In reality, many couples out there have concerns on how to control and not have any more children which is also a concern for the government in controlling the population of the nation and the world.
Another reality of life is that there are more couples too who have serious concerns on conceiving a child naturally and having even just a child to take care of, raise as part of their family and call their very own. Infertility issue is also a real concern not just for women but for men as well sometimes even affecting their relationships.
I personally know a few people, some are friends, who can truly relate to this and have been trying to conceive, some for years already of being married. We continue to pray for them to have their blessing of a child of their own someday and hopefully IVF Davao will be able to help them fulfill this dream.
Last October 12, my hubby and I along with fellow Davao Influencers attended Merck’s Give Life to Dreams at the Lotus Court in Marco Polo Hotel Davao through Ms. Karla of PREP Events.
This media forum sponsored by Merck was in line with the celebration of the Fertility Awareness Month and the upcoming first year anniversary of IVF Davao this coming October 28.
Read on to learn more about this event and be more aware of this fertility advocacy. Also share this information with your friends especially for those who can relate to such concern.
Give Life to Dreams
Merck continues advocacy on fertility awareness
DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES, October 12, 2016 – For some Filipino couples, dreams of having and raising a baby together are dashed by fertility issues, which, unknown to many, is actually a disease recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The organization describes infertility 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.”
Merck Philippines, the local arm of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company, joined forces with IVF Davao, Inc. (In Vitro Fertilization Davao), Mindanao’s first IVF facility, for a public information project that promotes awareness on infertility, as well as the different medical solutions that can give life to the dreams of Filipino couples. This project coincides with the 1st anniversary of IVF Davao.
Dr. Ma. Lourdes Cabling, President of IVF Davao, cites that one out of ten Filipinos suffer from infertility. She also notes that it is a sizable number of the population, and that this number should be properly served.
“The process is easy, it’s simple, the technology is available, and most of all, we’ve made it much more affordable for our fellow Filipinos,” Dr. Cabling shares.
The Science of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
One of the medical solutions that childless Filipino couples can explore is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), which is an umbrella term that refers to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and its variants. This special fertility treatment procedure stimulates multiple ovarian follicles and facilitates egg cell retrieval. During the course of treatment, embryos will be formed outside of the female patient’s body – and once the “cultures” have formed successfully, they will be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
ART is recommended for patients suffering from blocked fallopian tubes, severe sperm deficits, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, and ovulation disorders, among others.
It comes as no surprise that IVF Davao also serves as a living gallery and learning channel for ART/IVF.
“The biggest contribution that our facility has provided is the continuing education about infertility, how couples can go through it healthily, and what we can do about it. It is our dream to help build families, and we are doing our best to cater to couples in the most efficient and affordable way possible,” shares Dra. Cabling.
Crunching the Numbers
A lot of people think it’s a worthwhile investment; for packages that start ar P285,000.00, it’s a good price for the technology IVF Davao offers. Most people know that regular IVF procedures cost at least half a million pesos. The facility also assists in bank financing and is penciling in an in-house financing program in the future.
As for the success rate, the national success rate for IVF babies are 50%. This number is set to increase with the abundance of IVF Davao’s specialty group, government, and corporate partners.
“With the help of Filipino doctors and specialty groups, Merck has been able to propagate more information on infertility,” said Dess Cartaño, Senior Product Manager for Fertility, Merck Philippines.
“At this point, we want to provide fertility-challenged couples with actual, effective, and efficient solutions that will give life to their dreams of a family once more.”
Two of IVF Davao patient couples were present at the said media forum (seen in photo with Dr. Cabiling) to share their testimonies and experience in their journey of becoming parents with the help of IVF.
Mydean and Gamal Pagul, first couple patients of IVF Davao from Wao, Lanao Del Sur with Dr. Cabiling, President of IVF Davao. The mother Mydean is about to give birth and she actually gave birth the following day after this event at the Brokenshire Hospital through a C-section to a healthy baby boy named Muhager.
To know more about infertility and IVF in the Philippines, Merck Philippines will be holding a seminar on the science and possibilities of IVF in October 29, 2016 at Marco Polo Ballroom, Marco Polo Davao.
This event is free of charge, and attendees will have the chance to get a free doctor’s consultation.
You may visit the Facebook page of Fertility Awareness Philippines at https://www.facebook.com/fertilityawarenessphilippines to register or know more about this upcoming patient’s forum event.