Dr Anneen Venter Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

22/03/2026

If you struggle with infertility or pregnancy loss, it is a lonely and isolating place. A place where very few people understand the battle and the emotions and mental strain that surround it. A place where well meant words can be very hurtful. Word like you just need to relax, or stories about how easy they conceived (as if easy conception makes you a superior human being), or how you just need to forget about it then it will happen, or why don’t you just adopt? Surprise! but if you have blocked tubes no amount of ‘forgetting about it’ is going to change your situation.
Words about miscarrriage like you can just try again, at least the baby was still small, maybe its not God’s will for you to have a baby.

These battles can also isolate you in your relationship, as each partner can retreat to their own corner to lick their wounds. Men are often prone to internalise their pain and grief. They want to stay strong for their partner and find it hard to talk about their feelings. In my experience men sometimes seem unaffected but feel the loss of failed cycles and pregnancy loss just as deeply. Maybe its time for the men to start their own IVF or pregnancy loss support groups.

So what do you say for someone in a failed IVF or pregnancy loss situation:
You can say I am sorry you are going through this. You can say you wish it was different.
Dont say it will be ok, or it will happen unless you are the Creator of life.
Listen and give them an opportunity to express their feelings (however crazy it might be).
Give them a safe space.
Watch on their mental health, as some people may enter a deep depression and even become suicidal.

For all my patients going through this, I say hold onto hope and onto the One who gives us Hope.
We dont understand why our journeys are hard, but He is with us in the valley.

If I did not go through this difficult journey, I would not be a fertility specialist, I would have become a paediatrician.

There is purpose in your journey and in your suffering. We don’t always understand and sometimes even I feel to rebel against very painful or perceived ‘unfair’ situations.

Hold onto Hope 💚

15/03/2026

Apparently visiting ‘Kwak a dile dundee’ and ‘Dora the Explorer’ can be quite unnerving to most. Its definitely not fun, but its necessary.
Rest assured that glittering up the nether regions are not required (or preferred 🥴). Neither is any form of powder (thats linked to ovarian cancer BTW). You dont need to feel the need to apologize for missing your waxing appointment.
Wearing a dress or loose fitting skirt will allow you to ascend the throne less sc****ly clad.

Rest assured, nothing that you present will be a shock to the system. You are welcome to bring your mask/balaclava if it makes you more comfortable 🦹🏼🦸🏽‍♀️
Emotional support persons are welcome (but we draw the line at pets please 🐶)
Come as you are…
We listen and we dont judge. 🤰🏼🫄🏽🤰🏻

Nothing quite humbles a human being than a gynecologist appointment.

Not a SARS audit.
Not a surprise visit from the dominee
Not even stepping on a piece of Lego at 2 in the morning on your way to eat a secret midnight snack!!

Nooooo
Nope
Nopidie fuggen nope!

For those who have been following my health saga since last year, you will know that my body decided to audition for a medical drama.
Low iron.
Low vitamin D.
A delightful little 5 day stay in hospital thanks to colon sepsis otherwise known as severe diverticulitis..
(yes… my colon tried to murder me).

On the bright side, the ordeal scared the shid out of me and drove me straight into a healthier lifestyle. I lost some proper weight, started eating like a responsible adult, and now I am out here living la vida loca with my water bottle - almost like wellness influencer but one who occasionally swears and write derailed ramblings..

Except for one thing.
My iron.

THAT stubborn little fugger refuses to cooperate.
So after seven months of iron supplements that taste like I have been licking old spoons, and a weekly vitamin D, blood tests and more blood tests my doctor said these magical words...

We need to send you to the gyne...
It was almost as offenisve as a fart in an elevator.

But apparently, we must investigate who is stealing my blood..because my iron levels cant stay between the 11 & 15 mark..😆

A gynecologist appointment for me is a bit like a dentist appointment.
You dont WANT to go..
You delay it...
You pretend everything is fine...

But eventually your body says, Surprise you little fugger!
Today we deal with consequences...

So the morning of the appointment arrived and I find myself staring into the bathroom mirror wondering how exactly does one prepare for a… dora the explora appointment?

Do I bring flowers..
A coffee...
A magnifying glass...

Perhaps use a glitter washcloth so the hooha can arrive bedazzled like a sun city showgirl????

Like its been a few years...and this was no doubt going to be uncomfortable..
I mean imagine...
Welcome Doctor..
Todays performance is sponsored by selfrespect, mild panic and a s**t ton of glitter!

