Join in the Fertility Awareness Month Campaign

Earlier today, the Fertility Awareness Month kicks off with an informative forum sponsored by Merck Serono in cooperation with Philippine Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (PSREI) and Department of Health (DOH). This event, which was held at the Crowne Plaza is the first in a series of awareness-building initiatives to foster greater understanding of infertility among the growing number of Filipinos who find it difficult to conceive.

In the said intimate gathering, PSREI President Dr. Rudie Frederick Mendiola, led the audience in grasping a basic understanding of infertility. Filipino couples need not struggle in silence as there is hope for men and women who have fertility problems according to him. Couples may seek help to have a child, either on their own or with medical help from Professional Organizations.

Infertility is defined as inability to get pregnant after a year of regular, unprotected sex. Infertility is a crisis for many couples as it comes with feelings of guilt or inadequacy. Results from a 2011 Merck-commissioned study by Synovate estimates that 1 in 10 Filipinos are infertile because many couples do not understand their condition.

In the Philippines, PSREI (a subspecialty society of the POGS) has 114 Certified Fellow members who offer a wide range of infertility remedies with the latest technology. These infertility specialist are experts on giving advise regarding which options are available for your particular cause of infertility. They will explain the reason for infertility, chance of success, and the possible complications of infertility treatments.

IVF specialist Dr. Anthony Marc Ancheta explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. He gave indepth information on the genetics of male and female infertility. I learned that some infertility causes are treatable such in the cases of ovarian failure and hormone problems. It was interesting to know that there are medicines, surgical treatments and assisted conception that are used as main techniques for correcting infertility.

In artificial insemination the sperm is placed in the uterus and conception happens otherwise normally. For cases in which other methods such as fertility drugs, surgery, and artificial insemination haven't worked, IVF may be a viable option.

Unlike the simpler process of artificial insemination, IVF involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory. IVF involves injecting hormones so that the wife produces multiple eggs each month instead of only one. She will then be tested if she is ready for egg retrieval. In this a complex and expensive procedure, the formed embryos are then placed in the uterus.

Doctors may combine IVF with a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection in cases where the man's sperm count is extremely low.

IVF success rate increase in every age group as the techniques are refined and doctors become more experienced. Success rates for IVF depend on the reason for infertility, where the IVF procedure is done, and the woman's age.

For couples who are willing to go far with this process, Dr. Angel Tan suggests that they seek a PSREI specialist. Advanced reproductive technology can be costly and can be an emotional roller coaster. Going to a certified doctor gives assurance that his actions only serve the best interests of his patients.

PSREI has a list of certified fertility clinics that have good quality control, adhere to strong medical ethics, and maintain the highest standards of professional practice and conduct. Going to these experts will keep you from being talked into some nifty new procedures that you really do not want and cannot afford.

PSREI provides free seminars to patients that will help increase their understanding of the symptoms and causes of infertility. Local fertility experts from the PSREI educate people on the methods to improve fertility as well as options for treatment. These awareness efforts are expected to create an impact on couples’ attitude towards infertility and the way they see the urgency of seeking medical assistance.

Those couples who seek general advice in trying to conceive may join in on the free seminar on August 8 or August 15.