofertility.Fertility Preservation for Age (Age-Banking)Unlike men, who remain fertile at older ages, women are born with a limited egg reserve that decreases over time. Egg quality also declines, reducing pregnancy chances from age 30, with a sharper decline after 35. At Erasme Hospital, we offer egg vitrification, a rapid freezing technique preserving mature eggs for future use. We also provide sperm cryopreservation, a simple method to preserve male fertility long-term, for example, before a vasectomy.Fertility ImagingWe perform medical exams using ultrasound or X-ray to investigate infertility or conduct a fertility assessment.Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)IUI is a simple assisted reproduction technique in which prepared sperm is introduced into the uterine cavity using a fine catheter. The goal is to facilitate the meeting of gametes (eggs and sperm) in the female reproductive system. Using partner sperm is called homologous insemination (IAC), and donor sperm is called donor insemination (IAD). Dr. Catherine Houba, Director of the Fertility Clinic Obstetrician–Gynecologist specialized in Reproductive Medicine.Dr. Houba is deeply committed to the prevention of infertility. Her work addresses a wide range of topics, from reverse family planning to oocyte self-preservation.“As Clinic Director, I firmly believe that developing collective intelligence—both within my team and in our interactions with patients—is key to success. It allows us to foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and personalized care, all of which are essential to medical excellence.” Make an appointment A Team of Specialists Guiding You Step by Step Our clinic brings together a team of experts dedicated to your project:Fertility-specialized gynecologistsReproductive biologistsPsychologists and emotional support counselorsNurses and care coordinatorsAndrology and endocrinology specialistsWe work together to ensure comprehensive and personalized care. Our Doctors Dr. Soraya AMIRGHOLAMISpecialties: All MAR requests; egg donation; anonymous egg donors; infertility and endometriosis.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Elisabeth ANAGNOSTOUSpecialties: All MAR requests; MAR cycle management in Tournai.Languages: French, Greek, EnglishDr. Margherita CONDORELLISpecialties: All MAR requests; oncofertility; fertility preservation for medical reasons; fertility evaluation and counseling; fertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy).Languages: French, Italian, EnglishDr. Serge DE LATHOUWERSpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility preservation; cycle monitoring (Duke Center, Woluwe).Language: FrenchPr. Anne DELBAERESpecialties: All MAR requests; genetic disorders and reproduction; preimplantation genetic diagnosis; reproductive endocrinology; premature ovarian insufficiency; Turner syndrome (Turner platform); egg donation; fertility preservation; recurrent miscarriage assessment.Languages: French, Dutch, EnglishDr. Isabelle DEMEESTERESpecialties: Oncofertility; fertility preservation for medical reasons.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Fabienne DEVREKERSpecialties: All MAR requests; preimplantation diagnosis; andrology.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Michel DIKETESpecialties: All MAR requests; general gynecology and obstetrics.Language: FrenchDr. Isabelle DUPONDSpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility preservation; preimplantation diagnosis; anonymous sperm donors; follow-up monitoring (Souverain Center).Languages: French, English, GermanDr. Ornite GOLDRATSpecialties: Onco-sexology.Language: French Dr. Catherine HOUBASpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility evaluation and counseling; fertility preservation; recurrent miscarriage assessment; anonymous sperm donors.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Christian KAMTO FOTSOSpecialties: All MAR requests; MAR cycle management in Ath.Languages: French, Italian, EnglishDr. Caroline LECOCQSpecialties: All MAR requests; anonymous egg donors; egg donation; cycle monitoring (Lecocq practice).Language: FrenchDr. Noé MOUTARDSpecialties: All MAR requests; infertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy, receptivity assessment); fertility surgery, endometriosis.Languages: French, EnglishDr. David PENINGSpecialties: All MAR requests; andrology; infertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy, receptivity assessment); oncofertility.Languages: French, Dutch, EnglishDr. Agathe RABATTUSpecialties: All MAR requests; fertility surgery; infertility and endometriosis.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Asma SASSISpecialties: All MAR requests; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; MAR requests in patients with viral risk (HIV); premature ovarian insufficiency; Turner syndrome (Turner platform); genetic disorders and reproduction.Languages: French, English, ArabicDr. Noémie VANCOPPENOLLESpecialties: All MAR requests; anonymous egg donors; egg donation.Languages: French, EnglishDr. Mélodie VANDER BORGHTSpecialties: All MAR requests; reproductive endocrinology; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; infertility imaging (SIS, HyCoSy, receptivity assessment).Languages: French, English Nurses and Midwives Faten ABI-LOTF Asmae BOUZAHZAH Mélanie GIESKESSamira IBRAHIMIChristina KOUROUTZIOUDI Margherite LEFEVRE Nancy LIMAGE   Meli LUKUBIKA Fabienne OOSTERS      Study nurses Lydia AIT AHCENEFrançoise HENRY Psychologists Chantal LARUELLEIsabelle PLACEDenis WALRAVENS Secretariat and Coordination Chantal DELEAUJeeny FARREEDUNLinda GOUINNawal KARROUMLaetitia VAN STICHELSonia XAMBRE CORDEIRO Biologists Director of MAR LaboratoryNecati FINDIKLILarissa BAUDUIN Jamila BIRAMANE Salomé BORNEMANN Penelope COUTURIER Anne DANNAUKhanssae EL HANCHIGiovanna FASANO Eric GONZALEZ Elodie HUON Danijel JANKOVICSandie JANSSENSGuillaume MBONGOLO MBELLAOzlem OKUTMAN Thi Mai UYEN NGUYEN Anne Sophie VANNIN     Research Laboratory Julie DECHENE   Géraldine VAN DEN STEEN       Services We Collaborate With to Provide Complete