A gyne visit is one of the only moments in life where you voluntarily climb onto a chair that looks suspiciously like it was designed by men, shuffle yourself into a akward position with your bare bums onto a pillow and then politely make small talk about the weather while a professional stranger investigates areas normally reserved for marriage and emergency situations.

And the conversation is always so obviously fake casual.
So how have you been feeeeeling?
Nee, goed goed..dokter...niks.probleme nie...

But whatninwant to say..was ..Like listen up kwak-edile dundee..my knees are near my ears, my poepol kry koud van die aircon and I am staring at the ceiling tiles trying to read the serial number on the smoke detector for emotional stability...and to act cool..cause this is supposed to be normal mos...

But the truth hiding behind the awkwardness and the comedy is that these appointments matter.(no matter how old you are)

Fibroids, hormone changes, unexplained or excessive womenly things.., iron issues..
these things are not small.

They are part of taking care of the incredible, complicated machinery that is a woman’s body.
And while we might walk into that office feeling about as glamorous as a chicken on a chefs table, the reality is that those uncomfortable moments can protect our health, catch problems early, and sometimes explain mysteries our bodies have been whispering about for months or years..

SO yes.

The appointment is awkward.
The preparation is VERY questionable.
And the dignity... Well… that left the building the moment the ass exposing gown and extra large bottle of l**e made its appearance.

But if there is one thing I have learned through my hospital visits, vitamins, fibroid diagnosis and iron tablets that could double as building materials, it is this...our health is worth a little or even a lot of embarrassment.

The ride home was quiet..but I have options....and answers....

So don't wait 6 years...go book your appointment.
Ask the questions.
Let the professional do their dora the explora detective work.
And if you do decide to bedazzle the hooha with a glitter washcloth beforehand…

At least make sure it is biodegradable glitter.

We are trying to improve our health here, not blind the gynecologist.


Tjorts! 🍷
Derailed but Delightful
Share my stories...ASSEBLEIFIES tog 😆

13/03/2026

Yesterday we tried our hands at Bowls as team SuperMario. Lets just say we should rather stick to our day job 🤣 Thanks Charlene and Adele, its one for the books 💚❤️💚

10/03/2026

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month 🎗️

Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, yet many still go years without a diagnosis.

In this video, Dr Anneen Venter Obstetrician & Gynaecologist shares important insights into the signs & symptoms of Endometriosis and why early diagnosis and proper care can make a meaningful difference.

If you experience symptoms like severe period pain, pelvic discomfort, or difficulty falling pregnant, it may be worth speaking to a specialist.

www.genesisart.co.za

25/02/2026

Hi ladies and gents, here is a video to explain the hype about the safety of sanitary products.
Feel free to share or ask questions!

14/02/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the ladies and gents!
Hope you are getting spoiled! ❤️❤️❤️

09/02/2026

A blood transfusion can save your life!
The SANBS is critically low in stock.
I dare all the pregnant ladies get your husband and/or other family members to go donate a unit of blood.
You never know if you or your baby might need a blood transfusion! 🚑🚨🏩🩸

The South African National Blood Service is honouring World Pregnancy Week by recognising the critical role of blood donation in ensuring safe pregnancies and saving lives.

South African National Blood Service

03/02/2026

awareness week


HPV infection is the most common STI that I see in practice.

24/01/2026

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all my patients! May you all be as fertile as Mila’s Capybara. Just remember no refunds or returns of extra babies 😉 ❤️💚❤️

25/11/2025

19/11/2025

# Hyperemesis Gravidarum
🤢😵‍💫🫩🤢

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition unique to pregnancy.
Women with hyperemesis have extreme nausea, recurrent episodes of vomitting and inability to keep food and fluids down.
First line management includes medication for nausea, eating small meals every 2 hours and continuously sipping fluids.
Focus on dry, salty snacks like Salticrax, Provitas. The longer you go without eating, the worse you will feel.
This condition often requires admission to hospital for a drip.

It is dangerous to both the mother, baby and future health of the baby.

In the short term it can lead to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, increased risk for blood clots, deficiency of vitamins.
Moms with this condition often feel depressed, anxious or traumatised. Some have thoughts or self harm. Some might even consider ending the pregnancy.

In the pregnancy it can increase the risk for
> placental abruption (releasing of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery of the baby)
> premature delivery
> poor fetal growth

For the child it might mean
> Increased risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
> Increased risk of ADHD, autism, sleep disturbance and anxiety.
There is help and there is hope for patients with this condition.

# Hyperemesis gravidarum

"The impact and management of hyperemesis gravidarum: Current and future perspectives" by van der Minnen et al.



https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.70165