The Fifth VTO Forum titled "Biram Plodnost" took place in Belgrade today, marking the largest regional event dedicated to fertility, assisted reproduction, and reproductive health. Held at the Moscow Hotel, the forum brought together leading experts from Serbia, Greece, and the Czech Republic, along with representatives from healthcare institutions, civil society organizations, and numerous citizens interested in fertility-related topics. The event featured four professional panels throughout the day, offering attendees the opportunity to consult with doctors and embryologists from top clinics both within Serbia and abroad. Additionally, educational content was made available to the general public, emphasizing the importance of awareness, prevention, and timely information regarding infertility issues.
Premier Đuro Macut attended the forum focused on natality and fertility, underscoring the significance of the topic for all individuals. Opening speeches were delivered by Sandra Jovanović, president of the IVF Center, followed by Premier Đuro Macut, who emphasized the relevance of the issue. Tatjana Macura, the minister without portfolio, also participated, and Borka Jeremić, head of UNFPA in Serbia, concluded the event. According to expert estimates, an increasing number of people face challenges related to infertility, making education, prevention, and timely information crucial aspects of addressing this growing concern.
The VTO Forum has been held annually for five consecutive years, serving as a unique platform where patients, healthcare workers, and anyone seeking knowledge about preserving reproductive health can come together. Sandra Jovanović, founder and president of the IVF Center, highlighted the emotional and psychological toll of the struggle for parenthood, noting that many individuals face years of attempts, questions, dilemmas, and difficult decisions. She emphasized the need for accessible information, expert guidance, and support, stating that the forum aims to provide attendees with more knowledge, support, and hope.
In addition to the professional panels and consultations, visitors had the opportunity to explore the exhibition area of the forum, engage with representatives from clinics, laboratories, associations, and companies that offer support to individuals facing the challenges of infertility. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive both practical insights and emotional support, reinforcing the forum's mission to foster open dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the field of reproductive medicine.
According to recent data, one in seven couples in Serbia faces fertility issues, which translates to between 200,000 and 300,000 couples actively struggling with conception. However, 75 percent of these couples either fail to recognize or accept their condition, often delaying appropriate treatment. Modern lifestyles have contributed to the increased prevalence of such problems due to delayed childbearing plans, higher incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Lifestyle factors, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption, significantly impact fertility rates.
Diet plays a critical role in reproductive health, according to nutrition expert Dajana Švraka, who emphasized the importance of protein intake for the quality of egg and sperm cells. She recommended consuming 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, similar to the intake of professional athletes. Healthy fats and minimizing carbohydrate intake are also essential, although carbohydrates should not be completely eliminated. Specific food items such as eggs, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and seeds are particularly beneficial. Mediterranean-style diets have shown positive effects on both fertility and overall health, including heart and metabolic functions.
Dr. Stevan Milatović, an expert in VTO, highlighted that ovarian aging occurs faster than other parts of the body, emphasizing the need for transparency in understanding biological changes affecting women’s reproductive systems. He noted that modern life trends require women to remain young, fit, and vital well into their 50s and 60s, a goal supported by medical interventions. Through lifestyle modifications and medical treatments, such as hormonal substitution therapy, significant improvements in various aspects of women's lives and health can be achieved.
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