Care Clinic of Gynecological Surgery Clinic for Endometriosis Lien vers Clinic for Endometriosis Clinic of Gynecological Ultrasound Lien vers Clinic of Gynecological Ultrasound Clinic of Obstetrics Lien vers Clinic of Obstetrics We closely collaborate with other clinics in the Gynecology-Obstetrics department, including the gynecologic surgery clinic, the endometriosis clinic, the gynecologic ultrasound clinic, and the obstetrics clinic, which helps us prepare for sometimes challenging pregnancies. The Natus unit also supports more delicate situations.We are part of the transgender platform, which supports individuals in their gender transition journey.We work closely with the genetics department for the preimplantation genetic testing program and gamete donor selection. They help inform patients about specific genetic risks.We collaborate with the children’s hospital (HUDERF) for fertility preservation in children with cancer and for gynecologic consultations for children and adolescents.Finally, our oncofertility team works in close synergy with the various services at the Jules Bordet Institute, ensuring complete and personalized care. Resources and Useful Links on Fertility and Medically Assisted Reproduction We provide a series of content (produced by doctors, researchers, patient associations, and public health actors) that helps you better understand and manage your fertility and identify support groups for exchange. Informed patients are empowered to make well-informed decisions about their health. Our teams are available to answer any questions. [APP] App for communication with patients during the cycle [WEBSITE] Information site on fertility and educational tools for youth [WEBSITE] WHO – General information on infertility worldwide FAQ on Fertility and Medically Assisted Reproduction 1. What is infertility? Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 menstrual cycles, despite regular sexual intercourse during ovulation. It affects about 20% of couples. Humans, with roughly a 15% chance of conceiving per cycle, are among the least fertile species, alongside pandas. 2. What are the main symptoms of infertility? Difficulty conceiving is often the only noticeable sign of infertility. However, some symptoms may serve as warning signs. In women, irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, or menstrual disorders can be indicative. In men, erectile difficulties, reduced libido, or changes in sperm appearance can be signals to consider. If you experience these symptoms and wish to conceive, it is recommended to consult a fertility specialist to identify the causes and explore appropriate solutions. 3. What are the causes of infertility in men and women? In women, common causes include ovulation disorders (such as polycystic ovary syndrome), blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or hormonal problems. In men, abnormal sperm production or ejaculation problems are the main causes of infertility. 4. Is infertility only a female problem? No, infertility affects both men and women. About one-third of cases are due to female factors, one-third to male factors, and the remaining third results from combined or unexplained factors. That is why it is essential that both partners are evaluated to best identify the causes and possible solutions. Infertility is an issue that concerns the couple as a whole. 5. How long should one wait before consulting for infertility? It is recommended to see a doctor after one year of unsuccessful attempts for patients under 35. Beyond this age, a consultation is advised after six months, as fertility decreases over time. The doctor can then carry out various tests to evaluate the couple’s fertility, including sperm analysis, gynecological ultrasounds, hormone measurements, and other tests tailored to each situation. 6. What is MAR (Medically Assisted Reproduction)? Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) encompasses a range of techniques designed to help couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally. These methods include intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), sperm or egg donation, gamete cryopreservation (eggs and sperm), and preimplantation genetic testing. 7. Are infertility treatments effective? Infertility treatments can be very effective, but success varies depending on several factors, such as age and cause of infertility. Treatments like IVF tend to have higher success rates in younger couples. A personalized evaluation by a specialist helps guide the most appropriate strategy for each situation. 8. How does In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) work? An IVF cycle usually lasts about four weeks and follows a defined protocol. First, ovarian stimulation for around 10 days is performed to promote the maturation of multiple eggs. Once ovulation is triggered, the eggs are retrieved via a vaginal puncture and fertilized in the lab with the partner’s or donor’s sperm. After five days of embryonic development, one embryo is transferred into the uterus. About 10 days after the transfer, a pregnancy test checks whether implantation has succeeded. 9. What are the chances of success with MAR? Success rates for MAR depend on several factors, including the woman’s age, the quality of eggs and sperm, and the technique used. On average, IVF has a success rate of 30–40% per embryo transfer for women under 35. This rate gradually decreases with age. Multiple attempts are often needed to achieve pregnancy. 10. Who can access MAR in Belgium? MAR is available to heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single women, regardless of marital status. Belgian law also allows sperm or egg donation. IVF is legal up to 45 years of age and partially reimbursed by social security up to 42 years. 11. Are the treatments painful? Each treatment journey is different, but we do everything possible to make the procedures as comfortable as possible. 12. Can I undergo MAR as a transgender person? Yes, we support all individuals wishing to become parents, regardless of their gender identity or personal situation.

