9 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT INFERTILITY TREATMENTS AND EGG FREEZING

Dear Dreamers

If you are looking to have a baby but have failed to do so then this article is for you. If you are not looking to have a baby yet but plan to do so then read on.

Having a baby is something I never knew I needed. I wanted to work for a couple of years first before having a baby, but I guess God had other plans and it is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me. I myself knew that the earlier to conceive, the better, but I assumed it was because of my body’s capabilities but after attending Merck’s seminar, I found out that it was because of the reproductive potential of the oocytes which you’ll read about below.

9 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT INFERTILITY TREATMENTS AND EGG FREEZING

3 OPTIONS FOR TREATING INFERTILITY

1. Ovulation Induction + Follicle Monitoring + Timed Intercourse
2. Ovulation Induction + Follicle Monitoring + Artificial Insemination
3. In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

DIFFERENCE OF THE 3 OPTIONS

For the first option, timed intercourse is performing normal intercourse after a few days of taking orals or injectables. Artificial insemination places sperm inside the uterus in order for sperm to have a shorter route in reaching the fallopian tubes. In-Vitro Fertilization involves taking mature eggs from ovaries, fertilizing the egg in a laboratory dish and placing the embryo in the uterus.

IVF CENTERS

In Vitro Fertilization, Davao Inc., Center for Reproductive Medicine (CRM). Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Infertility (CARMI), Kato Repro Biotech Center, Repro Optima and Victory ART Lab Philippines.

CHOOSING WHICH OPTION

Depending on the factors causing infertility, fertility centers usually start with the least invasive and most cost-effective way of getting the patient pregnant. Investigating which treatment to take involves test and the earlier in age you determine your fertility, the less tests you need to undergo.

FACTORS AFFECTING TREATMENT

Age, weight, smoking and toxic agents can matter in the treatment.

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT causes OF INFERTILITY IS OVARIAN AND TESTICULAR AGING

Effects of male age: The older the male, the lower in sperm volume, sperm motility, percentage of normal sperms and pregnancy rates.

Factors affecting ovarian response: Demographics, genetic profile, health status, cause of infertility, years on infertility and nutrition affect ovarian response.

FREEZE YOUR EGGS

It is recommended to freeze your eggs before the age 38 due to rapid decline in reproductive potential per oocyte from the age 38 onwards.

HOW MANY EGGS TO FREEZE?

A recommendation of 10 eggs is needed for each pregnancy attempt.

2 MAIN REASONS TO FREEZE YOUR EGGS

Medical reasons include candidates facing gonadotoxic treatments for cancer or systemic illness, those who are candidates for prophylactic oophorectomy and those at risks premature ovarian risk or failure.

Social reasons are non-medical reasons for egg cryopreservation which is an acceptable method of preserving reproductive potential provided patients are fully counseled on its outcome and cost-effectiveness.

MERCK REMAINS COMMITTED TO CHANGING LIVES OF COUPLES WITH FERTILITY PROBLEMS THROUGH THE FERTILITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, NOW ON ITS FIFTH YEAR.

When you think of babies, first thing that come to mind is the feeling of happiness – of blissful parents cuddling their adorable little one – nothing short of perfection.

Unfortunately, not all couples share the same feeling, especially for the 15% of the population who are suffering from fertility problems.

Infertility is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), as “a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.”

TURNING DREAMS TO REALITY

Data from a Synovate survey in 2011 shows that one out of 10 Filipinos are suffering from infertility. There are different factors that affect a couple’s ability to procreate such as socio-cultural practices, including the marrying age, educational status, professional goals.

Aside from those, Dr. Virgilio M. Novero Jr., head of St. Luke’s flagship Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Infertility (CARMI), infertility can also be traced to issues affecting both the female and male reproductive systems, and medical conditions that compromises the quality of egg and sperm cells.

Since 2013, the local arm of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company Merck Philippines, has been proactive in their fertility awareness campaign.

The campaign, which is aptly named “Bridging Baby Steps,” aims to continue education on infertility and raise awareness about the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) methods available in the country through seminars and information dissemination.

THE ART OF PROCREATION

Infertility should not be the be-all and end-all for couples, as there are means and ways to this.

One available method for childless couples is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). This treatment procedure enables multiplication of ovarian follicles and facilitates egg cell retrieval. During the process, embryos will be formed outside the body of a female patient and will be transferred once the “cultures” are successfully formed. Patients who are suffering from severe sperm deficits, blocked fallopian tubes, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, and ovulation disorders can be candidates for this treatment.

With regards to IVF being risky, Dr. Novero shared that the success rate of such procedure has grown tremendously over the past years. He said that about six million children around the world were born via IVF.

“As they say, ‘where there’s life, there’s hope.’ We, at Merck Philippines, understand the heartaches of couples who can’t conceive a child,” said Dess Cartaῆo, Sales & Marketing Manager for Fertility, Merck Philippines. “We want to let them know that there are means and ways to combat infertility.“

To know more about infertility and IVF in the Philippines, visit www.facebook.com/fertilityawarenessphilippines.