“Bridging Baby Steps” gives education on infertility and raise awareness on IVF ( in-vitro fertilization)

The advancement of technology in the medical field and availability of improvised technique has given a ray of hope to millions of childless couples across the world.

Merck Philippines, one of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company, remains committed to changing lives of couples with fertility problems. As they continuously spreading awareness to help couples who are having problems conceiving, “Bridging Baby Steps” symposium was held at the Shangrila Hotel, Manila on October 21, 2017. 

Through the Fertility Awareness Campaign, now on its fifth year, Merck Philippines held the “Bridging Baby Steps,” to continue education on infertility and raise awareness about the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) methods available in the country through seminars and information dissemination. 

Infertility, is 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. Not all couples are suffering from fertility problems. Data from a Synovate survey in 2011 shows that one out of 10 Filipinos are suffering from infertility. 

At the symposium “Bridging Baby Steps” we have learned a lot about In vitro fertilization treatment that has given a lot of respite to couples from various parts of the country and abroad, who are facing infertility disorders.

Aside from marrying age, educational status, professional goals, and other socio-cultural practices affect a couple’s ability to procreate, 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. 

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In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common and most effective type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to help women become pregnant. In the simplest description of IVF,  is the process of joining of a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm in a laboratory dish.This procedure involves fertilizing an egg outside the body, in a laboratory dish, and then implanting it in a woman's uterus.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) involves a significant physical, financial, and emotional commitment on the part of a couple. Psychological stress and emotional problems are common.

As it commonly known as Test Tube Baby, IVF is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) 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.

Fertility medications are prescribed to stimulate egg production. Multiple eggs are desired because some eggs will not develop or fertilize after retrieval. A transvaginal ultrasound is used to examine the ovaries, and blood test samples are taken to check hormone levels.

Eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity to remove the eggs. Medication is provided to reduce and remove potential discomfort.

The male is asked to produce a sample of sperm, which is prepared for combining with the eggs.

In a process called insemination, the sperm and eggs are mixed together and stored in a laboratory dish to encourage fertilization. Through this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg in an attempt to achieve fertilization. The eggs are monitored to confirm that fertilization and cell division are taking place. Once this occurs, the fertilized eggs are considered embryos.

The embryos are usually transferred into the woman’s uterus three to five days following egg retrieval and fertilization. A catheter or small tube is inserted into the uterus to transfer the embryos. This procedure is painless for most women, although some may experience mild cramping. If the procedure is successful, implantation typically occurs around six to ten days following egg retrieval.

The success rate of IVF clinics depends on a number of factors including reproductive history, maternal age, the cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors.

Mr. and Mrs. Basilio shared their story on how blessed they have now two babies after IVF.

There are a number of questions to ask regarding the cost and details of specific centers and fertility programs. To further equip yourself with information of fertility, and IVF in the Philippines, visit Facebook page www.facebook.com/fertilityawarenessphilippines.