What is fertility imaging? These are medical examinations using ultrasound or X-ray imaging to understand infertility or to perform a fertility assessment. Medical services Endovaginal UltrasoundPelvic ultrasound is the first exam performed to assess female reproductive organs. It is performed using a probe inserted vaginally. The number of small follicles, called “antral follicles,” in each ovary is counted. This number provides an idea of your ovarian reserve, i.e., your potential response in case of ovarian stimulation.Several pathologies associated with infertility are also checked:Uterus: presence of fibroids, polyps, or congenital anomalies such as a septum.Ovaries: detection of cysts, particularly related to endometriosis.Fallopian tubes: assessment for hydrosalpinx, commonly called “dilated tube.”This ultrasound is usually performed in the first days of the menstrual cycle.SIS (Saline Infusion Sonography or Hysterosonography)This exam allows visualization of your uterine cavity (endometrium) and uterine walls (myometrium). It is ideally performed at the end of your period, before the 11th day of your cycle. You are positioned gynecologically, and after vaginal disinfection, a soft catheter is placed in the uterus to instill saline solution to detect possible intrauterine pathologies causing infertility. The sonographer explains each step during the exam.HyFoSy (Hysterosalpingo-foam-sonography)This exam is performed in gynecological position after vaginal disinfection to evaluate the patency of the fallopian tubes and detect any pathologies that could explain infertility. It is performed at the end of your period, before the 11th day of your cycle. It requires the injection of a specific foam gel (ExEm® Foam) using a soft balloon catheter placed inside your uterus.It is recommended to take a painkiller one hour before the exam, as it can be painful like heavy periods for some patients.Your prescribing physician will evaluate whether antibiotics are necessary before the exam. A PCR test for chlamydia or gonorrhea in the cervix or urine is useful for prevention. If a tubal pathology is discovered, the sonographer will reassess the need for antibiotics if it has not been done previously. The sonographer explains each step during the exam.Complete Fertility AssessmentThis exam first involves a complete endovaginal ultrasound, followed by a SIS. The catheter used for this exam remains in place and is used for the injection of ExEm® Foam. This allows visualization of both the inside of the uterus and the patency of the fallopian tubes in a single appointment. Ideally, it is performed before the 11th day of your cycle. Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed if necessary. It is also recommended to take a painkiller one hour before the exam.Assessment of Vascularization / Endometrial ReceptivityThis exam is proposed in cases of repeated embryo implantation failures.The sonographer examines the vascularization of your uterine arteries and the volume of your endometrium. This exam is ideally performed the week after ovulation or following a specific hormonal treatment prescribed by your gynecologist.If the results are abnormal, the sonographer may propose a treatment of at least three months before reassessing endometrial receptivity.During the second exam, a biopsy of your endometrium may be performed for histopathological analysis to detect acute endometritis. You can discuss with your doctor the relevance of this analysis in your specific case.HysterosalpingographyThis exam tests tubal patency and the shape of the uterine cavity. It takes place in the radiology department since it uses X-rays and contrast medium instilled into the uterus by a gynecologist. The radiologist interprets the images.It is performed at the same time of the cycle and with the same precautions as HyFoSy.It is now rarely prescribed since HyCoSy was developed. Advice Take a painkiller, such as an anti-inflammatory (e.g., Ibuprofen 400) or a spasmolytic like Buscopan, about 1 hour before the exam, as uterine contractions may occur during the procedures.Do not forget your written request signed by your prescribing physician. Focus Our fertility imaging team consists of gynecologists who are also part of the IVF team. You benefit from their dual expertise for detecting abnormalities and understanding your infertility. Our Specialists Appointment procedures for gynecological ultrasound (route 178):For evaluation ultrasounds, SIS, or HyFoSy: call 02/555.36.36 as soon as your period starts to schedule an appointment before the 11th day.For hysterosalpingography: call 02/555 33 12 as soon as your period starts to schedule an appointment before ovulation.Gynecology-Obstetrics ServiceDr. Margherita CONDORELLIDr. Noé MOUTARDDr. David PENINGDr. Mélodie VANDER BORGHTAssociated ServicesRadiology ServicePr SADEGHI MEIBODI NILOUFAR