Infertility is a growing concern worldwide, affecting an estimated 15 to 20 percent of South African couples—roughly one in five—who struggle to conceive. Limited access to advanced reproductive healthcare further compounds these challenges, making it difficult for many hopeful parents to receive the support they need.
In response to this increasing demand, Next Biosciences, a leading name in reproductive health, has expanded its portfolio to provide comprehensive fertility solutions. The enhanced offerings now include carrier screening, endometrial health testing, and the innovative MiniMi fetal sex test, among other state-of-the-art services.
Ashleigh Bouguenon, Head of Reproductive Health at Next Biosciences, underscores the urgency of addressing infertility.
“Infertility is no longer a private struggle—it’s a widely discussed global issue. Women and couples are increasingly seeking solutions, and our mission is to make these services both accessible and affordable. We want to empower women to take control of their reproductive health with the right tools and support,” Bouguenon stated.
The surge in demand for fertility treatments is part of a broader trend in the FemTech industry, which focuses on women’s health. The market was valued at $39.29 billion in 2024 and is projected to soar to $97.25 billion by 2030. Fertility services represent a significant share of this growth, with the global market expected to nearly double to $41.4 billion by 2026.
Bouguenon highlights the impact of technological advancements in FemTech, making once-unavailable solutions widely accessible.
“Take Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), for example. A decade ago, this wasn’t an option in South Africa. Today, it’s a cornerstone of prenatal care, reducing the need for invasive procedures and providing safer alternatives for expectant mothers,” she explained.
February marks Reproductive Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about fertility and empowering individuals to make informed choices. With treatments such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) costing tens of thousands of rands, affordability remains a major concern. Next Biosciences aims to bridge this gap by offering cost-effective solutions to improve treatment outcomes and reduce unnecessary expenses.
To further improve access to reproductive care, the company is collaborating with government agencies and medical aid providers to advocate for broader coverage and reimbursement.
“Reproductive healthcare should not be a privilege,” said Bouguenon. “By working with medical aids and offering flexible payment plans, we strive to ensure that no one is denied these life-changing services due to financial limitations.”
Beyond fertility treatments, Next Biosciences offers a range of advanced reproductive health services, guiding individuals from pre-conception through birth. The company’s Netcells Community Stem-Cell Bank, launched in 2021, allows families to store their child’s stem cells while also contributing to the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) national donor pool.
Additionally, the Families of Hope programme provides free stem cell collection and storage for underprivileged families with a child in need of a bone marrow transplant. These stem cells can be used to treat critical conditions such as leukemia, Fanconi anemia, sickle-cell disease, and other life-threatening disorders.
Bouguenon stresses the importance of normalizing discussions around infertility and reproductive health.
“Our goal is to break the stigma, encourage open dialogue, and ensure that everyone has the resources they need to build the family they dream of,” she concluded.
With its expanded reproductive health services, Next Biosciences is making significant strides toward improving fertility care in South Africa—offering hope to thousands of couples on their journey to parenthood.
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