Merck

Raising awareness on infertility issues

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Infertility is now a pressing issue in today's modern society. Environmental degradation i.e., pollution, deterioration of food quality, traditional myths, and unhealthy lifestyle choices all contribute immensely to the growing infertility rate in the country.

"The concept of family is different for everyone. How we are and where we grew up are factors to consider. A baby is the start of having a family, making positive differences to people. We are advocating for fertility awareness and its causes, in either the male or female spouse, and the available treatments. Couples are encouraged to visit our Facebook page - Journey Into Parenthood," invited Merck's medical director Raymond Tapang, during a virtual media conference.

Statistics show that one in every ten couples have difficulty conceiving. The UNDP data also show that the infertility rate in the Philippines is between 8-10%.

Infertility problems can do so much damage go the basic unit of society - the family. Depression, sexual problems, marital infidelity, and, ultimately, dissolution of marital bonds are just some of the issues young families, that are having difficulties in conceiving a child, face everyday.

In his brief informative lecture, Dr. Virgilio Novero Jr. said that infertility is the failure to conceive after repeated unprotected intercourse for six months for couples aged 35 and below, and six months to a year for couples over 35 years old. "Ovulation should lead to fertilization and then to implantation. Interference causes infertility."

The St. Luke's BGC practitioner added that the causes of infertility could either be sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) or other infections, lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol intake, age of the couple (as older women have more difficulty bearing, 37-38 being the critical age for conceiving), as well as effects of cancer treatments.

"Sound egg freezing is one option for preserving tissue in storage, especially for transgenders before their reassignment," Dr. Novero pointed out.

To make matters worse, cultural myths about infertility still abound to this day and age. Many infertile couples still seek unproven medical advice from quack doctors. Dangerous herbal-based concoctions to induce pregnancy are patronized by desperate would-be parents.

In her equally informative lecture, "Access of Treatment in the Philippines," Prof. Eileen Manalo, a prolific family doctor, emphasized that before treatment can be had, it is imperative that the couples both undergo thorough physical examinations, and divulge important medical history such as lifestyle problems (smoking, alcohol), previous pregnancies and/or miscarriages, obesity, acne, excess hair, and abdominal masses.

"Treatment may involve an ovarian reserve test, as well as ovulation induction agents (in cases of in-vitro fertilization). Some women may still be menstruating but their menopause has already started.

"The early sign of infertility is not getting pregnant after a year of unprotected sex for couples 35 years and below. Vaginal discharge could be an incidental symptom, as well as irregular, painful menstruations in the past.

"Misconceptions to this condition are sometimes brought about by the male macho image and its assumption of virility. There are also instances where couples ask how to produce a gender-specific baby. And there are traditions like the Sayaw sa Obando. That will keep you fit but not the pregnancy you want," intoned Dr. Manalo.

Society must recognize that infertility is a very serious problem. One that needs utmost attention from medical experts and authorities. The infertility awareness campaign of pharmaceutical giant Merck was conceived to shed light on the myths of infertility and offer the best treatments and solutions available. Being pregnant is now possible, and the art of it is just around the corner!

"Other treatment options may involve sperm analysis for its motility, normal morphology, or if andropause has set in.

"Couples may also go for fertility drugs, intra-uterine insemination, or fertility preservation. The chance of success in child-bearing is 23%.

"It's difficult to put a price to treatment because sometimes it's just consultation. At other times, the prices can range from Php 300K to 1-million, depending on particular treatments," continued Dr. Novero.

"There are no particular diet boosting patterns as this is not a factor affecting infertility. But do away with smoking, obesity (critical fat level of 22% is needed for conception), and excessive alcohol intake. Two cups or more of daily caffeine may also affect fertility. Ditto a high estrogen diet as this messes with a woman's fertility. The Mediterranean diet with its fruit component may help. In some cases, we give our male patients CoQ10 and antioxidants to boost their sperm count," advised Dr. Manalo.

There is hope for infertile couples and this campaign hopes to shatter the fiction and fallacies associated with such a condition.