Infertile? 'Hope for Starting Families' can help you conceive 

(Updated 1:33 p.m., March 25) - One out of 10 Filipinos suffer from infertility. This is the pressing result of a quantitative and qualitative 2011 patient study conducted by Synovate International commissioned by Merck Serono Philippines, a biopharmaceutical company. 

 

The study also revealed that while majority of couples with fertility problems seek initial consultation, treatment is hindered by patients’ perception of the high cost of treatment and the lack of understanding on the procedures involved.

According to the Philippine Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (PSREI), infertility is defined as the inability to conceive for 12 or more months before an investigation is undertaken unless medical history and physical findings dictate an earlier evaluation and treatment. Infertility is a disease, they further emphasized. 

 

Dr. Joan Tan Garcia, president of PSREI, agrees with the Synovate study and adds “It is time to address the issue of infertility in the Philippines. Studies show the increase in numbers and we doctors attest to the increase of patients we treat with difficulty in conceiving in the recent years.”

 

As a respone to this trend, Merck Serono is rolling out “Hope for Starting Families,” a campaign that will provide couples with relevant information on infertility treatment through public information efforts such as a series of lay fora across major cities nationwide, and a dedicated website on infertility. The campaign's website will serve as a repository of information on the causes of infertility, available treatment options, as well as directory of medical experts and treatment centers in the Philippines.

 

Understanding infertility is crucial

 

“Hope for Starting Families” is committed to giving couples who dream of having a child information and resources by encouraging them to consult with the leading medical experts in the country. It will engage in public information efforts, so that couples can understand their condition and the kind of treatment needed. This campaign aims to empower couples to take the first step in their journey to having a family.  

One of the barriers for treatment also stems from the misconception that treatment is not available locally, or that it is more effective in other countries. Under this campaign, Filipinos are informed that fertility treatments are available from five assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers in the Philippines and their success rates are comparable to international standards.   The campaign, with Merck Serono as its proponent, promises to continue to work closely with doctors, ART centers and patients who have successfully given birth to babies through assisted reproductive techniques to produce and share updated content on significant fertility issues. The website also enables users to get access to useful tools, videos nad directories.

 

The doctors of PSREI are overwhelmed and in full support of the campaign. “Filipino couples are encouraged to seek help from fertility experts. And (to) do so urgently, if they truly want to realize their dream of starting a family,” Dr. Garcia affirmed. 

 

She added that “Fertility treatments are being done successfully in the Philippines for many years now. Couples do not have to go abroad to seek help. And I am happy to report that we have helped many couples conceive with an average success rate of 30 to 50 percent.” – KDM/KG, GMA News