Reproductive Medicine in Russian Federation

Reproductive medicine is a field of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and management of male and female reproductive issues. It encompasses the prevention and assessment, as well as the treatment and prognosis of a wide variety of reproductive conditions. The main goal of reproductive medicine is to improve or maintain the female and male reproductive systems. Reproductive medicine specialists particularly treat and advise on any issues impacting a person’s or a couple’s ability to conceive. They treat issues of puberty, sexual education, family planning, birth control, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive system disease, such as:

• Infectious diseases, such as reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Cancer that affects the reproductive system, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, penile cancer, and prostate cancer.
• Conditions that affect fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism, vasectomy, and retrograde ejaculation.
• Congenital abnormalities, such as imperforate hymen and epispadias.
• Endocrine disorders, such as teratoma, hypogonadism, idiopathic hirsutism, androgen insensitivity syndrome, ovarian cysts, and hypopituitarism.

Tests and treatments that reproductive medicine may perform include:

• Full medical history assessment
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging techniques, such as pelvic ultrasounds
• Investigations of semen samples
• Ovulation induction
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility medication, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer, and frozen embryo replacement (FER)
• Open surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Prescribing medication, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the HIV virus.

Reproductive medicine is a multidisciplinary branch of medicine that combines physiology, endocrinology, and anatomy, as well as some aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology. Reproductive medicine also overlaps with other branches of medicines, such as gynecology, urology, obstetrics, and psychiatry.

How Long Should I Stay in Russian Federation?

Your length of stay in Russian Federation depends on your specific condition and the type of test and/or treatment you underwent. In general, it is advisable that you stay in Russian Federation for at least 1-3 weeks, although you may be able to travel home within 1 to 2 days after some diagnostic tests. During your stay, you will attend follow-up appointments.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your specific condition, the type of test/treatment you underwent, the technique your doctor used, and your overall health determines the recovery time. For open surgery, it may take around 4 to 6 weeks until you are allowed to resume your normal activity and to go back to work. Laparoscopic surgery offers shorter recovery time, usually only 3 to 4 weeks until you can return back to your normal activity level. For non-surgical procedures, such as IVF, you should be able to go back to your normal routine immediately after the procedure.

What Aftercare is Required?

You will be given detailed aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. In most cases, you will attend regular checkups with your reproductive medicine specialist in Russian Federation or with your local doctor back at home. 

What's the Success Rate?

The advancement of reproductive medicine and a better understanding of the human reproductive system has lead to an increased safety and success rate of the reproductive system’s tests and treatments. The field has allowed the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), resulting in advances in overcoming infertility. ART is also safer than surgical procedures, minimizing the risks that surgical procedures carry.

Are there Alternatives?

Depending on your specific case, you may be able to see a gynecologist, urologist, obstetrician, or even oncologist as the alternative to seeing a reproductive medicine specialist. It is best, however, to talk to your general physician first as they will be able to direct you to the right specialist. 

Reproductive Medicine in and around Russian Federation

The Russian Federation, or Russia, is a transcontinental country that stretches over a vast expanse of Eastern Europe and northern Asia. Once a mighty tsarist empire and a communist superpower, this massive country is enigmatic, intimidating, and fascinating all at the same time. It has everything, from the idyllic countryside and historic cities to scenic beauty and artistic riches. Today, Russia is a famous medical tourism destination. The number of medical tourists seeking high-quality healthcare continues to double each year. These medical tourists mainly come from Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, India, Japan, and Vietnam. They come to receive a wide range of medical care, with IVF treatment, dental services, cosmetic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery being the most sought-after.

Popular Parts of the Russian Federation

Most visitors are drawn to the western part of the country, particularly to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moscow, the capital of Russia, is popular for its show-stopping architecture, rich history, amazing culture, and great food. Some of the most famous landmarks are the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square and the Lenin Mausoleum, the Moscow Kremlin, The Tretiakov Gallery, and the Wooden Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. St. Petersburg, Russia’s second city and imperial capital, is one of the most gracious cities in Europe. People come to this city to visit the State Hermitage Museum, the Grand Palace, and Catherine Park.

Weather and Climate in the Russian Federation

There are four seasons in Russia. December to February are the winter months, which is cold and snowy, with short days and long nights. The average temperature during this season is around -10°C to 3°C. Spring comes in March, bringing warmer, but rainy weather. Summer, from June to August, is hot and humid, with an average temperature of around 12°C to 26°C. The weather can be quite unpredictable in the summer, and downpours can come unexpectedly. Autumn is from September to October and is warm and pleasant.

Getting around in the Russian Federation

The largest airport in Russia that receive the most international flights is Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport in Moscow. It serves both domestic and international flights to many cities around the globe. Since Russia is the world’s largest territory, internal flights are the fastest and most convenient way to get around. Trains have an extensive network, and, with many comfortable overnight services, is considered as the best way to get around. Buses are a great option to travel to the areas not covered by the train. Some really remote destinations may only be reached by private cars or taxis. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Tourist Visas in the Russian Federation

Nationals of 62 nations, including Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, North Macedonia, and Hong Kong, can visit and stay in Russia without a visa for a period of 14 to 90 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need a visa to enter. Electronic visas are available for citizens of several countries, including all EU countries, China, and India.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Russian uses the Russian ruble (RUB) as its official currency. 1 USD is equivalent to 77.16 RUB. 
2. Money & Payments: The easiest way to get rubles is by using ATMs, which is available throughout the country. Major credit and debit cards, including MasterCard and Visa, are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is more reliable. Some places may offer to accept euros and dollars, but this is illegal. Tipping is expected, around 10% to 15% of the bill. Always tip in cash and give it directly to the waiter.
3. Local Language: There are over 100 minority languages spoken in Russia, but the official and most widely spoken language is Russian. English is spoken to some degree, especially in major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of Russia’s population adheres to Christianity, with the Russian Orthodox Church being the biggest Christian denomination. There are also small groups of Muslims, Buddhists, and Jewish.
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Orthodox Christmas Day, Defender of the Fatherland Day, Victory Day, Russia Day, and Unity Day are some of the most important public holidays in Russia.