Merck Philippines Campaigns 5th Fertility Awareness via 'Bridging Baby Steps'

This photo does look like Purple Plum Baby, right?

Are you trying to get pregnant but having difficulty? You're not alone, no matter what age you are. Although it's no secret that pregnancy risks do increase as you age, there is still good news for moms looking to conceive. Get the details about infertility at every decade, including the risks to you and your baby, and ways to boost your fertility as Merck Philippines aims to raise awareness against infertility and to continue education on the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) methods in the Philippines through seminars and lectures. This 2017, Merck Philippines presents the 5th Fertility Awareness Campaign via "Bridging Baby Steps." The said event will be happening on October 21,2017 at the EDSA Shangri-La Manila from 2:00PM to 6:00PM. It is open to the public and registration is FREE. 

Women of all ages know far too well what it's like to hear their biological clock ticking away. It can be stressful knowing there's a time limit to fertility, but as with all health issues, knowledge is power. So we need to take advantage of this opportunity to attend and hear the issues straight from the expert doctors and speakers who's expected to grace the said event. What's more, we might just be given the chance to ask questions too during the event. 

Did you know that 15% of the population are suffering from infertility 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.”

"A baby is always a blessing."

Research shows that many women don’t realize how quickly their fertility can drop, and how early that can start to happen. Increased age can make it more difficult for the body. Also, a lot of factors can cause fertility both for men and women. From my own understanding, emotional blocks and manner of living can prevent from conceiving. It is important for women and their partners to understand how age, state of mind, and lifestyle can affect fertility, pregnancy, and child-birth, and to what extent medical technologies can help.

There is still HOPE for Childless Couples

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.

Merck Philippines’ Fertility Awareness 2017: Bridging Baby Steps will discuss topics about: Debunking the Myths on Infertility with Leonardo Almeda, MD; Treatment Options for Infertility with Anthony Marc Ancheta, MD; and Egg Freezing Preservation by Gia Pastorfide, MD.

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,  as well as to register for the event, visit www.facebook.com/fertilityawarenessphilippines.